How Much Does a Well Inspection Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $250 - $550
A well inspection will run cost between $150 and $900, depending on well depth and location.
The cost of a well inspection ranges from $150 to $900, depending on factors like the type of well you have, how deep your well is, and the location of your property. Even though it can seem like a lot of money, regular inspections help you stay ahead of any potential issues or safety concerns that may affect your water supply, which will cost more to fix in the long run. Learn more about the factors that may affect your inspection cost so you can budget for an inspection on a regular basis.
- Average
- $350
- Low end
- $150
- high end
- $900
What Does a Well Inspection Include?
There are two main components of a well inspection: examining the equipment and testing the water quality. The inspector will begin with a visual inspection and examine all parts of the well including the casing, cap, seals, overflows, screens, gaskets, storage tank, and wellhead.
The inspector will do the following:
Assess the mechanical components, including the pipes, pump motor, pressure relief valve, and gauges
Test the electrical system, including the control box, connections, and capacitors to make sure they’re running properly
Look for any corrosion or damage
Assess the area for compliance and potential sources of contamination
Conduct a flow test to test the pump motor and system output
Check for low-pressure levels, cloudy water, and faulty gauges
Once they’ve completed a visual inspection of the well and tested the equipment, they will check the quality of the water. The inspector will collect water samples that will then be sent to a lab to test them for harmful bacteria, contaminants, and toxic substances.
You’ll receive a report of their findings, and you may have to provide this information to your local health department for added safety. The inspector will also provide you with a full report of their findings and recommend any repairs or maintenance needed.
Well Inspection Cost Factors
There are a variety of cost factors that can impact the price of your well-water inspection, including the type of well, depth of the well, and your location.
Well and Pump Type
The type of well you have will impact the cost of your inspection. Drilled wells often have a higher inspection cost as they are more extensive and have more components that need to be tested. Dug wells require more extensive water testing as they are more likely to be contaminated due to their design. The costs for these different types of wells are based on your local inspector’s hourly fee and the accessibility of your well on your property.
The type of pump you have in your well will also affect the cost. Submersible pumps are harder to reach than jet pumps, which makes it harder and more costly to inspect them. Use the cost table below for different well depths to gauge how much a submersible vs. a jet pump inspection may be.
Well Depth
If your well is deeper than 500 feet, you may have to pay more for an inspection. Deeper wells require more complex equipment and expertise, which increases the cost. However, if you have a shallow well, less than 50 feet deep, the cost of your inspection will likely be on the lower end.
| Depth in feet | Inspection Cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 50 | $250 – $350 |
| 50 – 500 | $300 – $500 |
| More than 500 | $500+ |
Location
The cost of a well-water inspection will also vary depending on your location. If you live near an agricultural, mining, or construction site, you will often need a more extensive inspection due to the higher chance of contamination.
If you live in an area with a high demand for well-inspection services, this may also increase the cost. On the other hand, if you live in a remote area, you may have to pay travel fees. Some companies will add $1 to $2 for every mile they travel to do the inspection.
Inspection Add-Ons
There are additional tests that can be added to your well-water inspection that can save you money in the long run. When you add a septic inspection, the total inspection cost will range from $400 to $650. The added cost of a septic inspection will depend on the location and size of your septic system.
You can also have additional tests performed while the inspector is testing your water quality. Basic well water tests will only provide a positive or negative result for their contaminant findings. Advanced tests will cost more but will let you know how much of each contaminant is found. These tests can range from $100 to $350 depending on the type and amount added.
Another option is a more comprehensive well inspection. Basic inspections cover the visual inspection, equipment testing, and water-quality testing. Comprehensive tests include additional features such as bacterial analysis, mineral testing, and flow-rate measurement. The more comprehensive the inspection, the higher the cost will be.
| Add-on | Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| Septic inspection | $150 – $400 |
| Advanced water testing | $100 – $350 |
| Comprehensive well inspection | $700 – $750 |
Common Well Repairs and Ongoing Costs
After your inspection, the report you receive may outline some necessary or recommended repairs to your well. The most common repairs include replacing the pressure tank or well pump. The cost of a new well pressure tank ranges from $125 to $200, while the cost of a new well pump will run you around $1,800.
Leaky well pipes are another common repair. The cost of replacing a well pipe ranges from $100 to $4,000, depending on the extent of the replacement and the type of pipe used.
In between inspections, it’s important to stay on the lookout for common signs that tell you your water pump or well may need repairs.
DIY Well Inspection vs. Hiring a Pro
If you’re looking to save money and stay on top of repairs, you can conduct regular well inspections yourself. With basic knowledge about your well and its components, you can perform a visual inspection and test the equipment to make sure it’s functioning. You can also purchase an at-home water testing kit from your local hardware store. These tests often cost around $20 to $100.
Even with regular DIY inspections, it’s recommended that you have your well professionally inspected by a local well pump inspector every one to two years. The inspector will be able to identify any issues or damage that you may have missed and ensure that your water quality is safe for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should have your well professionally inspected every one to two years. You should also have a well inspection done when you’re buying a house with a private well, when the well cap is opened, when the septic tank is repaired, or when there is flooding.
The signs that indicate you need a well inspection include changes to the water or well operation like:
Foul-smelling, bad-tasting, cloudy, or discolored water
Loss of water pressure
Broken equipment
Loss of well capacity
The inspector will be at your property for around two to three hours to perform the inspection. Once they collect the water samples and send them to the lab, you can expect your results in three to 10 days.