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5 Important Steps to Take Before Buying a New Home With an Old Well

Nicholas Roppo • Nov 01, 2022

5 Important Steps to Take Before Buying a New Home With an Old WellNew Paragraph

An old well outside the house. Well for drawing water located in the countryside.

Clean water is a huge factor to consider when buying a new home. Most people think it is the least of their concerns and concentrate on things like the house's structure and condition. Be it city water, wells, or cisterns, having water flowing in your home is essential. About 42 million Americans have homes where wells are the primary source of water supply. However, most wells were built long ago and are contaminated by wastes or have rusted. They may pose potential health hazards, and the water quality is affected. When buying a home with an old well, you should contact the water well contractor to give you advice. The following steps will help in examining the well.

1. Examine the Well

To properly examine the well, you should have a water well contractor inspect it for you. The professional will assess how deep the well is and when it was drilled. A good well should last 50 years; if the well is older, you might reconsider buying the house.

2. Research About the Water in the Area

You can ask your realtor or research through the EPA on the known water issues in a particular area. You can also ask around the neighborhood if they have any water issues and consider that. If there is a history of salty or contaminated water, you might reconsider buying the house to avoid any possible outcomes.

3. Check the Well Quantity

A standard well should be 100 feet and more to produce 3-5 gallons per minute. Most old wells are less than 100 feet which becomes a challenge to satisfy an average home. Your water well professional will help you determine if the well's water is enough for your family.

4. How Old are the Pump and Pressure Tank

If the pump is more than 10 years old and has visible corrosion, it is considered worn out and will keep breaking from time to time. If the well is in good shape, you can include the budget for the pump replacement in your initial buying costs.

5. Check if the Well Meets the State and Local Codes

The water well professional will help you determine if the well meets the state codes of sitting 12 inches above the ground. Have a plumber repair any holes and cracks before moving to the new home. The professional will also help in checking the quality of the water. This is the safety and purity of the water, PH, presence of minerals, and hardness of the water. If they find any contamination, they should clean and purify well.

Should I Buy a Home With an Old Well

Well, many American homes have old wells, which can serve you for a while when well maintained. The water well inspector will advise you on any repairs and inspections that the plumber should do before you move into the new home. If you are thinking of buying a new home but has an old well, don't hesitate to contact us today and we will advise you accordingly. Do not rush into buying a house without a proper inspection


a close up of frost on a window with trees in the background
By Nick Roppo 01 Dec, 2023
As the golden leaves of fall give way to the frosty whispers of winter in Connecticut, it’s time to shift our focus to the unsung heroes of our homes: our plumbing systems. With the crisp chill in the air serving as a gentle reminder, homeowners are encouraged to perform these essential plumbing checks to ensure a warm, comfortable, and hassle-free winter season.  1. Insulate Your Pipes: The First Line of Defense Against the Cold The plummeting temperatures of Connecticut winters are notorious for freezing pipes, a situation no homeowner ever wants to face. To counter this, inspect all exposed pipes in areas like the basement, attic, and under kitchen and bathroom sinks. Foam pipe insulation, a readily available and cost-effective solution, can be your first line of defense. Remember, even the smallest pipe can cause an upheaval if frozen, so leave no pipe behind! 2. Drain and Disconnect Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures Outdoor plumbing is often the first casualty of freezing temperatures. Start by draining garden hoses and, if possible, store them indoors. Shut off the valves to outdoor faucets and drain them to prevent any remaining water from freezing and expanding, which can lead to cracks and leaks. This simple step can save you from unexpected repairs come spring. 3. Give Your Water Heater a Wellness Check A chilly Connecticut winter morning without hot water is a dire situation indeed. Your water heater works overtime during the colder months, so ensuring its efficiency before winter is crucial. Flush out the tank to remove sediment buildup, which can hamper efficiency and shorten the lifespan of your heater. If your water heater is older than 10 years, consider consulting a professional to assess its condition. Remember, an efficient water heater is not just about comfort; it’s also about cost-effectiveness. 4. Clear Your Gutters and Drainage Paths While not directly part of your indoor plumbing, gutters and external drainage systems play a vital role in protecting your home’s foundation and structure from water damage. Ensuring these are clear of leaves, twigs, and debris will prevent water buildup and ice dams, which can lead to more significant issues like roof leaks and foundation damage. 5. Know Your Home: Locate Your Main Water Valve In the unfortunate event of a pipe bursting, time is of the essence. Knowing the location of your main water shut-off valve can avert a minor mishap from turning into a major catastrophe. This knowledge is particularly crucial for those chilly mornings when a frozen pipe suddenly bursts. A quick response can significantly reduce the extent of water damage. Conclusion: A Stitch in Time Saves Nine Taking proactive steps to winterize your plumbing can save you from the headache of dealing with emergency repairs in the dead of winter. Remember, these checks not only protect your plumbing but also contribute to the overall health and longevity of your home. And, should you encounter any issues beyond your expertise, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber. After all, peace of mind in knowing your home is prepared for the winter chill is priceless. As the adage goes, “A stitch in time saves nine,” and this couldn’t be more true when it comes to preparing your home’s plumbing for the Connecticut winter. So, as you enjoy the last of the autumn hues, make a plan to give your plumbing system the attention it deserves. Your future self, comfortably sipping hot cocoa in a warm, leak-free home, will thank you.
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As the vibrant leaves of autumn give way to the stark, frosty landscapes of winter, homeowners in Connecticut face a unique set of challenges. Among these, the risk of frozen pipes stands as a silent adversary, waiting to strike in the coldest months. This comprehensive guide is dedicated to helping you, the savvy homeowner, navigate the complexities of winterizing your plumbing system. Our aim? To ensure that when Jack Frost comes knocking, your home's pipes remain unfazed, safeguarding your cozy abode from the grip of winter's chill.
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