A private well is an important part of any home or property. Before buying or selling a property with a private well, a professional property transfer well inspection can help identify potential code-compliance issues, concerns with the well and pressure system, and possible water-quality concerns.

At Red Cedar Well Service, we provide professional property transfer well inspections to help buyers, sellers, real estate professionals, and lenders understand the condition and compliance of a private well system.

Wisconsin does not require a well inspection simply because a property is being sold. However, when a property transfer well inspection is performed, Wisconsin law requires the inspection to be conducted by an appropriately licensed water well driller or licensed pump installer.

Property transfer well inspections are conducted in accordance with NR 812, Wisconsin Administrative Code, which contains Wisconsin's well and pump regulations. The inspector uses the Wisconsin DNR's required Property Transfer Well and Pressure System Inspection Form #3300-221 to document the inspection results.

During a property transfer well inspection, we evaluate visible and accessible components of the well and pressure system and look for features that may not comply with applicable Wisconsin well and pump requirements.

Depending on the property and well system, the inspection may include evaluation of:

• Well cap or seal
• Well casing and visible casing height
• Well location and potential contamination sources
• Separation distances and potential flooding concerns
• Well pump installation
• Pressure tank and pressure system
• Pump wiring and wellhead electrical components
• Sample faucet
• Water supply piping
• Yard hydrants and other well-system components
• Well pits, alcoves, or other potentially noncomplying installations
• Possible unused or abandoned wells on the property
• Other visible features addressed by NR 812

Some conditions, such as casing depth or buried components, cannot be fully evaluated during a visual inspection without additional investigation, records, or excavation.

As part of a Wisconsin property transfer well inspection, required water samples are collected and submitted to a certified laboratory. For drinking-water wells, Wisconsin DNR requires testing for coliform bacteria, nitrate, and arsenic.

Additional water testing may also be recommended depending on the property, location, or concerns identified during the inspection.

You will receive the completed inspection documentation and water-test results. The inspection identifies whether observed features comply with the applicable requirements of NR 812 and whether additional research may be needed.

If a noncomplying condition is found, that does not automatically mean the property cannot be sold. Wisconsin does not require a well to be brought into compliance simply to complete a property transfer. The buyer and seller can determine how corrective work will be handled, although a lender may have additional requirements.

If corrective work is needed, Red Cedar Well Service can help identify the problem and discuss possible solutions.

A well inspection can uncover problems before they become a surprise during the real estate transaction. Whether you're buying a home, selling a property, building a new home, or need an existing well evaluated, we're here to help.

Red Cedar Well Service
Professional Well & Pump Service
715-690-9979

Serving Colfax, Menomonie, and surrounding Wisconsin communities.

Need a Wisconsin property transfer well inspection? Call Red Cedar Well Service today at 715-690-9979.