DFW Well Service

Buying or selling property with a private well?

We can help with well inspection, system evaluation, and practical next steps. We do not provide legal advice.

Request Service Call (940) 536-8560

Pre-Purchase Well Inspection

Know exactly what you're buying before you close. Flow test, pump check, water quality screening, and a written report your lender will accept.

Call (940) 536-8560 Schedule Inspection
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Don't Skip the Well Inspection

Buying a rural North Texas property with a private well is not like buying a home on city water. There's no utility company testing the water or maintaining the infrastructure. The pump, casing, pressure tank, and water quality are the buyer's responsibility from the moment they close.

A pre-purchase inspection tells you the current condition of the pump, the flow rate the well can sustain, and whether the water is safe to drink. Problems found during inspection are negotiating chips. Problems found after closing are your expense.

How the Inspection Works

  1. 1

    Schedule before your contingency deadline

    Contact us as soon as you are under contract. Lab turnaround for water testing is 3–7 business days — leave yourself time to act on findings.

  2. 2

    On-site physical inspection

    We inspect the wellhead, pressure system, pump performance, and electrical components. Flow rate and static water level are measured and recorded.

  3. 3

    Water quality sampling

    We collect samples in sterile containers and deliver them to a TCEQ-certified lab. You choose the panel — we recommend at minimum bacteria plus nitrates for any North Texas purchase.

  4. 4

    Written report

    You receive a written report of all findings, including flow rate, pump condition, water level data, and any noted deficiencies. The report is formatted for lender submission.

  5. 5

    Lab results delivered

    Lab results arrive in 3–7 business days on certified letterhead. We review them with you and explain any findings before you make decisions at the negotiating table.

What the Inspection Covers

Wellhead & casing

Visual inspection for cracks, corrosion, sanitary seal integrity, and wellhead height above grade.

Pump flow rate

Measured in gallons per minute (GPM) under sustained operation — confirms the well meets household demand.

Drawdown test

How the well responds to continuous pumping. Reveals wells that can't sustain demand.

Static water level

Depth to water before pumping — important baseline for tracking drought impact over time.

Pressure system

Pressure tank condition, bladder integrity, cut-in/cut-out pressure settings.

Electrical & control box

Wiring condition, control box components, pressure switch contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a well inspection required when buying a house in Texas?
A well inspection is not legally required, but most mortgage lenders require at minimum a bacteria-free water test before approving a loan on a property with a private well. FHA, VA, and USDA loans consistently require this. Even when not required, a pre-purchase inspection is strongly recommended — discovering a pump failure or contaminated water after closing is far more expensive than a $300–$750 inspection contingency.
What does a pre-purchase well inspection cover?
Our pre-purchase inspection covers: visual inspection of the wellhead, casing, and sanitary seal; pressure tank operation and bladder test; pump flow rate and drawdown test; static water level measurement; electrical connections and control box; and a review of any available well log or records. Water quality testing is typically added separately — we recommend at minimum a bacteria and coliform panel for any real estate transaction.
How long does a well inspection take?
Physical inspection and testing takes 1–2 hours on site. If water quality samples are collected, lab turnaround is 3–7 business days. Plan for the full lab turnaround when negotiating your inspection contingency period with the seller — most buyers request 10–14 days for a well inspection contingency.
Can a home inspector do the well inspection?
A general home inspector can perform a visual check and basic operational observation, but is not licensed to evaluate the well system, conduct a flow test, or pull certified water samples for a lab test. For a lender-acceptable inspection with a written report, you need a TDLR-licensed water well contractor. Our reports are accepted by all major lenders.
How much does a well inspection cost?
A basic inspection (physical assessment only) runs $150–$350. A full pre-purchase inspection with flow testing and a written lender report runs $300–$550. Water quality testing is additional — a bacteria panel adds $30–$80; a comprehensive pre-purchase water panel adds $150–$300. Most buyers budget $400–$750 total for a complete well and water inspection package.
What happens if the inspection finds a problem?
If the inspection identifies issues — a failing pump, waterlogged pressure tank, bacteria in the water, or a compromised wellhead — you have several options: negotiate a repair credit with the seller, require repairs before closing, or walk away (if the well fails the inspection contingency). We provide a written report with findings and repair recommendations you can take directly to your real estate agent or attorney.

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