09/11/2026
Protect Yourself Before Buying Property with a Well
Buying a home or land with a private well? If you’re not familiar with wells and pumps, a little due diligence now can save you serious money and headaches later.
Before you close, hire a local well driller or pump professional to:
1. Inspect the entire system (well, pump, pressure tank, controls, and plumbing).
2. Test the well’s yield and sustained flow. This can often be done from inside the house—watch for drops in pressure, discoloration, sediment, or other changes.
3. Perform bacteria testing:
• Total coliform (Present/Absent)
• Coliform count
• E. coli (Present/Absent)
4. Optionally add a full water quality analysis (pH, iron, manganese, hardness, TDS, and more)—ideally both before and after any existing treatment system.
Key tips:
• Always hire your own independent inspection. Do not rely solely on the seller’s reports or disclosures.
• Make your purchase agreement contingent on satisfactory well and water test results.
• Negotiate any needed repairs, chlorination, or additional testing before you sign final papers.
Ask the current owner for records, including:
• Driller’s report and construction details
• Pump installation records
• Past water quality tests
• History of repairs or well rehabilitation
• Water level history and past power bills
If they have none of this information, treat it as a red flag. You can also check with neighbors who have wells and contact your state or county geologic/water resources office for available well logs and water quality data.
A thorough inspection and water testing protect your investment and your family’s health. Don’t skip this step.
Need help with a well inspection, yield test, or water quality analysis?
We’re here to help. Contact us today:
Water Resource Services- Clint Curtiss
[email protected]
1-844-56DRILL
Cell: 1-406-270-9723
wrsus.com
Proudly serving Northwest Montana
Feel free to message us or call with questions—we’re happy to walk you through the process.
Discover efficient residential well drilling with wrsus.com. Ensure reliable water access for your home today!