Selling A House With Bacteria In the Well Water

Published on April 3rd, 2023

Having clean drinking water is vital to human life. We use water to clean, cook, and nourish our bodies every day. A working water system, including regular water testing, is important for all homeowners - especially those who rely on well water. What can you do then if you're looking to sell your home with bacteria in the well water?

Bacterial contamination in your private well is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly when selling a home. If your water supply has tested positive for bacteria or other contaminants, what steps can you take to secure potential buyers for your home?

Throughout the course of this article, we will offer helpful suggestions for dealing with contaminated water, including what potential homebuyers will be looking for and different ways you can go about selling your house without getting a new well.

Selling To A Real Estate Investor That Specializes In Homes With A Private Well And Water Issues

Private wells are essential for homes without access to city water in rural areas around the nation, primarily found in New England states like New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont. State law requires that private wells can pass an inspection test prior to a sale. This ensures that new owners of the property also have access to not only enough water but clean drinking water as well.

If your home has water problems, a good option might be to sell your home to a real estate investor. Investors might not have the same level of concern as a normal buyer would regarding levels of contamination and be able to make the needed repairs efficiently before renting the home out or reselling it for a profit.

Selling Your Home With Water System Issues Through A Real Estate Agent On The MLS

Selling a house with bacteria in the well water using a real estate agent is still possible with proper disclosure. First things first, you should order a well test in line with the local health department to see what type of bacteria or other contaminants you're dealing with from water samples of your water supply system.

Some common things you might find in private water tests include:

• Arsenic

• Chlorine

• Lead

• Coliform bacteria

• Copper

• Radon

• Nitrate

All of these can cause a variety of health problems ranging from gastrointestinal illnesses all the way to reproductive issues and are especially dangerous to women, the elderly, and children.

During a home inspection, many buyers will request that a test or multiple tests are done on the water to check for the above common contaminants. Living near a ledge or other natural resources like a forest can affect what type of runoff gets into your surface water - something private well owners should consider when buying or selling a home with well water.

Selling your house off market to a private buyer is another way to sell a home with contaminated drinking water. These buyers still might water to test the groundwater to see if it is drinkable or to get an idea about what kind of work might need to be done.

Private buyers will still have concerns regarding the contamination source, the casing depth of the well pipes to prevent backflow, the costs associated with the process of fixing the contamination, and if the well is in a good location.

Selling Your Home With Contaminated Well Water Present At An Auction

After conducting the appropriate water testing for drinking water from your tap, you will want to review the results with a professional. Suppose the professionals agree that you need more than a quick, simple fix to resolve and maintain the issue of contamination. In that case, you might want to consider selling your home at an auction. 

At the auction, a potential buyer will go in knowing there are issues with the well water and that they shouldn't drink from the tap. This knowledge will affect their offering price to you during the auction to offset the costs associated with potential repairs to the well. 

If you're thinking of buying a home with a contaminated well, check out this reliable source for information on getting rid of contaminants without drilling a new well. 

Selling To A Local Home Buying Company

Local home buying companies go into a home purchase knowing they won't be paying full market value due to issues that are expensive to repair, including a private well that needs updating. You will also avoid a home inspection and collection of water samples/testing by potential buyers of your property!

Wells are notorious for having pump issues, low water pressure, and being easily contaminated - so this will come as no surprise to a home buying company.

If you wish to sell your home with well water to a home-buying company, be aware that they will make the needed repairs and most likely sell your home for a profit within months - so don't be shocked when you see it online again!

Owning a home with a well can be easy, or it can be difficult due to impurities in the well water, unsafe drinking water, and issues with the pump - all of this really depends on who installed your well and the location of the well on your property.

Once you have had your well water properly tested for coliform bacteria, radon, lead, etc., and know what issue you're dealing with, you can make the choice that is right for your situation regarding repairs and sale methods. Keep in mind that as a buyer, if you are purchasing a home with a well water issue, you should regularly test the system and keep testing for signs of concern in the drinking water. Maintained wells are safe wells.