Water stops running after 10 minutes...well or well pump?

Question

I just had a home inspection on a home I've signed the contract on. I had to leave before the end of the inspection, but the inspector called me and said that he had the water running (the home has a well) to do a septic tank test and after about 10 minutes, it would only dribble water. He said he turned it off and waited a little bit and turned it back on and it worked fine for about 10 minutes and then dribbled again. Does this "sound" like a problem with the actual well or maybe just the well pump needs to be replaced? Obviously I'm getting an inspection by a well professional, but I've just been wondering. If it's the actual well, I think I've lost my interest unless the seller will fix it, which he probably won't.

I've already signed, but it's contingent on an inspection, which I've had a general inspection done, but still need a couple specialists to come in and look at various things. To dig a new well is around $10,000, which I can't afford. If that's needed and the seller won't fix it, that's when my interest dies. I really hope it's the pump

Answer 1

Sounds to me you need more info to tell. Could be that the pump is under-rated and cant pump the water under the pressure it needs to,but to me, it sounds more like the well is not filling fast enough for the pump....does the pump run continually? If it does its a sign the well's waterflow cant keep up. I would get the pump tested but definately leave your option open for the well & pump be inspected and serviced before signing...make a clause that they must fix either one if found faulty within a set amount of time...i.e. 30-60 days.

Answer 2

I wouldn't rule out buying the home. I would require knowing the cause and cost of this problem before purchase. Make an offer contigent on a well drillers inspection and estimate for the repair. Then negotiate with the seller on the repair costs. If the seller really wants to sell, he will agree to a repair estimate.