How Much Does a Water Well Inspection Cost?
Quick Answer
A professional water well inspection costs $150–$400 for a basic inspection, or $300–$750 when water quality testing is included.
A water well inspection is the best way to know what you’re buying before you close on a North Texas property — or to catch a developing problem before it becomes an emergency. Expect to pay $150–$400 for a basic inspection, or $300–$750 with water quality testing.
What a Well Inspection Covers
A complete pre-purchase well inspection includes:
Physical assessment:
- Wellhead and casing condition (corrosion, cracking, improper sealing)
- Sanitary seal integrity (prevents surface water from entering the casing)
- Wellhead height above grade (should be at least 12 inches)
- Electrical connections and control box
- Pressure tank condition and bladder test
Performance testing:
- Static water level measurement
- Pump flow rate (gallons per minute)
- Drawdown test — how the well responds to sustained pumping
- Pressure recovery time
Documentation review:
- Well log (records depth, casing, formation)
- GCD registration (if applicable to the county)
- Pump installation records if available
Water Quality Testing — What to Order in North Texas
The physical inspection tells you how the well is performing. Water testing tells you what’s in it.
| Test | What It Detects | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Total coliform + E. coli | Bacterial contamination | $30–$80 |
| Nitrates | Agricultural runoff | $15–$30 |
| Iron + manganese | Staining, taste, scaling | $25–$50 |
| Hardness | Scale buildup on fixtures | $15–$25 |
| Pesticides panel | Agricultural chemical runoff | $60–$150 |
| Comprehensive mineral panel | Full dissolved solids profile | $100–$250 |
For most North Texas pre-purchase inspections, a bacteria + nitrate + iron panel covers the most common issues and satisfies most lender requirements.
When a Well Inspection Is Especially Important
- Pre-purchase — any property with a private well before closing
- Lender requirement — FHA, VA, and USDA loans typically require a bacteria-free test
- After a flood or heavy rain — surface water can contaminate a wellhead
- Before selling — identify and address issues before they surface in the buyer’s inspection
- Annual maintenance — even healthy wells benefit from a yearly check
What Isn’t Covered
A well inspection is not a guarantee of future performance. It’s a snapshot of current condition. It does not cover the subsurface pump or drop pipe unless the pump is pulled — a separate service that adds $400–$800.
Get a Licensed Well Inspection in North Texas
Our licensed inspectors serve all 19 counties in the DFW Well Service area. We provide written inspection reports suitable for lender review and same-day availability for real estate transactions under contract.