How Do You Really Know If Your Well and Septic System Are Working Properly?

Most homeowners assume that if the water runs clear and the toilets flush, everything must be fine. But what you can’t see is often what matters most.

We’ve seen it all — from wells running dry under stress to septic systems quietly failing underground.

That’s why a true evaluation takes more than just a “look around.”

A Real Well & Septic Inspection Story

Not long ago, I inspected a property north of Pittsburgh where the buyer asked,

“Can’t we just run the water for a few minutes and call it good?”

That’s a common question — and a fair one.

But when we ran our 2-hour flow rate test, the well started strong, then dropped pressure halfway through. The pump was working overtime, and the recovery rate couldn’t keep up.

If we had stopped early, that buyer would have inherited a costly surprise just a few months later.Instead, the seller had time to make repairs before closing — saving everyone a lot of stress (and thousands of dollars).

That’s the difference a comprehensive well and septic inspection makes.

What Makes Keystone Castle Inspections Different

At Keystone Castle Inspections, we don’t just check boxes.We test, measure, and verify — because your water system isn’t just plumbing, it’s health and infrastructure combined.

Here’s what we do differently:

1. We Conduct a 2-Hour Flow Rate Test

This verifies whether your well can maintain consistent water pressure over time. Many inspectors only run water for 15–20 minutes — we run for 2 full hours to simulate real daily use. That helps identify weak recovery rates or undersized pressure tanks that short-cycle pumps.

2. We Test for What Matters

Our water quality analysis checks for:

• Lead – can leach from plumbing and fixtures.

• Nitrates and Nitrites – often from fertilizer or septic seepage.

• Coliform Bacteria and E. Coli – indicators of contamination that can affect health.

Even crystal-clear water can contain invisible contaminants — so we don’t guess, we test.

🧰 3. We Scope the Septic Tank Outlet

We use a camera scope to inspect the outlet baffle and line between the tank and absorption field.Cracked pipes, root intrusion, or poor sealing are common failure points that can cause backups or surface discharge.A simple scope inspection can catch these early — before they turn into major repairs.

4. We Run 200–400 Gallons Through the Drain Field

We simulate heavy household water use.This helps us verify that the absorption field can handle flow without backing up or surfacing. In other words, it’s a real-world stress test — not a guess based on tank size.

Why It Matters

Your well and septic systems are underground — out of sight, out of mind — until they fail.Unlike a roof or furnace, problems here often go unnoticed until they’re expensive.A full inspection gives you clarity before you buy, sell, or invest in repairs.

The Takeaway

Water systems are the lifeline of a property.They deserve the same attention you’d give to the roof over your head or the foundation beneath your feet.

At Keystone Castle Inspections, we believe peace of mind starts with data, not assumptions.That’s why every test we perform is designed to help you understand how your system really performs — before it’s too late.

Thinking about buying or selling a home with a well or septic system?

📅 Schedule a Property Health Inspection at www.keystonecastleinspections.com —Our combined approach covers well, septic, and water quality testing in one comprehensive visit.