Well Inspection-Water Samples-Well Chlorinations
Well inspections are required during the sale of a home prior to closing. This should be performed by a licensed professional. A thorough examination of the water well, including water flow, water quality, pump motor performance, as well as an inspection of the pressure tank and pressure switch contact will be done to ensure optimum performance. This includes checking that all systems are up to State and County Codes. Once our licensed technician has completed this inspection our office will provide you with a report of all findings.
Water Samples
These are also usually required for the sale of a home. The water will be tested to ensure it meets State codes. It is also a good idea to test your water annually to ensure the quality. Some tips to ensure your well stays free from containments:
- Guard the water well head by keeping surface contaminants away.
- Visually inspect the outer area around the wellhead or tank for any structural damage.
- Take water sample on an annual basis
Keep these contaminants away from your well
- Pet and livestock wastes
- Gasoline, diesel, home-heating fuels
- Pesticides and fertilizers (chemical or natural)
- Other hazardous chemicals, including paint, solvents, barbecue starter fluid, etc
- De-icers
- Any substance you don’t want in your family’s drinking water
Well Chlorination
My water sample failed, now what? Often times when buying or selling a home a water sample will be required to be collected and taken to a laboratory. When a sample fails it is usually due to high levels of coliform, e coli bacteria, or nitrates. If this is the case the water supply must be disinfected before it is safe for use.
If you have received a water sample back that has failed, we can assist you. A well chlorination also referred to as a disinfection can be performed. This would remove bacteria in the water supply and cut done on mineral deposits to ensure safe water for drinking.
Chlorine disinfection is the oldest and most common method for private water supplies. It is effective against most pathogenic bacteria. Once chlorine is placed in the well system it will need to sit a minimum of 6-8 hours, it is recommended that it sit overnight. During this time the water supply may NOT be used. Once this is complete, the system will need to be flushed. This will be done for at least an hour to ensure all the chlorine is flushed and the water is running clean. At that point a new sample will need to be taken to the lab to be retested.