How Much Do Well Inspections Cost?

How Much a Well Inspection Costs

The average cost for a well inspection is $450. However, the actual price depends on where you stay, whether your inspector must run tests, and associated travel fees. 

Labor Fees for a Well Inspection

On average, a well inspector will charge $45 to $150 per hour for a well inspection. Pros tend to spend one to three hours to complete your assessment.

Well Inspection Cost Factors 

Here are some essential factors determining how much your inspector will charge you for this project. 

Water Testing

During well inspections, your pro will take a sample of your water and send it to a state-certified lab for testing. Here’s what they’ll test for:

• Total Coliform

• Fecal Coliform

• Exceeding low or high pH levels

• Nitrate

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

• Lead

• Arsenic

• Mercury

• Radium

• Atrazine

• Pesticides

Water testing can range from $100 to $300, depending on the number of tests performed. 

Other Inspection Add-Ons

Another factor that can impact how much your well inspection costs is by combining it with septic or home inspections. Most homeowners that have a well also have a septic system, and the cost to inspect your septic tank is $260 to $420. You can save money on your well inspection by combining your well and septic inspection for an average range of $400 to $650 for both.

During their visit, your home inspector will likely inspect your well too. Depending on your pro, they might offer water testing, which costs $370 to 550 for both on average.

Location

Where you stay will factor into how much you can expect to pay for a well inspection. Your pro might charge you $1 to $2 per mile for travel fees. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Well Inspector

If you’re conducting a well inspection because you’re buying or selling a home, it’s best to leave that to a licensed and insured inspector. They know how wells operate, how parts are supposed to look, and if they notice something that might pose a problem in the future. 

While it’s best to let a professional inspect your well and check your water quality, there are water testing kits you can use to test your water ranging from $10 to $400. However, you should always follow up on DIY water testing kits with professional testing and observation. 

How to Save Money on Well Inspection Costs

You can save money on your well inspection by finding a local inspector that’s the closest distance to you so that you can save on travel fees. Or you can call around for a pro that doesn’t have any travel fees. 

You can also save money on a well inspection by limiting the lab test performed on your water sample. However, be mindful that well inspections should be as thorough as possible to keep your well in the best condition and ensure your water is safe.    

FAQs About Well Inspections

What does a well inspection include?

During a well inspection, your professional will test your well’s components, such as the pump, casing pipe, and water storage tank; they’ll see if each part is functioning as intended. If a component needs to be replaced or repaired, here are some prices you can expect: 

• Cost to replace a well pump: $1,700

• Cost to repair a water treatment system: $530

• Cost to replace a water tank: $1,600 to $2,700

An inspector will also test your water quality for substances such as volatile organic compounds and any local containment concerns.  

Who should I call for a well inspection?

A home inspector might know how to conduct a well inspection, but contact a licensed, insured well inspector to ensure a thorough examination. Here’s how to hire a well inspector for your project:

• Source recommendations and check reviews from reliable sources.

• Ask for a cost breakdown of services and fees.   

• Check to see if your preferred professional is licensed and insured.

“Depending on where you live, many well installers are also licensed inspectors,” says Jeff Botelho, an MA-licensed plumber with nearly two decades of experience. “This is a good place to start looking for an inspector and, if you have service/maintenance needs in the future, you may be able to use the same contractor for those as well.”

How often should you inspect a well?

You should get your well inspected annually to ensure that your parts are functioning correctly. During this time, you’ll also want to test for total and fecal coliform. Every two years, test your water quality for metals, nitrates, and VOCs, and at least every five years, have your well water tested for pesticides. 

Also, if you’re buying a new home that has a well, you’d want to get it inspected before purchasing it. And in general, this is an inspection that buyers have to pay.

How long do wells last?

A well can last 40 years on average, with the actual length of time dependent on the type of well and how it’s maintained. Here are some ways you can maintain your well to increase its lifespan: 

• Keep hazardous material such as paint away from your water well.

• Check that your well cover is sealed tight frequently.

• Be cautious when using a lawnmower near your casing to prevent cracking. 

• Conduct annual inspections.

• Ensure your well is clean.

“If you use any fertilizers or pesticides on your lawn, check and make sure they’re safe for use near or around wells,” says Jeff Botelho. 

How much do well repairs cost?

The cost to repair a well is $350 to $1,500, the actual cost depends on what part needs to be repaired and how many.