Results of the testing are mailed to the well owner along with an explanation of the results. The other 12% receive their water from "limited-use" public water systems and private wells. Longtime homeowners can also schedule a home inspection to get a snapshot of their current home condition and identify any issues that need to be addressed.
You should receive this report back within a few days to a week. ), and taxes and insurance. Saving Lives, Protecting People The presence of nitrate in well water also depends on the geology of the land around your well. A home inspection should tell you the true condition of a home.
Explore other popular Home Services near you from over 7 million businesses … Nationally, the average cost for a home appraisal is $If you’re buying or selling a home, having a professional home inspection can be an invaluable tool for price-setting and negotiation, as well as learning what repairs are necessary.
You should check with your local health or environmental department, or the EPA to find out if any of these contaminants are a problem in your region.Please remember that if your test results say that there are germs or chemicals in your water, you should contact your local health or environmental department for guidance in interpreting the test.At a minimum, check your well every spring to make sure there are no mechanical problems; test it once each year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels.
However, spend time identifying potential problems as these tests can be expensive.
A competent home inspector closely inspects your home’s structure and foundation, looks for termites and signs of problems like mold, checks the wiring to ensure it’s in good condition, and investigates the HVAC system, among other items. If warranted, a telephone call is made to the well owner to recommend actions such as well disinfection or inspection. A competent home inspector closely inspects your home’s structure and foundation, looks for termites and signs of problems like mold, checks the wiring to ensure it’s in good condition, and investigates the HVAC system, among other items.
Always use a state certified laboratory that conducts drinking water tests. Some organizations that recognize and/or certify home inspectors are the American Society of Home Inspectors, National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, and American Home Inspectors Training. However, high levels of nitrate in drinking water can make people sick. Want to see who made the cut? Find a certified testing lab . Ask if they are committed to continuing education, and whether they are active members in any reputable home inspector organizations. If you suspect other contaminants, test for those too. Contact your local health or environmental department, or the EPA to find out if any VOCs are a problem in your region. Your house size can affect inspection length, as can requesting additional services such as sprinkler system inspections, outbuilding inspections, radon testing, crawl space inspections, or pool house inspections. During the home inspection, the professional will be taking photos and looking in and around all parts of your home.
The report should detail everything from minor imperfections and maintenance recommendations to major defects that need to be resolved as soon as possible, like structural failures or a leak in the basement. Find the best Water Testing near you on Yelp - see all Water Testing open now. Some VOCs to ask about testing for are benzene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, trichloroethelene, and methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE).Other germs or harmful chemicals that you should test for will depend on where your well is located on your property, which state you live in, and whether you live in an urban or rural area. CDC twenty four seven. “Honestly, I went into this as a skeptic because we’ve been through so many shady water testing services. To find a good home inspector, first research whether home inspection is licensed in your area; not all states require licensure.If there is no regulatory body that licenses home inspection in your state, there are other ways to make sure you are hiring a trustworthy professional. There are known problems with well water in your area; You have experienced problems near your well (i.e., flooding, land disturbances, and nearby waste disposal sites) You replace or repair any part of your well system; You notice a change in water quality (i.e., taste, color, odor) Who should test your well The feces (or stool) and digestive systems of humans and warm-blooded animals contain millions of fecal coliforms. Which VOCs to test for depends on where you live. A home inspection is often used by potential home buyers prior to purchase to determine if there are larger issues (such as dry rot or a faulty foundation) that are not immediately visible to the untrained eye but that would cost a lot of money to resolve.
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) recommends well owners test their water at least annually for bacteria, nitrates, and any contaminants of local concern. Your report should include photos and clearly outlined information about all major elements inspected, as well as recommendations for next steps.Home appraisals and home inspections both assess your home and provide a report summarizing the condition or value of your home based on key measurements. Water test interpretation tool.