The minimum I need to complete the well evaluation is access to the inside of the house and power to the water well allowing running water to sample the well, usually at the kitchen sink. If the house has been vacant for a while, I will run the well several pump cycles to sample fresh well water, while occupying the house. If the well is winterized, I can dewinterize the well to the bladder tank sample tap, flush the well and sample, then rewinterize the bladder tank. This takes additional time and does cost $75.00. Running the water while no one is occupying the house risks flooding due to pipe bursts and unknown leaks. NEVER RUN A WELL AND FILL A PLUMBING SYSTEM UNATTENDED!

The general rule-of-thumb for any septic tank is to pump a minimum of every 3 years. It is not required by any county to pump prior to the evaluation, if the county is not doing the inspection. I open the tank to evaluate the condition of the tank before recommending the tank be pumped, as there are many interrelating factors that contribute to whether spending money to pump a tank is needed.

A conservative estimate of time is 5 business days with a cost of $285.00 avg., which includes record requests, uncovering/covering, evaluating, sampling of the well, and report generation and delivery. Maintenance or repair recommendations that are required may affect price and turn-around time.

The Barry-Eaton DHD TOST Program requires additional fees and time (see "Pricing" page). Also, other selected services may result in lower prices.

Generally, I like to receive payment at completion of service. If the closing is to occur in 15 days or less, I can wait until closing. If the closing is beyond that, I need payment at completion of service. For Barry or Eaton County evaluations under the TOST program, I need the Tost fee asap to submit information to BEDHD for their TOST letter to be produced prior to closing. Barry or Eaton County evaluations require payment at completion of service so I can pay the fee and submit info prior to closing.