Buying a House with a Well in Lincoln CA – What you need to know!

Buying a House with a Well in Lincoln CA – What you need to know! 

If you’ve never owned a home that uses a well for water, it can seem a little daunting.  As a Lincoln real estate agent for the last 16 years, I’ve sold my fair share of homes with domestic wells.  Here’s what you need to know before you close on a home that uses a well for water:

• HALF of the people in the United States use wells for at least part of their water.  That’s a big number.  Wells are very common, effective, and safe with a little watching out!
• Get a well inspection during your contingency period.  Wells could have a whole host of expensive, unsafe, and annoying problems.  It’s best to get a professional inspection right away.  Email me for a great well inspector reference in Lincoln.  Well tests run in the range of $100-$400.
• How annoying is weak water-pressure!  Find out the gallons per/minute before you close on a Lincoln home with a well.  Your well should also have a holding tank so you can be ready during high-use times.  Your well inspector will be able to tell you how well your water well is producing.
• Water quality is another thing your well inspector will test.  There can be all kids of contaminants is a well: bacteria, harmful minerals,  pesticides, and organic chemicals can all be found in the groundwater.  Make sure your well is free and clear of any of these issues.
• During your home inspection period, ask your Lincoln real estate agent to speak with the current home owners or tenants about the well.  If they’ve noticed anything like pressure problems or a funny taste, they need to let your agent know.
• Once your satisfied the the condition of the well, and you move into your new house, make sure you keep an eye on your well.  Wells should be inspected by you, the homeowner, at least once a year.  If you notice any cracks, missing plugs, or heavy erosion, it’s time to get a professional out to repair it.  Maintaining your well on a yearly basis will ensure it does not become contaminated.

Buying a Lincoln CA home on property isn’t like buying a home in a developed neighborhood.  Besides the well you’ll also need a septic tank inspection and perhaps others as well.  Work with an experienced Lincoln real estate agent to find a great property that you will fully understand before you close escrow!

Buying a House with a Well in Lincoln CA – What you need to know!