An annual well inspection and maintenance helps ensure that your water isn't contaminated and reduces…
Buying a home with a private water well is different from living on a municipal water system. Your water supply is independent, which gives you control—but also responsibility—for water quality and long-term maintenance needs.
Our Raleigh residential well service experts from A&T Well and Pump designed this checklist to help local homeowners. If you and your family are new to private well water systems and want a clear, practical starting point after moving in, this guide offers the support you need to get started.
Table of Contents
1. Start With the Basics of Your Well System
Before getting into water testing or preventative maintenance, it’s important to understand what type of well system you have and how it operates.
Identify the Type of Well on the Property
Most homes in North Carolina use either a drilled well or a bored well, and each has different depth, construction, and contamination risk factors. Knowing your well type helps determine water testing needs and vulnerability to surface runoff. If this information isn’t in your closing paperwork, a licensed Raleigh well professional can identify it during an inspection.
Locate the Wellhead and Confirm Accessibility
The wellhead should be visible, properly capped, and elevated above ground level to prevent surface water from entering. It should not be buried, covered by landscaping, or located in an area prone to standing water. Clear access is critical for inspections, well repairs, and emergency well services.
Find the Well Pump and Pressure Tank
Your water well pump may be located underground or in the well itself, while the pressure tank is usually inside the home or a well house. Understanding where these components are located allows you to recognize abnormal sounds, water pressure changes, or visible leaks. This familiarity is especially helpful if issues suddenly arise
2. Test Your Well Water Immediately
Water quality testing is one of the most important steps after moving into a home with a private well. Even if the water looks clear and tastes fine, testing is the only way to confirm if it’s safe to drink or cook with.
A baseline test should include bacteria, nitrates, pH, hardness, iron, and other common contaminants found in North Carolina groundwater. Many lenders require limited testing during a real estate transaction, but those tests are often minimal. A more comprehensive test gives you a clearer picture of your well water quality.
3. Inspect the Condition of the Well and Surrounding Area
Once testing is underway, a video well inspection can reveal potential risks to water quality or system longevity.
Check for Proper Drainage Around the Well
The ground around the well should slope away from the wellhead to prevent rainwater from pooling. Standing water can carry contaminants directly into the well if seals are compromised. Good drainage reduces the risk of bacterial contamination.
Verify Safe Separation From Contamination Sources
Septic systems, livestock areas, and chemical storage should be properly distanced from the well. North Carolina well construction rules outline minimum setback distances to protect groundwater. If you’re unsure whether your property meets these requirements, a professional evaluation is recommended.
Look for Signs of Wear or Damage
Cracked well caps, loose fittings, or exposed wiring can allow contaminants into the system or lead to mechanical failure. Even small issues can escalate if left unaddressed. Early repairs are typically simpler and more cost-effective than a full well replacement service.
4. Learn How Your Water Pressure Feels
Changes in water pressure are often the first sign of a developing well problem. Understanding what’s normal for your home helps you spot issues early.
Monitor Water Pressure Consistency
Your pressure tank should deliver steady water pressure throughout the home. Rapid pressure fluctuations or short cycling may indicate tank problems or pump wear. Paying attention to these changes can prevent pump damage.
Note Any Unusual Noises
Grinding, clicking, or humming sounds near the pressure tank or well equipment are not normal. These noises often signal electrical issues, failing components, or air pressure imbalances. Prompt evaluation can prevent system shutdowns.
Observe Changes in Water Appearance
Cloudy water, sediment, or sudden discoloration can point to mechanical issues or changes in groundwater conditions. While some changes are harmless, others require immediate attention. Document what you see and when it occurs, and contact a well professional for an evaluation as soon as possible.
5. Establish a Routine Well Maintenance Plan
Private well systems do not maintain themselves, but routine care significantly extends their lifespan. A simple well and well pump maintenance plan reduces unexpected repairs and protects water quality.
Having a licensed well contractor inspect your system every few years helps catch issues early. Inspections typically include pump performance, pressure tank operation, and wellhead condition. Additionally, annual bacterial testing is commonly recommended, with additional tests performed based on local conditions or changes in water taste or odor.
6. Know When to Call for Professional Well Services
Low pressure, no water, unusual tastes, or recurring air in the lines are all signs that professional service from an experienced Raleigh well contractor is needed. Delaying service can worsen damage and increase repair costs. Having a trusted local well service provider already selected simplifies this process.
Move-In Checklist for Private Well Water
Use this checklist to track the most important steps after moving into a home with a private well.
Schedule Your Professional Well Inspection In the Raleigh Area
If you have questions about your private well, notice changes in water quality or pressure, or simply want reassurance that your system is operating properly, our team is here to help. A&T Well and Pump provides professional well inspections, well pump repairs, system troubleshooting, and water testing for homeowners throughout the Raleigh area.
Contact our team today by calling us at (919) 980-0981 or filling out our convenient contact form below to get started.
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