Hey everyone! I'm working on some renovations in my old farmhouse in New Jersey (built in 1910), and while I'm upgrading the pipes and well pump in my basement, I realized I need to locate the actual well. The property survey we got when we bought the house didn't mention a well or even the septic system, so I'm a bit in the dark. My pump is a jet pump, not submersible, and while I can see where the pipes come into the house, the outside area is a mystery. Given the proximity of the septic line and the well water inlet, I'd like to know if there are any DIY methods to locate my well, or if it's better to hire someone for help.
4 Answers
If you don’t have any property records, try visually inspecting your yard. Look for any signs like old well covers, pipes sticking out of the ground, or even any depressions in the ground which could indicate a well. If you find metal pipes, using a metal detector can be helpful to trace them back to the well. If your pipes are accessible, a pipe inspection camera can also give you some clues on where they lead.
In my area, the health department keeps track of all well locations, so contacting your local municipality can be a good step. Additionally, your local code enforcement officer might be able to put you in touch with the right resources.
If you're comfortable chatting with folks in your area, try asking around locally. Sometimes neighbors or local business owners have insights about well locations. I’ve heard stories of people using dowsing rods to locate wells – it's pretty fascinating to watch! You could also check with your home insurance company or water inspector for more info.
Check out the New Jersey Well Search website at https://njemspreprod.nj.gov/DataMiner43_01/WellSearchInfo.htm. If your well is listed there, it might even provide you with details about the contractor who drilled it, which could help you find more information.