Across the United States, millions of households depend on private wells to supply them with fresh, clean water for drinking, bathing, cooking, and cleaning. If you’re considering buying a home in a rural area or outside of a municipal water system, you’re likely to be looking at properties using well water. Here are a few critical steps to take, such as scheduling a well inspection, before buying or moving into a home with a water well.

What to Do Before Moving into a Home with a Well

1. Research the Area

Before you agree to buy a house equipped with a well, carry out some basic research into the local water table and common water supply issues and experiences. For instance, check whether the groundwater in the area is hard (high in mineral content) or soft. You can also ask your real estate agent or neighboring homeowners if there have been any recurring issues with the local water supply. It’s a good idea to consult regulators and planning agencies in the area about requirements for well placement and maintenance.

2. Schedule an Inspection

The most important step to take before moving into your new home is to schedule a well inspection. A water well specialist can help you learn several important facts about your new well, such as the flow rate and mineral content and purity of the water. These inspections will let you know whether the well works properly and whether any additional filtration or cleaning will be needed, and they'll give you an idea of how much longer it can be expected to last.

3. Consult the Records

Finally, request copies of the well maintenance and inspection records from the previous owners of the property. These will let you know when the well was last inspected, how frequently it’s been inspected in the past, and whether any major repairs or upgrades have been carried out on the system. This information will give you a better idea of how reliable the well is and whether you can expect to invest in important maintenance or repair work after moving in.

When you need a well inspection prior to moving into your next home, get in touch with Sullivan Water Wells in Chugiak, AK. For over 50 years, this third-generation, family-owned Alaskan business has offered a full range of well inspection, repair, maintenance, and installation services to homeowners throughout the state. Call (907) 688-2759 to schedule an inspection or to discuss your needs, and visit them online to learn more about their services.