Houses With Well Water: A Homeowner’s Guide

While most homes in the U.S. get their water from traditional municipal sewer systems, many homeowners in rural areas rely on private wells to keep their faucets flowing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 15 million households in the U.S. rely on well water for their daily use.

If you’re thinking of buying a house with a private well, it’s a good idea to know what you can expect. Let’s walk through some key details that home buyers should know about moving into a house that relies on well water.

How Does Well Water Work In A House?

Generally, well water is generated from beneath the ground. Depending on the soil formation, the location and the level of difficulty accessing groundwater, wells can travel as far down as 1,000 feet.

Once within the aquifer, a pump draws the water upward through a casing. The water is then supplied to homes through a pipe nestled between the casing and pressure tank.

The primary component of a typical well water system includes:

• A well
• An electric water pump
• An insulated supply line that links to your house
• A pressure tank
• A designated treatment system

Types Of Residential Wells

Home buyers might encounter a few well types while browsing local real estate. Next, we’ll explore a few common types of well water systems.

Drilled Wells

A continuous casing makes this well type more resistant to contamination. Drilled wells are also some of the deepest wells you’ll find.

Bored Or Dug Wells

This type of well is shallow and is usually created with backhoes or shovels. Unlike drilled wells, bored or dug wells don’t have a continuous casing. They’re also relatively shallow and lined with bricks, rocks or similar materials to keep them from collapsing.

Driven Wells

While they have a continuous casing, driven wells are still susceptible to contamination because they use water from close to the surface. They’re made by driving pipes straight into the ground.

How Long Residential Water Wells Last

A few factors determine how long a water well will last.

One is how long the aquifer will supply water. It’s hard to give a definite answer because geography and local water usage play a factor.

Another factor is how long the components of the well will last. Experts suggest that components such as pumps and pressure tanks can last up to 10 years, while pipes might last 50 years.

Well Water Maintenance Must-Haves

If you’re buying a house with well water, you’ll be responsible for maintaining it. It’s common for well water systems to undergo annual and preventive maintenance to ensure the water meets a certain quality level.

Before moving into a house with well water, you should stock up on the maintenance supplies we’ll discuss next. Doing this will help you keep water quality in check.

A Hard Water Stain Remover

Well water is often associated with the presence of hard water. Hard water is water that consists of high mineral content such as calcium and magnesium. While hard water has several health benefits, a high quantity of it may harm your drinking water and clothing. It can even leave residue or buildup on your fixtures and shorten the lifespan of water heaters, especially tankless water heaters.

Hard water stains on your shower doors, faucets and other water supply channels can make your home appear untidy. While there are several DIY methods for removing hard water stains, using a stain remover may be your best bet.

A Water Softener

Since the well water source is directly from the ground instead of a dedicated water reservoir, it tends to be harder than city water. Some health experts say that using a water softener can help you filter these minerals, reducing the impact of hard water stains on your fixtures.

Over the years, water softeners have been touted to improve the taste and quality of well water. However, California, Connecticut, Michigan, Massachusetts, Texas and Wisconsin have banned or restricted the use of certain water softeners. Before moving, it’s best to check with the local water authority in the area where you’ll be living about policies concerning the use of water softeners.

A Water Quality Testing Kit

Having your well water tested at least once every year is critical to preserving the quality of your water and family health. Depending on your home location, you may want to test your well water for certain items. Generally, it’s common for homeowners with a private well to test their water for harmful bacteria, nitrates, dissolved metals and pH levels.

Upon move-in, you should test your water for the above-listed issues. Thanks to DIY water quality testing kits, you can do the testing yourself without the help of a professional.

Ensure that the kits test for nitrates, bacteria, contaminants and the presence of pesticides. You can typically get a good DIY water quality testing kit for as low as $20 – $30 before your move-in date. Some water testing kits that test for a higher number of contaminants can cost up to $300 or even more and include laboratory analysis.

An Iron Filter

Well water often contains a high deposit of contaminants such as iron and manganese. The presence of a high concentration in your well water can cause staining problems in home fixtures, such as bathtubs, sinks and other water supply outlets. One of the many ways to avoid the effect of iron is through the use of iron filters.

According to health experts, using an iron filter can help you prevent water odor and the risk of your water pipe rusting or corroding. However, be sure to change your iron filter every 3 – 4 months.

Well Water Benefits

Aside from the rustic appeal of having a well on your property, a well offers several unique benefits. Listed below are some advantages to moving into a house with well water.

• No water bill: Since your well water isn’t hooked up to the public water supply, you don’t have to deal with expensive monthly water bills.
• Fewer disruptions: It’s common for the water supply in towns or cities to be cut off during a natural disaster, such as massive flooding. Having a well means you’re less likely to be affected by such an event.
• Knowing your water source: City water with long lines of water pipes running around the city is more prone to contamination than a private well water system.

FAQs: About Well Water

Here’s some additional information you need to know about having well water in your next home.

You May Need To Watch Closely For Water Contamination

Due to the nature of a well water source, it may experience contamination at some point. According to the Water Quality Association, changes in water smell, taste and appearance could indicate that your well water is contaminated. Iron or manganese may be the issue if your well water has a metallic taste and brown discoloration.

The smell of rotten eggs and black stains may indicate the presence of hydrogen sulfide in your well water. If your water is discolored, this could be a sign of corroding copper pipes. You may need to check your well water pipes for rust or corrosion.

It Could Impact Your Home’s Value

While some home buyers may see a property with well water as a disadvantage due to the need for constant maintenance, well water can positively impact the value of your home. The exact value will vary depending on the property, water quality, well type and the age of the well.

Having well water may negatively impact your property value if the water is contaminated or the well is damaged. Before moving into a home with well water, get an appraisal to determine if the presence of well water can increase your home appreciation rate in the future.

Pumps Depend On Electricity

Homes with wells often need electricity to pump water. That means a long power outage could present challenges. Off-grid homes are an exception because they might use solar power or wind power to produce electricity during a blackout.

Pros And Cons Of Well Water: At A Glance

Here’s a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of having a house with well water.

The Bottom Line: Moving To A House With Well Water Necessitates Some Research

Don’t let the presence of a well deter you from moving into a house. While a house with well water requires maintenance and proper attention, well water offers multiple benefits. You’ll have a fresher water source and no water bill, and it may increase your property value.

However, if you’re considering the possibility of moving into a house with well water, it’s important to create a moving checklist so you can avoid any surprises. Start by taking time to research well maintenance tips and general information about living at a property with well water. Also, discover the benefits of well inspections.