Who should get a well inspection?
- Buyers who want to know the condition of the pump, tank, and controls before closing
- Sellers who want to avoid surprises during escrow and fix issues on their own timeline
- Agents who need a qualified professional to document a home's well system
- New owners who want a baseline after moving in
What a well inspection may cover
Scope varies by contractor, so ask for a written list. Common items include:
- Well head condition: cap, seal, and protection from surface water and pests
- Pump operation: amperage draw, run time, and cycling
- Pressure switch function and settings
- Pressure tank condition and air charge
- System pressure and a flow test (gallons per minute over a set time)
- Visible plumbing, valves, and the line from the well to the house
- Electrical controls (inspected by a qualified professional)
- Water quality sampling for a certified lab, if requested
Questions to ask before you book
- Is your company licensed with the Nevada State Contractors Board for well and pump work (classification C-23)?
- What exactly does the inspection include, and do I get a written report?
- Do you do a flow test, and how long does it run?
- Can you collect a water sample, or should I arrange lab testing separately?
- How soon can you schedule, and how soon will the report be ready, given our escrow timeline?
What affects inspection cost
We don't list prices. Cost depends on scope (equipment check only, or with flow test and water sampling), lab fees for water testing, access to the well head, and scheduling urgency around escrow.
Well inspection FAQ
Is a well inspection required to sell a home in Pahrump?
Requirements depend on the buyer's loan type, the lender, and the purchase contract. Some lenders and loan programs ask for water quality testing or a well flow or yield check for homes on private wells. Ask your real estate agent and lender what applies to your transaction.
Is a general home inspection enough?
A general home inspector may look at visible plumbing and the pressure tank but usually doesn't test the pump, well flow, or water quality. A well-specific inspection fills in those gaps.
What's the difference between a well inspection and a water test?
A well inspection evaluates the equipment and how the system performs: pump, controls, tank, pressure, and flow. A water quality test checks the water itself, such as bacteria or chemical content, and is analyzed by a certified laboratory. Many buyers want both.
How do I find records for a well?
The Nevada Division of Water Resources keeps well driller logs and water rights records, which can show details like when a well was drilled and its depth. Your agent, the seller, or the inspecting contractor may be able to help locate them.