What Is a Well Inspection and Do You Need One When Buying a Home in New Hampshire?

🏡 What Is a Well Inspection and Do You Need One When Buying a Home in New Hampshire?

Many homes in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Dorchester, Ashland, Holderness, and throughout Central NH rely on private wells instead of public water.

That makes a well inspection and water test one of the most important parts of the home-buying process.

Here’s everything buyers need to know about wells in New Hampshire.

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What Is a Well Inspection?

A well inspection evaluates the condition, safety, and performance of a home’s private water supply system.

A typical inspection covers:

✔ Well pump

✔ Pressure tank

✔ Electrical components

✔ Flow rate (how fast the well produces water)

✔ Water pressure

✔ Overall system functionality

✔ Visual condition of piping and connections

The goal is to ensure the well can provide clean, safe, and consistent water to the home.

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What Is a Water Test?

In addition to the mechanical inspection, buyers should also test the water quality.

A New Hampshire water test often checks for:

💧 Bacteria (coliform & E. coli)

💧 Arsenic

💧 Lead

💧 Nitrates/Nitrites

💧 pH levels

💧 Iron & manganese

💧 Hardness

💧 Uranium (in some areas)

Water quality varies across Central NH due to geology and soil composition, so a full test is essential.

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Do You Need a Well Inspection in NH?

👉 Yes — absolutely.

Because many homes in Central NH rely on older wells or rural systems, a well inspection protects you from:

❌ Low water flow

❌ Failed pumps

❌ Contaminated water

❌ High arsenic levels

❌ Iron staining

❌ Costly unexpected repairs

A failing well can cost thousands to replace.

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How Much Does a Well Inspection Cost in Central NH?

General pricing:

💰 Well inspection: $200–$400

💰 Full water quality test: $150–$350

💰 Flow test: Often included, sometimes $50–$100 extra

For the peace of mind, the cost is worth it.

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What Happens If the Well Fails Inspection?

Depending on what’s found, you may:

✔ Request repairs

✔ Negotiate credits

✔ Install filtration or treatment systems

✔ Ask the seller to fix the issue

✔ Back out (if you have a contingency)

Common fixes include water softeners, arsenic systems, UV filtration, and pump replacements.

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Q&A

Q: How long does a well inspection take?

A: Typically 1–2 hours, depending on whether a water sample is sent to a lab.

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Keywords

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About the Author

🏡 What Is a Septic Pumping Schedule and How Often Should NH Homeowners Pump?

For many homes in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, and rural parts of Central NH, septic systems are the norm — not the exception.

Keeping your septic system healthy starts with a regular pumping schedule.

Here’s how often NH homeowners should pump and why it matters.

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How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped in NH?

Most New Hampshire homes should pump their septic tank every:

✔ 2–3 years for average households

✔ Every year for large families or heavy water usage

✔ Every 4–5 years for seasonal/low-use properties

Tank size, number of occupants, and water usage heavily affect the schedule.

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What Happens If You Don’t Pump Frequently Enough?

Delaying septic pumping can lead to:

⚠ Backups into the home

⚠ Drainfield failure

⚠ Slow drains and gurgling

⚠ Expensive repairs ($10,000–$25,000+)

NH homes with high water tables or older systems are especially vulnerable.

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What Affects Septic Pumping Frequency?

In Central NH, factors include:

✔ Number of people in the home

✔ Tank size

✔ Age of the system

✔ Garbage disposal use

✔ Well water vs. city water (well water often increases sediment)

✔ Soil conditions and drainage

If you don’t know the last pump date, assume it’s overdue.

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Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping

Watch for:

⚠ Standing water near the tank or drainfield

⚠ Slow sinks or showers

⚠ Foul smells outdoors

⚠ Toilets bubbling when running water

⚠ Lush green grass over the drainfield

These warning signs can indicate the system is nearing failure.

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Q&A

Q: Can NH buyers request septic pumping before closing?

A: Yes — many buyers negotiate pumping or inspection during the due diligence period.

Q: Does pumping fix all septic issues?

A: No. Pumping maintains the tank, but drainfield issues often require separate repairs.

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Keywords

nh septic pumping schedule, new hampshire septic maintenance, plymouth nh septic systems, campton nh home buying, rumney nh septic care, thornton nh septic tank tips, central nh real estate guide

Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent

58 NH Route 25A

Wentworth, NH 03282

P: (857) 249-7392

W: www.JimJohnsonRealEstateAgent.com

Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services

Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com

Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com