Septic & Well Inspection Checklist | Rural Acreage Buyer’s Guide

💧 Septic & Well Inspection Checklist

Well Inspection Checklist

Planning to purchase an acreage near Calgary or in Southern Alberta? Understanding your **septic system** and **well water supply** is essential before closing on a rural property. Use this simple checklist to make sure your dream home doesn't come with costly surprises.

✅ Step-by-Step Septic & Well Inspection Checklist

  1. Request System Info: Ask the seller for the age, maintenance records, and design of the well and septic system.
  2. Schedule a Professional Inspection: Hire certified Alberta inspectors for both systems—some home inspectors won’t include them.
  3. Test the Well Water: Check for bacteria, nitrates, and heavy metals through an accredited lab or your home inspector’s water kit.
  4. Perform a Flow Rate Test: A reliable well should deliver at least 5 GPM (gallons per minute).
  5. Pump-Out & Tank Inspection: Ensure the septic tank is pumped and visually inspected (lid removed) for cracks or backups.
  6. Examine the Drain Field: Watch for surface pooling, odours, or spongy ground—all potential red flags.
  7. Review Local Bylaws: Some counties have setback requirements or special rules for older septic systems.

🚩 Common Red Flags to Watch For

  • ✔️ Rotten egg smell = hydrogen sulfide in well water
  • ✔️ Stains or sediment = high iron or poor filtration
  • ✔️ Frequent backups or pooling = potential drain field failure
  • ✔️ No maintenance records = high risk for costly repairs
  • ✔️ Concrete tank over 30 years old = may need replacement

🛠️ Recommended Well & Septic Inspectors

Ask Diane Richardson for trusted referrals in your area. We work with experienced, licensed inspectors in each of these counties:

📄 Sample Inspection Report Includes:

  • ✅ Septic tank size, type, and condition
  • ✅ Drain field location and saturation risk
  • ✅ Well pump depth, recovery rate, and pressure readings
  • ✅ Water test results and filtration recommendations
  • ✅ Recommendations for immediate or future maintenance

📌 Bonus Tip: Include a Septic & Well Condition Clause in Your Offer

When submitting an offer, work with your REALTOR®—Diane Richardson—to include subject-to conditions for water potability and septic functionality. This protects you from taking on hidden repair costs.

🔗 More Acreage Buying Resources

Brought to you by Diane Richardson — a trusted REALTOR® with over 15 years of experience helping acreage buyers in Southern Alberta navigate land, water, and septic regulations.

Visit AlbertaTownandCountry.com for more acreage buyer guides and listings by county.

Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS®System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™.
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