West of I-95, around Callahan, Hilliard and Bryceville, a lot of homes get their water from a private well. If you are buying one of them with an FHA or VA loan, your lender will almost always ask for a water test before closing. Here is what to know so it does not hold up your purchase.
What the lender is looking for
The standard test checks for:
- Total coliform bacteria, a sign that surface water or other contamination may be getting into the well
- E. coli, a specific bacteria that points to contamination from waste
- Nitrates and nitrites, which can come from fertilizer or septic systems
- Lead, which can come from older plumbing materials
If the results come back clean, you send them to your lender and move on. If they do not, you have time to talk with the seller about treatment or disinfection and re-testing before you are committed.
The timing problem
The Nassau County Health Department tests private wells, and it is a good, affordable option. The catch is time. The state lab it uses is often backed up, and results can take two to four weeks. Most purchase contracts give you around 15 days or less for inspections. If the water results arrive after your inspection period has ended, you have lost some of your ability to negotiate.
That is why I offer FHA and VA water testing with results in about four business days. If you have the time to wait, the health department is a perfectly good choice. If you are on a contract clock, faster results take the pressure off.
Do it during the home inspection
The easiest way is to have the sample taken during your home inspection, so you only need one appointment and the results come back while you are still reading your inspection report. If the property is a manufactured home, ask about the engineer-signed foundation certification at the same time, since FHA, VA and USDA loans usually require that too.
A few tips
- Tell your lender up front that the home is on a well, so the water test is on the list from day one.
- Ask the seller whether the well has had any recent repairs, treatment or a new pump.
- Do not shock-chlorinate a well right before the test unless you have been told to; it can affect the result.
Ready to schedule? Read more about well water testing, book online, or call or text me at 904-321-9121.