What is a well system inspection?
A Well Inspection is the visual inspection of the well components—including the well head and cap/seal, pressure tank, attached plumbing, and well pump electrical control systems—plus a two-hour pump flow test (the flow test may be stopped if the well appears to be running dry).
Purpose: discover marginally or low-producing wells or defective well pumps, and discover/report defects visible at the well components.
What’s included
During a Well System Inspection, the inspector will:
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Perform, at minimum, a two-hour well pump flow test (or until the well runs dry or the pump fails the current draw test)
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Calculate total gallons pumped and average GPM flow during the test
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Measure well pump current draw at least every 15 minutes during the flow test
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Measure the well pressure tank air pre-charge
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Visually inspect the well head and surrounding site conditions (and document if the well head cannot be located)
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Measure well head height from grade and visually inspect the cap/seal and visible casing
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Note the approximate location of the well head in the written report
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Visually inspect the pressure tank, pressure switch, and the presence/condition of a pressure gauge
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Inspect for the presence and rating of a well pump control panel, presence of a disconnect, and presence of a main water shutoff valve
What you'll receive
Your Well Inspection report will include:
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Observed material defects in the well system components covered by the SOP
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The total gallons pumped and the average GPM during the flow test
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A clear outline of what was inspected, what was not inspected, and why, plus common inclusions/exclusions
What is reported as “in need of correction”
The inspection report will identify as in need of correction, including:
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A well that runs dry during the two-hour flow test
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A well that fails to average at least 3 GPM during the flow test
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Pump current draw higher than the rating listed on the control panel
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Pump current draw fluctuating more than 1 amp during the flow test
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A waterlogged, corroded, or leaking pressure tank; or air pre-charge that is out of specification
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A well head cap/seal that is damaged, loose, or missing; or a well head that does not extend at least 12 inches above grade
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Burnt or corroded points/contacts inside the pressure switch
Limitations (important to understand)
❌ The inspection and flow test reflect conditions on the date of inspection only and are not a prediction of future conditions. Yield can vary with time of year, weather, and other factors.
❌ This inspection is not a guarantee of continuous supply or that the well will continue producing the tested yield.
❌ The inspection is visual and non-invasive. It is not technically exhaustive and may not identify concealed or latent defects.
Exclusions (what is not required)
This inspection does not include:
❌ A four-hour flow test
❌ Measuring static water levels, depth, recovery rate, or storage capabilities
❌ Inspecting water treatment systems or in-ground cistern systems
❌ Digging through soil/snow to locate a well head, moving stored items/obstructions, or entering unsafe areas
❌ Diagnosing well problems, performing repairs, shock/chlorinating, or providing cost estimates
Water quality testing (separate service)
A Well System Inspection evaluates the physical components and performance testing described above. Laboratory water quality testing is a separate service that can be added if requested.