Private Water Well Inspections

A private water well is an important component of a home when the property relies on a private water supply. Unlike a municipal water system, a private well depends on its own pump, pressure equipment, piping, and water source to provide water to the home.

A well inspection can help identify observable deficiencies with the accessible well equipment and provide information about the system's water pressure and flow at the time of the inspection.

Under the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Standards of Practice, private water wells are an optional system. A TREC inspector is not required to inspect a private water well; however, when an inspector agrees to inspect one, the requirements of 22 TAC §535.233(f) apply.

Frontline Inspections, PLLC provides private water well inspections as an optional service in conjunction with applicable residential inspections.

A private water well inspection is a visual inspection and basic performance evaluation of accessible well components within the scope of the TREC Standards of Practice.

When a well inspection is performed, Frontline will:

• Operate at least two plumbing fixtures simultaneously
• Evaluate observable water pressure and flow
• Observe the performance of the pressure switch
• Report the type of pump and storage equipment
• Identify the proximity of any known septic system
• Visually inspect accessible well equipment and components
• Evaluate the accessible well head
• Observe site drainage and clearances around the well head
• Recommend or arrange for coliform testing of the water

These are specific requirements established by the TREC SOP for private water wells.

The well system must be capable of supplying water to the home through its plumbing system.

During the inspection, at least two fixtures are operated simultaneously to observe the system's water pressure and flow. The inspector also observes the performance of the pressure switch.

Deficiencies in water pressure, flow, or pressure-switch performance are reported when observed.

This evaluation represents the system's performance at the time of the inspection. It does not establish the long-term reliability or available yield of the well.

The inspection includes reporting the type of pump and storage equipment serving the private well.

Accessible equipment and components are visually inspected for observable deficiencies.

Depending on the well system, equipment may include:

• Submersible or other well pump
• Pressure tank
• Pressure switch
• Accessible piping
• Electrical components associated with the well equipment
• Well head
• Other accessible components

The inspector does not disassemble or remove components to inspect concealed portions of the system.

The well head is visually inspected for observable deficiencies.

The inspection includes consideration of:

• Well-head condition
• Site drainage around the well
• Clearances around the well head
• Conditions that may adversely affect the well-head area

Deficiencies involving the well head, including improper site drainage and clearances, are reported when observed.

When known, the inspection report identifies the proximity of any known septic system to the private water well.

This is particularly important for properties that rely on both a private water supply and a private sewage disposal system.

The inspection does not constitute a property survey or subsurface investigation and does not establish the exact location of buried components unless they are otherwise known or observable.

A visual inspection cannot determine whether well water is safe to drink.

The TREC SOP requires the inspector to recommend or arrange to have coliform testing performed when inspecting a private water well.

Additional laboratory testing may also be appropriate depending on the property, location, water source, or circumstances. Water-quality testing is a separate analytical service and should be performed by an appropriately qualified laboratory or provider.

A well inspection does not determine:

• Water potability
• Bacterial contamination
• Chemical contamination
• Mineral content
• Heavy-metal contamination
• Overall water quality
• Long-term reliability of the water source

Laboratory testing is necessary to evaluate water quality.

The TREC SOP places important limitations on private water well inspections.

The inspector is not required to:

• Open, uncover, or remove the pump
• Remove pump heads, screens, or lines
• Disassemble well components
• Determine the reliability of the water supply or source
• Locate or verify underground water leaks

Because significant portions of a private well system are underground or concealed, the inspection cannot determine the condition of components that cannot be accessed or observed.

A Frontline private well inspection is not:

• A well yield test
• A pump-and-drawdown test
• A water-quality certification
• A potable-water certification
• A subsurface investigation
• An underground leak investigation
• A well drilling or construction inspection
• A pump service
• A certification of remaining well life
• An engineering evaluation

When conditions indicate a need for additional investigation, evaluation by a qualified well professional may be recommended.

A private well can be one of the most important systems on a property because the home may depend entirely on it for its water supply. Problems with pumps, pressure equipment, accessible components, or the well-head area can affect the home's water supply and may result in costly repairs.

A professional well inspection provides an opportunity to identify observable deficiencies and evaluate basic system performance before purchasing a property.

For buyers, the inspection can also help identify when additional water-quality testing or evaluation by a qualified well professional should be considered.

At Frontline Inspections, PLLC, our private water well inspections are performed in accordance with the applicable Texas Real Estate Commission Standards of Practice for optional private water well systems.

Our inspection provides a clear assessment of observable conditions and basic system performance while identifying the limitations inherent in evaluating underground and concealed well components.

Serving the Greater Houston Area

Call or text 281-640-0101 to schedule your inspection or request a free inspection quote.