Wells in SFH

[Mark Forest]

I want some opinions from those of you with houses with wells. After some experience I have to say that having a well in your house is like taking on an additional mini water procurement and treatment factory in addition to all the other things that goes on in a house. It starts with the pump which can go bad given all the moving parts, and the fact that it is worked every day. Next you must have either an expensive water softener system installed or go with a few hundred dollar single unit. There is a lot involved and the tenant has to remember to put in salt. The cheaper unit will probably have to be replaced after a few years. In addition you have to have a large holding tank for the water and I have been told that those do not last forever either. In my experience even if everything is working fine the water may still cause yellow stains on sinks and tubs.

I have also noticed that houses with wells are by definition in areas with a high water table, so your crawl space or basement will also have water issues. I have been told that wells can be a positive thing since you can advertise your house as having “free water.” I am starting to think that is not worth it. Have I just had bad luck or have any of you noticed problems? I thank you in advance for all input.