Wells

I just showed a home where the sellers had disclosed that "they didn't know of any wells on the property". Well (no pun intended), there was a well on the property and after calling the state, we found out the well had been properly sealed.

When selling a property, a well needs either to be:
- operational and in use
- sealed
- or have a maintenance permit issued for the well to be put back into use

Wells that are no longer being used are required to be sealed by a licensed well contractor mainly to protect the underground aquifers from contamination by anything being dropped or poured down the well pipe. Well sealing can easily cost upwards of $1000 so you need to know what to look for.

Wells are often in the lower level of the home, in a corner near the furnace or water heater or they are in a small closet under the front or rear step. Look for a glass block in the step (from the outside of the home) or a door or other entrance into the small closet-like area in the basement.

You can also go to the state's website: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/wells/index.html or call the state at 800-383-9808.

If the property has a well, ensure there's a well-sealing record on file with the state and that the sellers complete the well-disclosure forms including a map showing well location.