What a well inspection checks
A well inspection usually has two parts. A water test checks for bacteria (coliform and E. coli) and nitrates, and often other things that depend on the area, such as arsenic, lead or radon. A system check looks at the pump, pressure tank, well cap and casing, and sometimes how much water the well delivers. Some loans require a passing water test before closing.
What a septic inspection checks
A septic inspection looks at the tank, its baffles and the drain field. A full inspection usually pumps the tank so the inspector can see inside. Ask when the tank was last pumped; many systems need it every three to five years. Some counties require a septic inspection when a home is sold, so check with the local health department.
How Joysts helps
Upload the well and septic reports with your home inspection. Joysts keeps the inspector's findings with their pages, and you can ask plain questions like "did the water test pass?" or "when should the tank be pumped next?" and see where the answer came from. After closing, the reports stay on your home record. Joysts explains your reports; it does not test water or inspect systems.
ExampleA farmhouse in rural Ohio: water test, septic and home inspection
- Water test
- Total coliform: present. E. coli: absent.Lab report, page 2
- Septic
- Outlet baffle missing; tank last pumped in 2019, per the sellerSeptic report, page 3
- Safety, from your inspector
- Knob-and-tube wiring still in use in the atticHome inspection, page 22
- Safety, from your inspector
- Fuel-oil tank in the basement is rusted at the legsHome inspection, page 18
Start your own home record.
Upload your inspection report. Joysts puts your inspector's safety items first, links each finding to its page, and answers your questions from the report. Free to start.
Start free →Common questions
Does a home inspection include the well and septic?
Often only a quick look. Most buyers order a separate water test and septic inspection. Ask your home inspector what their report covers.
Who pays for well and septic inspections?
It depends on the contract and the local custom. Your agent can tell you what is usual where you are buying.