Water Well Inspection: Complete Guide to What's Checked and Why It Matters

A water well inspection is one of the most important investments you can make as a well owner. Whether you're buying property with a well, selling your home, or simply maintaining your water system, a professional inspection reveals the true condition of your water supply. This guide explains what's included in a well inspection, when you need one, and what to expect in San Diego and Riverside Counties.

What Is a Water Well Inspection?

A water well inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of your entire well system—from the wellhead to your pressure tank and everything in between. Unlike a simple service call, an inspection is a thorough assessment designed to document the well's condition, identify potential problems, and verify that the system meets safety and performance standards.

A professional inspection answers critical questions:

• Is the well structurally sound and properly sealed?
• How much water does the well produce?
• Is the water quality safe for drinking?
• What condition is the pump and equipment in?
• Are there any immediate repair needs?
• What's the expected remaining lifespan of components?

When Do You Need a Water Well Inspection?

Several situations call for professional well inspection:

Buying a Property with a Well

This is the most common reason for water well inspection. When buying a home with a well, you need to know:

• The well's production capacity and reliability
• Current condition of all equipment
• Water quality and any treatment needed
• Estimated costs for repairs or upgrades
• Whether the well meets your household needs

This information is essential for negotiating price and planning your budget. Don't rely on the seller's word—get an independent inspection.

Selling Your Home

Many sellers opt for pre-sale inspections to:

• Identify and fix issues before listing
• Provide documentation to reassure buyers
• Avoid last-minute surprises during escrow
• Justify asking price with proof of well condition

Annual Maintenance

Even without buying or selling, annual inspections catch problems early:

• Identify wear before it causes failure
• Verify water quality hasn't changed
• Ensure sanitary seal integrity
• Document system performance over time
• Extend equipment life through early intervention

After Specific Events

Schedule an inspection after:

• Flooding – Contamination risk to wellhead
• Earthquake – Potential casing or seal damage
• Nearby construction – Ground disturbance effects
• Drought – Verify water level and production
• Extended non-use – Before resuming use of a dormant well

When Problems Arise

Get an inspection if you notice:

• Changes in water taste, smell, or color
• Reduced water pressure or flow
• Pump cycling more frequently
• Unexplained increase in electricity bills
• Air or sediment in water

What Does a Water Well Inspection Include?

A comprehensive water well inspection covers multiple areas:

Wellhead and Surface Inspection

The inspector examines:

• Well cap condition – Secure, properly vented, pest-proof
• Sanitary seal – Intact grouting preventing contamination
• Casing condition – Visible portion checked for damage or corrosion
• Site grading – Water draining away from wellhead
• Setback compliance – Distance from septic, property lines
• General security – Protection from damage or tampering

Pump and Motor Assessment

The pump system evaluation includes:

• Pump type and age – Submersible or jet, when installed
• Amperage draw – Compared to specifications (indicates motor condition)
• Operation observation – Proper startup and shutdown
• Noise assessment – Unusual sounds indicating wear
• Control box – Condition of electrical components

Pressure System Check

Pressure tank and related equipment:

• Tank condition – Physical inspection, corrosion check
• Pre-charge pressure – Proper air pressure for bladder tanks
• Waterlogging test – Verify bladder integrity
• Pressure switch – Settings and operation
• Pressure gauge – Accuracy and readings

Flow Rate Testing

One of the most important measurements:

• Gallons per minute (GPM) – How much water the system delivers
• Sustained flow – Performance over extended pumping
• Recovery rate – How quickly the well replenishes
• Comparison to needs – Adequate for household or irrigation use

For reference, a typical household needs 3-5 GPM minimum, with 5-10 GPM being ideal.

Water Level Measurement

• Static water level – Depth to water when pump is off
• Drawdown – How much level drops during pumping
• Pump setting depth – Ensure pump is properly positioned

Water Quality Testing

Water quality testing typically includes:

• Bacteria test – Total coliform and E. coli (safety critical)
• Nitrates – Common groundwater contaminant
• pH level – Acidity/alkalinity affecting pipes and taste
• Hardness – Mineral content (calcium, magnesium)
• Total dissolved solids (TDS) – Overall mineral load

Additional tests may include arsenic, iron, manganese, and other contaminants based on local conditions.

Electrical System Inspection

• Wiring condition – Proper connections, no damage
• Circuit breaker – Correct sizing for pump
• Grounding – Proper electrical grounding
• Safety devices – Pump protector, lightning arrestor

Water Well Inspection Cost

Inspection costs vary based on the scope:

*Costs in San Diego and Riverside Counties. Prices may vary based on well depth, accessibility, and specific testing requirements.

The Inspection Report

After the inspection, you'll receive a detailed written report including:

• Well information – Location, depth, construction details
• Equipment inventory – Pump, tank, controls with age/condition
• Test results – Flow rate, water levels, water quality
• Condition assessment – Rating of each component
• Identified issues – Problems found during inspection
• Recommendations – Repairs needed, maintenance suggestions
• Photos – Documentation of wellhead and equipment
• Water quality lab report – Certified testing results

For real estate transactions, the report provides objective third-party documentation that can be shared with buyers, lenders, and insurers.

What Inspectors Look For: Red Flags

Professional inspectors know the warning signs that indicate problems:

Choosing a Well Inspector

Not all inspectors are equal. Look for:

• C-57 License – California Water Well Contractor license for expertise
• Local experience – Familiarity with your area's geology and wells
• Comprehensive service – Full inspection including water testing
• Detailed reporting – Written report with photos and documentation
• No conflicts of interest – Independent assessment, not just selling repairs
• References – Happy customers and real estate professionals

Service Areas for Water Well Inspection

Southern California Well Service provides water well inspection throughout:

Frequently Asked Questions