Private Well Inspection: What to Check and When
A practical walkthrough of visual well checks you can do yourself and the deeper inspection items that belong to a licensed professional.
Quick Answer
Inspect your wellhead at least once a year and after any flooding, nearby construction, or change in water quality. You can do a visual surface check yourself, but hire a licensed well contractor for pump, pressure tank, and down-hole evaluation, plus annual bacteria and nitrate testing.
What a well inspection covers
A well inspection combines a visual check of the wellhead and surrounding area with a technical review of the pump, pressure tank, and water quality. The goal is to catch contamination pathways and mechanical problems before they affect your water. Appearance alone never tells you whether water is safe, so inspection and testing go hand in hand.
Homeowner visual check
- 1Confirm the casing extends about 12 inches above grade and the ground slopes away from it (per local code).
- 2Check that the well cap is intact, tightly sealed, and vented with an intact screen.
- 3Look for cracks, corrosion, or missing caulk where wiring enters the casing.
- 4Clear debris, brush, and standing water from around the wellhead.
- 5Note the distance to septic systems, fuel tanks, livestock, and chemical storage.
Leave the technical work to pros
| Task | Homeowner | Licensed pro |
|---|---|---|
| Wellhead visual check | Yes | Yes |
| Water testing (bacteria, nitrate) | Collect sample | Lab/field analysis |
| Pump and pressure tank check | No | Yes |
| Flow and yield testing | No | Yes |
| Down-hole camera inspection | No | Yes |
Keep a simple printable checklist with the inspection date, what you observed, and any test results. A running record makes it far easier to spot slow changes year over year and gives a contractor useful history when something goes wrong.
Frequently asked questions
- How often should I have my well inspected?
- Do a visual wellhead check and test for bacteria and nitrate at least once a year, and schedule a professional evaluation if you notice changes in taste, smell, color, flow, or after any flooding or nearby construction.
- Can I inspect my own well?
- You can safely do a surface visual check of the cap, casing, and surrounding area. Opening electrical connections or pulling equipment should be left to a licensed well contractor.
Sources & references
- Private Ground Water Wells — CDC, accessed October 29, 2026
- Protect Your Home’s Water: Private Wells — US EPA, accessed October 29, 2026
This guide is documentary research and general information, not a laboratory analysis or professional assessment of your specific well. See our disclaimer.