Planning to buy a home this fall in the Greater Seattle and South Puget Sound area? -Aaron Miriello

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What to Look for When Buying or Selling Land with a Private or Shared Well

    When buying or selling land with a well, it’s crucial to understand the distinctions between private and shared wells, the responsibilities associated with each, and the basics of well maintenance. This knowledge helps ensure a smooth transaction and prevents potential issues. Private Wells vs. Shared Wells Private Wells: Ownership and Control: A private well is owned and maintained by the property owner. This means the owner has full control over the water source and is solely responsible for its maintenance and any associated costs. Maintenance Responsibilities: The owner must regularly test the water quality, maintain the well, and handle any necessary repairs or replacements. Pros and Cons: Private wells offer independence from municipal water sources and can be more cost-effective in the long run. However, they require ongoing maintenance and upfront installation costs. Shared Wells: Ownership and Agreements: Shared wells serve multiple properties and typically have a legally binding agreement outlining the responsibilities and cost-sharing arrangements for maintenance and repairs. Maintenance Responsibilities: All users of a shared well must adhere to the agreement, which usually includes sharing the costs of water testing, maintenance, and repairs. Pros and Cons: Shared wells can reduce individual costs and provide a reliable water source for multiple properties. However, they require cooperation among users and clear agreements to prevent disputes. Well Pump Maintenance and Replacement Well pumps are essential for drawing water from the well to the surface. Proper maintenance ensures a steady water supply and extends the pump's lifespan. Maintenance Tips: Regular Inspections: Schedule annual inspections to check for wear and tear, proper functioning, and any signs of issues. Preventive Measures: Keep the area around the well clean and clear of contaminants. Avoid using chemicals near the well that could seep into the water supply. Signs of Problems: Be aware of signs like decreased water pressure, unusual noises, or air in the water lines, which may indicate pump issues. Replacement: Lifespan: Well pumps typically last around 8-15 years, depending on usage and maintenance. If the pump is frequently breaking down or inefficient, it might be time for a replacement. Professional Help: Always hire a professional for pump installation and significant repairs to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. Water Testing Regular water testing is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of your well water. Testing Frequency: Annual Testing: Test your well water at least once a year for common contaminants. After Repairs or Changes: Test the water after any major repairs or changes to the well system. If You Notice Changes: Test immediately if you notice changes in water taste, odor, color, or if there are any health concerns. What to Test For: Bacteria: Check for coliform bacteria and E. coli, which can indicate contamination. Nitrates: High nitrate levels can be harmful, especially for infants and pregnant women. pH Levels: Ensure the water’s pH is within a safe range to prevent corrosion and other issues. Heavy Metals: Test for metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury, which can pose serious health risks. Other Contaminants: Depending on your location, you may also need to test for pesticides, radon, and other local contaminants. Who Should Perform the Tests and Maintenance? Water Testing: Hire a certified laboratory or a professional water testing service to ensure accurate results. Local health departments often provide recommendations for reputable testing services. Well Maintenance and Repairs: Employ licensed well contractors or professional plumbers who specialize in well systems. Regular inspections and maintenance by professionals help ensure the well’s longevity and functionality. The Problems You May Run Into with a Well and Options for Treating Them Hard Water Impact: Hard water, affecting 85% of the U.S. population with wells, can drain color from clothes, dry out skin, cause flaky hair, clog pipes, and leave stains on sinks and bathtubs. Solution: Installing a water softener system can mitigate these issues. An eco-friendlier option is a salt-free water softener system, which removes radium and barium from the water. Nitrates Source: High concentrations of nitrates can result from animal manure, agricultural fertilizers, and decomposing plants near the well, especially in shallow sand and gravel aquifers. Health Risks: Nitrates are tasteless, colorless, and odorless, requiring testing to detect. They pose significant health risks, particularly to infants. Boiling water concentrates nitrates instead of removing them. Solution: Depending on the nitrate concentration, a deeper well might be necessary. Bacteria Indicators: Bacteria in well water can cause diseases. Signs include fishy or earthy tastes and slime build-up in toilet tanks. Solution: Chlorine treatments can eliminate bacteria from the well system. Tannins Appearance: Tannins, resulting from decomposing vegetation, give water a yellow or brown tint. Solution: Remove visible vegetation from the wellhead and install a water purification system to clear the water. Sulfide and Methane Gases Issues: Sulfide smells like rotten eggs, and methane is odorless but can cause pipes to hammer and spit gas when the faucet is turned on. Solution: Addressing these gases involves additional care for your water heater. Understanding the differences between private and shared wells, knowing your maintenance responsibilities, and regularly testing your water are essential steps in managing a well on your property. Whether buying or selling land, being informed about these aspects ensures a safer and more efficient water supply for all parties involved. Tips You Don't Want to Miss Turn Your Well Water Woes into Water Wows! Protect Your Water: Elevate the Well: Ensure the top of the well is at least one foot above the ground level to prevent contamination. Manage Runoff: Redirect water runoff from roads, driveways, and roofs away from the well to reduce the risk of pollutants entering the water supply. Keep Hazards Away: Store hazardous materials and potential pollutants far from the well to maintain water purity. Protect Your Well: Inspect Regularly: Check the well cap for cracks, corrosion, loose wires, settling, or other signs of damage. Regular inspections can help prevent problems. Avoid Physical Damage: Be careful not to bump the well with lawn mowers, snowplows, or other equipment. Avoid piling snow, leaves, or other

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Why Now Might Be the Best Time to Buy a House

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