Well Pump Flow Testing

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Standard 2-hour well flow productivity test being performed on a private well to satisfy lender requirements for FHA, VA and USDA loans

WELL PUMP FLOW TESTING

Simplified Well System Inspection & Well Pump Flow Test - This is a non-invasive, visual and measurement test, only. Systems are not dismantled. Existing, in-place systems and components at time of inspection were inspected without modification or adjustments.

What the Test Is:

The well pump flow test will give an estimate of what the private well system produces at the fixtures. This end production is affected by the well, water pump, water tank, pump controls, supply piping, height of the building, strainers, and the condition of the fixtures. This well pump flow test will tell you what the average flow rate is at your water supply fixtures and will tell you if it meets any minimum requirements that may exist for your transaction. This well inspection should determine adequacy of the systems pressure, flow rate, and minimum yield for at least one fixture on the date of the inspection. 

Well pump tests performed by Details Home Inspections, LLC. will give you a reference point to help you decide if further, more in-depth testing of the well, its depth, pumping equipment, water tanks and appurtenant systems and components should be done by a specialist.

When the well pump flow test is running, we're taking lots of water out of the system, the well pump will usually run continuously. If the well pump is running continuously, and if pressure is not fluctuating, then all of the pump output is going to the building fixtures and a reasonable estimate of the flow-rate capacity of the water supply system - that is, an estimate of the capability of the well pump to send up water - can be made. However, this estimate is impacted by a number of variables, such as, the size/type of fixtures, strainers, faucets, pipe diameters, pipe clogs, the buildings distribution piping and the pump size, pressure tank, and water storage tank.

Details Home Inspections, provide the apparent general condition of any visible pump, pressure tank, storage tank and appurtenant components at the time of inspection and report these items to you. Well pump tests performed by Details Home Inspections, will give you a reference point to help you decide if further, more in-depth testing of the well, its depth, pumping equipment, water tanks and appurtenant systems and components should be done a specialist.

What the Test is Not:

The well pump flow testing done by Details Home Inspections, is not a total yield test, recovery test, or draw-down test, but a more simplified volume/flow capacity test. This well flow test will not tell you the total per-minute production capability of your well before it no longer supplies water (draw-down). The test will not tell you when the well was drilled, how deep the well is, the make, model or size of a submersible pump. It will not give the age of any well casing, pump, pressure tank, storage tank and appurtenant components at the time of inspection. The test does not use a commercial pump that is capable of pulling water out of the well faster than it flows into the well. This test does not test water quality (Unless requested for additional testing). The test does not make any guaranty or warranty, either stated or implied on water quality, age, workmanship, or life expectancy on any items or components inspected. This well inspection does not guarantee that the well system will always produce enough water for the occupants and desired use of the property.

Well pump flow test sellers notice. We will be conducting a well flow test lasting 2 or more hours. There is possibility of component damage. Please inform sellers and get permission prior to inspection date.

PROVIDING WELL PUMP FLOW TESTING AND WELL INSPECTION SERVICES NEAR ME:

  • Southwest Washington - Clark County, Cowlitz, Lewis and Surrounding areas

    Vancouver - Battle Ground - Camas - Washougal - Ridgefield - Woodland - La Center - Longview - Kelso - Kalama - Brush Prairie - Hockinson - Hazel Dell - Salmon Creek - Felida - Cascade Park - Stevenson - Carson - Orchards - Yacolt

  • Portland OR - Clackamas County, Multnomah, Washington and surrounding areas

    Clackamas - Happy Valley - Milwaukie - Oregon City - Boring - Damascus - Gresham - Sandy - Troutdale - West Linn - Lake Oswego - Gladstone - Canby - Estacada - Welches - Beaverton - Tigard - Hillsboro - Tualatin - Sherwood - Wilsonville

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and schedule.

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  • Most lenders, including FHA and Va, typically require a minimum well flow rate of 3 to 5 gallon per minute (GPM) sustained over a 2 to 4 hour period. If your well produces less than this, it may require a large storage tank system to meet household demand. Details Home Inspections preforms simplified flow capacity tests to ensure your well meets these specific lender benchmarks for Clark and Multnomah County properties.

  • Areas like Battle Ground, Ridgefield, and Hockinson have varied geology that can lead to fluctuating water tables. As more rural properties are developed, the demand on local aquifers increases. A well flow test gives you information for your specific well, that it is producing at a sustainable rate compared to the current demand of the Clark County region.

  • While the Oregon Domestic Well Testing Act focuses on primarily on water quality (Arsenic, Nitrates, Total Coliform, E. Coli), most rural lenders in Oregon still require a flow test to prove the property is habitable. Details Home Inspections provides dual-state testing that satisfies both Oregon’s quality laws and your lender’s quantity requirements. We can help buyers and sellers with this part of the transaction.

  • Bundling a well pump flow test with a home inspection and water quality testing typically saves you $250 to $400 compared to hiring a separate well contractor. Because we are already on-site for the property inspection, we eliminate the high “trip fees” associated with specialized well companies in the Portland-Vancouver area.

  • Yes, bundling a Well Pump Flow Test with your Water Quality testing and Home Inspection is the most efficient way to evaluate a rural property. This “Single-Visit” approach ensures that while we are checking the home’s structure, we are also verifying that the well pump is healthy and the water is safe for consumption. Bundling these services through Details Home Inspections saves you hundreds in separate “trip fees” from plumbing specialist or well contractors.