Cost guide · Septic & Wells
Well Inspection Cost
Short answer: A professional well inspection costs $250 to $550, according to HomeGuide and Angi. Adding lab water testing brings the total to $350 to $900. A basic water test for bacteria, nitrates and metals costs $130 to $200. Booking a well and septic inspection in the same visit costs $400 to $650, which is common when buying a home.
A well inspection checks that the well, pump and pressure system work and, if testing is included, that the water is safe to drink. HomeGuide puts the average at $250 to $550, and Angi lists the same range. The price depends on the well type, depth and age and whether water testing is included.
What a well inspection covers
According to HomeGuide, a standard inspection includes:
- A visual check of the casing, cap, seals, vents and wellhead.
- Tests of the pump, pressure tank and electrical components.
- A flow test to measure output and pump performance.
- Water sampling, if lab testing is part of the package.
- A written report.
An inspection does not evaluate the water table or guarantee long-term supply.
Water testing prices
| Test | Cost | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $130 – $200 | Bacteria (coliform, E. coli), metals, lead, nitrate, nitrite, fluoride |
| Advanced | $220 – $450 | Basic plus VOCs, industrial chemicals, silica |
| Radiological | $200 – $500 | Uranium, radon, radium, gross alpha/beta |
| Extended | $700 – $750 | Adds pesticides, plasticizers, flame retardants, radiological |
Source: HomeGuide. DIY kits cost $25 to $50 for a single contaminant and $100 to $380 for multi-contaminant tests; county-provided kits run $20 to $75.
Package prices
| Package | Cost |
|---|---|
| Well inspection only | $250 – $550 |
| Well inspection plus water testing | $350 – $900 |
| Well and septic, same visit | $400 – $650 |
| Home and well inspection | $400 – $830 |
Source: HomeGuide.
Buying a home with a well
A standard home inspection does not include a full well or septic check, and HomeGuide notes the buyer usually pays for the well inspection. Most companies discount combined visits, so booking the well, water test and septic together during the option period is usually the cheapest route. For the septic side, see septic tank pumping cost.
How often to inspect
Have the well inspected when buying a home, after flooding or nearby construction, and whenever the water changes in taste, smell or color. Many owners test water every year for bacteria and nitrates.
If the inspection finds a problem
| Finding | Typical fix | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Faulty pressure switch | Replace switch | $150 – $200 |
| Waterlogged pressure tank | Replace tank | $800 – $1,500+ |
| Weak or failing pump | Replace pump | $1,000 – $2,500+ |
| Bacteria or sediment in water | Treatment system | $800 – $4,000 |
Sources: HomeGuide well pump repair and water filtration guides. See well pump repair cost, well pressure tank replacement cost and whole house water filter cost.
More on what a well inspection covers
A full well inspection usually includes:
- Water testing for bacteria such as coliform and E. coli, and often nitrates, pH, hardness and other contaminants.
- Flow and yield testing to see whether the well can supply enough water.
- Equipment checks of the pump, pressure tank, pressure switch and wiring.
- Wellhead inspection for a sealed cap and proper drainage away from the casing.
- Distance checks from septic systems and other contamination sources.
When to get one
- Before buying a home with a private well. Many lenders require a water test.
- Every year for a basic bacteria test, or after flooding.
- When water changes in taste, smell or color.
- When pressure or flow drops.
What affects the price
The cost depends on how many tests are run, whether a flow test is included, and whether the inspector pulls the pump to look inside. A basic bacteria test costs far less than a full inspection with a lab panel.
Questions to ask
- Which contaminants will the lab test for?
- Is a flow or yield test included?
- Will I get a written report with recommendations?
Reading the results
If bacteria are found, the usual fix is to disinfect the well (shock chlorination) and retest. Other problems, such as high nitrates or arsenic, call for a treatment system.
In Texas
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension runs well water screening programs in many counties, which can be a low-cost way to check basic water quality between full inspections.
Inspection levels
Well inspections range from a basic check to a full evaluation:
Visual inspection. The inspector looks at the wellhead, cap, casing, pressure tank, gauge, pressure switch and visible piping, and checks the setback from the septic system and other contamination sources.
Flow and pressure test. The inspector runs water for a set time to see whether the well and pump keep up, and checks how the pressure switch cycles.
Water quality testing. Samples are sent to a certified lab. A basic panel often includes bacteria, nitrates and pH. A wider panel adds metals, hardness and contaminants of local concern.
Camera or down-hole inspection. Less common, used when there are signs of casing or screen problems.
For a home purchase, a combination of visual inspection, a flow test and water testing is common.
More on buying a home with a well
Ask the seller for the well log, the age of the pump and pressure tank, and any past water test results. Some lenders and states require specific water tests before a sale. If the inspection finds problems, they can be part of the negotiation: a repair before closing, a price reduction or a credit for treatment equipment.
Reading water test results
Lab reports list each result next to a standard, often the federal drinking water limit. Pay attention to bacteria first. A positive result for coliform bacteria means the well should be disinfected and retested. Nitrates above the limit are a concern for infants and pregnant women. Other results, such as hardness or iron, affect taste, staining and plumbing but are not health issues. If a result is above a standard, ask the lab or your local health department what treatment options make sense.
How often to test
Many health agencies recommend testing at least once a year for bacteria and nitrates, and more often if you notice a change in taste, odor or color, after flooding, or after work on the well.
Choosing an inspector
Look for an inspector licensed or certified for wells in your state. Use a certified lab for water samples.
What to ask for in writing
Ask for a written report covering each component checked, the flow test results and the lab's original water test report. Keep copies with your home records.
Sources
Well drilling contractors in Texas
Our Texas business directory lists 57 well drilling contractors across 4 major cities. The ratings below are the average Google rating of the listed businesses in each city, and the review counts are the total number of Google reviews they have received.
| City | Businesses listed | Avg. Google rating | Total reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 33 | 4.2 | 227 |
| Dallas | 6 | 4.2 | 19 |
| San Antonio | 8 | 4.8 | 28 |
| Fort Worth | 10 | 4.0 | 257 |
Source: twupro Texas business directory, built from public Google Maps listings.
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