How much does it cost to test a water well?

Author: Prof. Edmund Lubowitz  |  Last update: Sunday, October 19, 2025

A well inspection costs $250 to $550, depending on the well type, depth, and age and whether the inspection includes water testing. Laboratory well water testing alone costs $100 to $350 on average. A well and septic inspection cost $400 to $650 when done in the same visit.

How much does a water well inspection cost?

How Much Does a Well Inspection Cost? An average well inspection ranges from $300 to $500. This depends on the inspector's rates as well as the type of water tests they intend to conduct to check water quality. It also depends on whether they provide a septic inspection as well.

Can I get my well water tested for free?

You can get a water test kit from your county office. You can pick up a kit for free and bring a sample to them. The cost is much less than a home inspection company will charge. It can take a little while though. Those costs seem high.

How can I test my well water myself?

How to Test Your Water Quality at Home Without a Kit
  1. #1 Assess Color, Taste, and Odor Test.
  2. #2 Use a Water Hardness Test.
  3. #3 Try a Magnifying Glass.
  4. #4 Boil Your Water for a Dissolved Solids Test.
  5. Additional Factors to Consider.
  6. Why Test Your Home's Water Quality.
  7. Rayne Water: Aiding Water Quality Since 1928.

Is a well inspection worth it?

Regular checkups of water wells are imperative to ensure the safety, functionality, and proper operation of a private water well. Naturally, you should leave this to licensed professionals who can conduct detailed water well inspections that help unveil potential issues, including health risks or poor water quality.

OWT News - How Much Does it Cost to Test Well Water?

Who pays for well inspection?

Homeowners with municipal water pay for their water service, which includes testing and maintenance fees. In a home with a private well, maintenance and water testing are the homeowner's responsibility.

How long does a well test take?

A typical inspection normally takes 1 ½ to 2 hours, and we run the water for up to an hour as needed.

How much is a well water test?

A well inspection costs $250 to $550, depending on the well type, depth, and age and whether the inspection includes water testing. Laboratory well water testing alone costs $100 to $350 on average. A well and septic inspection cost $400 to $650 when done in the same visit.

How can you tell if your well water is bad?

Signs of contaminated well water
  • Murky or cloudy appearance. ...
  • Visible sediment in water. ...
  • Oily film on water. ...
  • Scale or scum buildup in pipes, showerheads, and faucets. ...
  • Brown, red, or green stains on sinks, clothes, and appliances. ...
  • Rotten egg, detergent, or chlorine smell. ...
  • Salty, soapy, metallic, or chemical taste.

Does Home Depot test water for free?

The vast majority of Home Depot stores actually offer free testing kits. Be sure to inquire with your local store to learn more. Sterile Sample Bottles. If your kit doesn't provide them, make sure to get bottles that are meant for water sampling to prevent contamination.

Where can you take your well water to be tested?

Often county health departments will help you test for bacteria or nitrates. If not, you can have your water tested by a state certified laboratory. You can find one in your area by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting www.epa.gov/safewater/labs.

Do I have to pay a water bill if I have a well?

When you have your own private well you can skip paying a monthly water bill to the local utility. And if you have your own septic system, you won't have to pay for sewage as well. Of course, when you have your own well, it's your responsibility to pay for your pump and other infrastructure as necessary.

How do I find well water on my property?

Locate Natural Signs
  1. There is a higher water table in valleys and lowlands than on a hill or mountain.
  2. Surface water sources like streams, lakes, swamps, and puddles indicate sufficient groundwater.
  3. Abundant water-loving plants show an excellent underground water supply, especially in dry surface areas.

How much does it cost to treat a well?

Treatment costs vary depending on the contaminants found and the method you choose. For example, chemical treatments can cost a few hundred dollars while a well water filter can cost over $1,000.

How much does a well perc test cost?

The results are then used to design an efficient septic system. The cost of a perc test can vary depending on the location and size of the property. According to HomeAdvisor, a perc test costs between $750 and $1,850, with a national average cost of $1,300.

How many years does a water well last?

IS MY WELL JUST OLD? Another problem can be well age. A well's lifespan is considered to be roughly 20 to 30 years.

How do you diagnose a water well problem?

The most common symptoms of well trouble are no water at all, pulsing water pressure and a well pump that runs constantly. If you experience any of these, there's a good chance you can solve the problem yourself.

What does a well inspection include?

A well inspection includes checking all of the well components, water pressure flow rate, water level before and during pumping, pump motor performance, pressure tank performance, and well water quality. Well inspectors measure the volume of water pumped and the rate at which the pump works.

How do I get my well water tested for free?

Some counties offer free well water testing, so check with your county first. If they don't, use this EPA website to find a list of state-certified laboratories in your area that do water testing, or contact your county or state health department or your State Certification Officer for assistance.

How much does it cost to get a well inspected?

Well inspections run between $300 and $600 for an average cost of $450. A pro can offer a more accurate estimate for your well based on its type, depth, and other factors. The cost of a well inspection ranges from $150 to $900, with most people paying around $450.

What are the symptoms of bad well water?

Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, nausea, headaches, fever, fatigue, and even death sometimes. Infants, children, elderly people, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get sick or die from disease-causing microorganisms in drinking water.

How long does it take to get a well inspection back?

A typical well inspection takes 1–2 hours.

The inspector should return a detailed well inspection report of all their findings within 1–3 days, though you may have to wait longer for your water test results.

Are well water testing kits accurate?

Most do-it-yourself or at-home test kits are neither very accurate nor comprehensive. Too many of these products exaggerate what they're able to provide for you.

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