For well inspections, I recommend using a local well driller, not just a general inspector. Their experience in this area matters. They understand local groundwater conditions, how different well systems are constructed, what normal performance looks like, and what options may be available if a well isn’t performing as well as we’d like.

They’re also very good at explaining the system to buyers in plain language — what the well is doing now, what maintenance it may need, and what solutions could be considered if there are concerns with flow, pressure or water quality.

Generally, we have good groundwater in the Water Valley area. It can be a little hard, some wells have iron, and occasionally the flow rate is lower than we would ideally like. Depending on the issue, solutions may include things like a water softener, charcoal filtration, shocking the well, air lifting, cisterns or, in some cases, re-drilling.

Older wells, just like older septic systems, come with no guarantees. A well can test and perform well during an inspection and still require work later. Shocking or air lifting can sometimes improve performance by cleaning out buildup, but results vary and ongoing maintenance may still be required.

One thing I really like about well water is its simplicity: it comes straight from the ground to your home. You decide whether you want to soften it, filter it or leave it largely as-is. There’s something pretty comforting about knowing exactly where your water is coming from.

As long as there is water, my local well contractor usually has a solution for how to make it work for your household.

When I recommend a septic inspection, I prefer to use an experienced septic installer, not someone who only performs inspections. An installer has hands-on knowledge of how these systems are designed, how they should function, and what signs may indicate that a system is no longer operating the way it was intended.

They can look at more than just whether the system is working on the day of the inspection. They can assess the components, installation, drainage and overall condition with the perspective of someone who actually repairs and installs septic systems.

That said, there are no guarantees with an older septic system. A system may continue working well for another 20 years, or it could fail shortly after you purchase the property, even if it inspected well at the time. The purpose of the inspection is to gather as much information as possible so you can make an informed decision about what you are buying.

Rural property always comes with a few unknowns — my job is to help you uncover as many of them as we reasonably can before you buy.