What should I check about the well and septic before buying?

The questions that turn into five-figure problems if nobody asks them.

Much of this county is on a private well, an on-site septic system, or both. Neither is a problem. Both are a problem if nobody looked.

The well

How deep, drilled when, and by whom? There should be a log.
What is the flow rate, and when was it last measured? A well that serves one person may not serve a family.
When was the water last tested, and for what? Ask to see the result rather than a description of it.
How old is the pump? Pumps are a predictable, replaceable cost.
Is there a shared-well agreement? If the well serves more than one property, that agreement matters enormously and should be recorded.

The septic system

What type is it? Conventional and aerobic systems have very different maintenance obligations and costs.
Is there a maintenance contract, and is it current? Aerobic systems generally require one.
When was it last pumped and inspected? Ask for receipts.
Where is the drain field, and what is on top of it? A driveway or a slab over a drain field is a real and expensive problem.
Was it permitted, and does the permit match what is there? A system sized for two bedrooms under a four-bedroom house is a discovery best made before closing.

Worth paying for. A separate septic inspection is not usually part of a standard home inspection and is worth commissioning on its own. It is a small cost against the thing it is checking.

This is an orientation, not legal or engineering advice. The county environmental office, a licensed installer and your own inspector are the authorities.

Terms on this page

Aerobic system: A septic system that treats wastewater with oxygen; generally requires ongoing maintenance under contract.
Drain field: The buried area where treated wastewater disperses into soil. Must stay clear of traffic and structures.
Flow rate: How much water a well produces over time, usually in gallons per minute.

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