Well Inspection San Diego
Professional Well Inspections for Real Estate & Annual Maintenance | Updated 2026
Whether you're buying a property with a private well, selling your home, or simply ensuring your well system is healthy, a professional well inspection in San Diego provides essential peace of mind. Southern California Well Service delivers thorough, honest well inspections throughout San Diego County—giving you clear answers about your water system's condition, efficiency, and any needed repairs.
Schedule Your Well Inspection
Real estate transaction? Annual checkup? Unexplained well problems? We provide comprehensive inspections with detailed reports, typically within 24-48 hours.
Call (760) 440-8520Why Well Inspections Matter in San Diego
San Diego County has unique conditions that make regular well inspections particularly important:
- Hard water effects: Our mineral-rich groundwater accelerates wear on pumps, tanks, and pipes
- Drought impacts: Periodic droughts stress wells and can lower water tables significantly
- Aging infrastructure: Many rural San Diego wells are 20-40+ years old
- Contamination risks: Agricultural areas face nitrate concerns; flooding can introduce bacteria
- Real estate transactions: Wells represent significant property value—problems must be disclosed
A professional inspection reveals what's working, what's wearing out, and what might fail next—allowing you to address problems on your terms rather than in an emergency.
Types of Well Inspections We Offer
Real Estate Well Inspection
Essential for buying a home with a well, our real estate inspections provide the documentation lenders and buyers need:
- Complete system evaluation with detailed report
- Flow rate testing (sustained GPM measurement)
- Water quality testing (bacteria, nitrates, basic chemistry)
- Component condition assessment with estimated lifespans
- Cost estimates for any recommended repairs
- Photos documenting current conditions
Cost: $350-$500 | Report delivery: 24-48 hours (rush available)
Annual Maintenance Inspection
Recommended yearly for all San Diego well owners, this inspection catches problems early:
- Pump operation and performance check
- Pressure tank evaluation (air charge, cycling)
- Electrical system inspection
- Wellhead and sanitary seal inspection
- Water quality screening (bacteria at minimum)
- Recommendations for preventive maintenance
Cost: $200-$300 | Learn more about seasonal well maintenance
Comprehensive/Diagnostic Inspection
For wells with unexplained problems, older systems, or when you need complete documentation:
- Everything in real estate inspection, plus:
- Video camera inspection of well casing
- Extended flow testing (4+ hours)
- Static water level measurement
- Drawdown and recovery testing
- Comprehensive water quality panel
- Detailed engineering report
Cost: $400-$750 depending on testing required
What We Inspect
Our San Diego well inspections thoroughly evaluate every component of your water system:
Wellhead & Casing
- Well cap/cover condition and security
- Sanitary seal integrity (prevents surface contamination)
- Visible casing condition above ground
- Proper surface drainage away from well
- Clearance from potential contamination sources
Well Pump System
- Pump type, age, and condition
- Motor amperage draw (indicates wear)
- Flow rate measurement
- Pumping water level vs. static level
- Signs of pump failure
Pressure System
- Pressure tank condition and air charge
- Pressure switch operation and settings
- System pressure range
- Cycle timing (identifies tank problems)
Electrical Components
- Control box condition
- Wiring and connections
- Proper grounding
- Circuit protection
Water Quality
- Coliform bacteria testing
- Nitrate levels
- Basic chemistry (pH, hardness, TDS)
- Additional testing as needed (arsenic, iron, etc.)
- See our water quality testing guide
Well Inspection Cost in San Diego
| Inspection Type | Typical Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | $200 - $300 | Visual, function test, bacteria test |
| Real Estate | $350 - $500 | Full evaluation, flow test, water quality, report |
| Comprehensive | $400 - $600 | Everything above + extended testing |
| Video Camera Add-on | $200 - $400 | Downhole camera inspection of casing |
| Extended Flow Test | $150 - $300 | 4+ hour sustained pumping test |
*Costs vary based on well depth, location, and specific testing requirements. See our detailed well inspection cost breakdown.
