Save more when you bundle.
Get all 3 for
one low price of $1,099

Well,septic and water quality testing package:

• Enhanced Well: $350 as a standalone
• Water Quality Testing: $350 as standalone
• Septic Inspection: $575 as standalone

Only DS Home Inspection Services come with a  WelGard® Protection three months FREE warranty.

Are you buying or own a property with its own water well? For many homeowners, having their own source of underground water is a new experience, so you should know you're not alone with any concerns or questions.

One of the first things you'll probably want to do - or may have to participate in as part of the purchase agreement - is a well water inspection. But what does this inspection entail? What will you get from it?

Here is a breakdown of the parts of a well inspection.

• Well History

  The first step in a water well inspection is something you'll participate in. The inspector will want any records you have of the well's origin, its prior inspections, its maintenance, or its operations. They will also need information about the well's age, depth, and initial yields. These records provide a baseline for the well's proper operation and what the inspectors will expect to see when they begin analyzing it.

• Pump Analysis

  The pump is what draws water from below the ground and up into your plumbing system. It's generally the biggest potential expense of a well owner, so the inspector will spend much of their determining if it's working properly. They will check things like the ohms and amps from the electric pump, line voltage, and grounding.

• Flow Test

  If the pump is working as it was designed to, the inspector will check the water flow to see how it moves through the system. They will test the rate of water flowing through pipes as well as points that should stimulate water movement at certain pressure ranges. The inspector will answer many water movement questions, such as the following: How long does it take water to get to major points in the system? Is the pressure tank signaling that more water needs to be delivered? Are pipes leading to areas of the house correctly filled with water?

• Equipment Check

  Along with testing the results of your pump operation, the inspector will physically inspect many components to check for wear, cracks, fraying, breakage, and other signs of aging. Using the well's history and what they know about the flow of water, they can also provide information on what parts are reaching the end of their useful lives as well. Since the well equipment involves your family's drinking water, the inspector will also check for any indications of unsanitary conditions. Bacterial organisms on the equipment could contaminate your water and put you in danger of getting diseases like hepatitis and dysentery.

• Water Quality Testing

  The enhanced well inspection is not a well water quality test.  A well water quality test is different than a functionality test but is recommended. See water quality testing section of this website for more information. Bundle the two together and save.

• Your Report

  You will receive a full report on the findings. This report will be quite detailed and will generally include specifics about the pressure and voltages. It is clearly written so that you can understand and take the necessary action based on recommendations included.

What Does a Well Water Inspection Entail?

• Water Purity Assessment

  Our seasoned inspectors meticulously analyze the water for purity, checking for clarity, odor, and taste. Additionally, we conduct comprehensive tests to detect the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and other contaminants that may compromise the water's safety.

• Identification of Contaminants

  We examine the well water for potential contaminants that might seep into the supply, such as pesticides, industrial chemicals, or natural elements like radon or arsenic. Our goal is to ensure that your water meets or exceeds the safety standards set by regulatory bodies.

• Mineral Content Evaluation

  Assessing the mineral content of your well water is vital. Our inspection includes evaluating the levels of minerals like iron, manganese, calcium, and magnesium, which can affect water quality, taste, and even impact plumbing systems.

• Comprehensive Reporting

  Upon completion of the inspection, we provide you with a detailed report outlining our findings, recommendations, and any necessary steps to improve water quality if issues are identified.

Why You Need a Septic Tank Evaluation Inspection

Before you buy a home, it’s important to know the state of every system you are purchasing. A septic tank plays a vital role in the overall performance of your plumbing system and your property’s health and safety conditions. Because your septic tank is buried underground, a professional inspection is needed to thoroughly assess its condition, maintenance history, and likely future performance.

Septic tank problems are easy to avoid, but often costly to repair. You don’t want to move into a new property only to have to immediately consider major septic tank repair or even full system replacement. Scheduling a septic tank inspection prior to purchase will alert you to potential problems with the system that you can address with the seller before you obtain ownership of the property.

What does the inspection include?

During the Septic Tank Evaluation, we will locate and access the septic tank. We will identify what type of system the septic has as well as the size and material. We will inspect the inlet and outlet baffles and perform a flow test to ensure proper water flow through the septic system and to check for any blockages. We probe and inspect the tank for any cracks or leaks. We will measure the solids to indicate whether the tank requires pumping. When accessible, we will also inspect the condition of the distribution box. A written report with details, photographs and observations will be provided.

Camera Septic Inspection

We will perform a standard septic evaluation as outlined above, with the addition of using a fiber-optic camera to view and record the front and back plumbing lines to learn about potential clogging points. This type of inspection also allows us to locate and inspect the distribution box, including excavation of the box up to 24 inches when accessible. This allows us check for cracks, breaks, separations, and root intrusion in the lines. It will also provide a more accurate location of the septic system to be determined.

Fee:

• Septic Tank Evaluation with Inspection: $525, Stand Alone: $575
• Camera Septic Inspection with Inspection: $725, Stand Alone: $775