Common Problems We Find During Inspections
Based on thousands of San Diego well inspections, here are the issues we most commonly discover:
Pump Issues (40%)
- • Worn impellers reducing flow
- • High amperage indicating wear
- • Undersized pumps for home's needs
- • Pump near end of life (10-15 years)
Pressure Tank Problems (35%)
- • Waterlogged tanks
- • Incorrect air pre-charge
- • Undersized tanks causing cycling
- • Corrosion and age
Water Quality (30%)
- • Bacteria (often fixable with shock chlorination)
- • High nitrates in ag areas
- • Extreme hardness
- • Iron/manganese staining
Wellhead Issues (25%)
- • Improper or missing caps
- • Failed sanitary seals
- • Surface drainage toward well
- • Contamination source proximity
San Diego Areas We Serve
We provide well inspection services throughout San Diego County:
North County
Backcountry
The Inspection Report
After your inspection, you'll receive a detailed written report including:
- Executive summary: Overall system condition at a glance
- Component-by-component findings: Detailed evaluation of each system part
- Test results: Flow rates, pressure readings, water quality data
- Photos: Documentation of current conditions
- Recommendations: Prioritized list of repairs/improvements
- Cost estimates: Budget ranges for recommended work
- Lifespan estimates: How long current equipment should last
Our reports are clear, professional, and suitable for real estate transactions, insurance purposes, or your personal records.
Why Choose Us for Well Inspections
✓ Local Knowledge
We know San Diego wells—the geology, common problems, and what to look for in our unique conditions.
✓ Complete Service
If problems are found, we can repair them. One company for inspection and service means better continuity.
✓ Fast Turnaround
Reports typically delivered within 24-48 hours. Rush service available for time-sensitive transactions.
✓ Honest Assessment
We report what we find—good and bad. No inflating problems to sell unnecessary repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a well inspection cost in San Diego?
Well inspection costs in San Diego typically range from $250-$500 depending on the type and depth of inspection. Basic annual inspections run $200-$300. Real estate inspections with flow testing and water quality analysis cost $350-$500. Comprehensive inspections including video camera inspection of the well casing cost $400-$600+.
What does a well inspection include?
A standard well inspection includes: visual inspection of the wellhead and cap, pressure tank evaluation, pump performance testing, pressure switch operation check, electrical system inspection, flow rate measurement, water quality sampling (bacteria and nitrates at minimum), and a detailed written report. Comprehensive inspections may add video inspection of the well casing.
Do I need a well inspection when buying a home in San Diego?
Yes, absolutely. A well inspection is essential when buying a property with a private well. Unlike city water, wells can have hidden problems—failing pumps, low yields, contamination, or needed repairs that could cost thousands. A professional inspection reveals the well's condition, estimated remaining lifespan of components, and water quality before you commit.
How often should I have my well inspected?
We recommend annual well inspections for San Diego properties. This includes checking pump operation, pressure system function, and water quality testing for bacteria and nitrates. Annual inspections catch developing problems before they become emergencies and help extend equipment life. More frequent inspection may be needed for older systems or after unusual events.
How long does a well inspection take?
A standard well inspection takes 1-2 hours on site. This includes visual inspection, system testing, and water sampling. If video inspection of the well casing is needed, add another 1-2 hours. You'll typically receive a written report within 24-48 hours, or faster for time-sensitive real estate transactions.
What problems can a well inspection find?
Well inspections can identify: failing or undersized pumps, waterlogged pressure tanks, electrical problems, low water yield, dropping water table, casing damage or corrosion, sanitary seal issues allowing contamination, bacteria or chemical contamination, and aging components nearing end of life. Early detection prevents costly emergencies.
Do you provide reports for real estate transactions?
Yes, we provide detailed, professional inspection reports suitable for real estate transactions. Our reports include equipment condition, flow rate testing results, water quality analysis, estimated component lifespans, and any recommended repairs. Reports can be expedited for time-sensitive closings.
Can you inspect my well if I don't know how deep it is?
Yes. Many San Diego well owners don't have records of their well depth. During inspection, we can determine approximate depth through pump cable measurement and other methods. For precise measurements, we can perform a sounding or recommend pulling the pump. We can also help you obtain your well log from San Diego County records.
Schedule Your San Diego Well Inspection
Get answers about your well system's condition. Whether you're buying, selling, or just want peace of mind, our thorough inspections tell you exactly what you need to know.