by CFBIBlog | May 19, 2022 | CFBI Blog
In the US, an estimated 23 million homes rely on private wells for drinking water. Well water provides a reliable and renewable source of drinking water, making them so popular. The EPA does not regulate these private wells, so homeowners are responsible for the safety of their well water.
In Florida, 90% of the population relies on groundwater for drinking water. Although groundwater is better protected from contaminants than surface water, chemicals and bacteria can still reach them. As a result, well water testing is essential to know if your water is contaminated.
Read on to learn more about testing well water in Florida to ensure your family’s water is safe.
1. Florida Water Testing Laws
Florida does not have any laws that require individuals to test well water when private homes are sold. But, some lenders like the Federal Housing Administration and Veterans Affairs will require water tests as part of their loan process. You, the homeowner, are responsible for setting up the water well testing to close on your loan.
Florida has laws about public sources of drinking water being tested, but there are no laws that require private well owners do routine water testing. It is up to private individuals to test that their water meets EPA and local standards.
Some counties in Florida have rules that call for well water testing when an individual builds a new private well or conducts repairs on one. Regardless, if you are building a new home and a new well, you should get the groundwater tested to ensure your water is safe.
2. What Should Your Well Water Test Kit Check For?
You should test your well water for nitrates and bacteria. These are the two most common types of water contaminants found in Florida groundwater. But, you should also be aware of other pollutants common in your local area.
Florida has a lot of agriculture which can cause runoff of toxins and pesticides to make their way into the groundwater. Sulfer is another common issue that Florida homeowners find in their drinking water. Some other contaminants you can test for include:
- Ions
- Fluoride
- Arsenic
- Total Dissolved Solids
3. How Often Should You Do Well Water Testing?
You may have had your water tested when your home was built, or you first bought it, but the quality of your well water changes over time. You should get a well water test at least once a year. A test for potability, nitrates, and bacteria should be a priority.
You should test your water even if no one has gotten sick or there has been no change in taste or color. There could still be contaminants in your water that you don’t notice. If you do see a difference, it’s best to get a well water test kit and check for contaminants as soon as possible.
When testing well water, you’ll want to test from two places, the source of your water and the tap. These sources will give you a clear idea of the safety of your drinking water.
Make Sure Your Drinking Water Is Safe
Well water testing is a simple and cost-effective way to ensure your drinking water is safe. Testing on a routine basis will point out any issues, so you can hire a professional to help you get your drinking water safe again.
Are you worried about your home’s well water? We here at Central Florida Building Inspectors can help you get back your peace of mind. Click here to schedule a well water test today.
by CFBIBlog | Apr 11, 2022 | CFBI Blog
Are you aware that the average American uses over 80 gallons of water a day at home?
Some homeowners are lucky enough to have access to a well. There are many benefits of this water source, including having cleaner and tastier water quality. However, you should test well water on a regular basis because some things can go wrong if left untreated.
Are you wondering what you need to know? Keep reading to learn all about the cost of a well water test.
The General Cost
When it comes to well water test kits, it’s important to know that the prices can vary based on a range of factors. For instance, the brand name of the kit, the accuracy of the test, and the depth of the well can all contribute to the price.
The cheapest kits can cost as little as $150 or less. The most extensive and high-quality tests can end up costing you as much as $2,000, depending on the type.
The phrase “you get what you pay for” certainly applies to well water test kits. It’s might be tempting to save money by getting one of the cheapest kits out there, but that could end up backfiring because the results might be far from accurate.
Why It’s Worth the Money
Are you wondering why it’s important to test your water in the first place? It’s crucial to test the water at least once a year because it’s possible for dangerous chemicals and bacteria to get into your water supply. Nitrates, dissolvable metals, and pH levels are other possibilities that can put your family’s health in jeopardy.
Keep in mind that the test is only accurate if it’s performed correctly. You could literally throw your money down the drain if you don’t follow the test instructions to the letter. This is why it’s often a good idea to seek out a professional who has years of experience.
There are some instances in which you’re obligated to test and treat well water. For example, if you have a USDA or FHA loan. The last thing you’d want to do is break a contract and deal with the fallout of the consequences.
A certified well tester can ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Are You Ready to Cover the Cost of a Well Water Test?
Now that you’ve learned all about the cost of a well water test, you can make sure that everything is fine with your water supply. Your loved ones will appreciate having that peace of mind each time they get a glass of water, for instance.
CFBI is here to serve all your inspection needs, including those that are residential and commercial. We can even handle specialist services, such as mold, radon, and termite inspections. Our customers trust our expertise and attention to detail.
For a reliable well inspection or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out.
by CFBIBlog | Mar 1, 2022 | CFBI Blog
Did you know that approximately 13 million American households rely on private wells as their primary source of drinking water?
A private well is an excellent source of healthy mineral-rich water as well as an asset to the value of your home.
Owning your own well has many benefits, but you must ensure your water source is safe through regular water well testing to fully reap them.
Read on to learn about the importance of a well water testing service for your private well.
What Are the Dangers of Well Water?
The presence of hazardous bacteria in groundwater is a major reason to have your well water tested. Many bacteria and other microbes are unavoidable in water, although the majority of them are at extremely low levels and are generally harmless.
However, you should always be aware of dangerous microbes that can cause serious illnesses, such as E.Coli and Legionella Pneumophilia. These enter the water source via the excrement of infected animals. If your well is shallow, it is more likely to become contaminated.
Chemicals can also enter the water supply, particularly if your well is near agricultural land. Fertilizers and insecticides can leach into groundwater and into your well. These toxins are hazardous to your health and can lead to major health issues, including cancer.
Sources of Contamination
Your well can become contaminated by various sources, both above and below ground. Wet weather, thawing snow and ice, and floods can all carry harmful contaminants with them.
Microorganisms can pollute a well set too close to the surface. The chemical, bacterial, and mineral risks will differ depending on where you live.
Because previous restrictions were less stringent, older wells are more vulnerable to pollution from surface water. Newer wells are constructed with features such as sanitary well tops and seals to provide improved pollution protection.
Regardless of how well-designed they are, even new wells decay and should be inspected regularly for damage.
Testing Your Private Well
While the EPA regulates public water supplies, there are no rules in place for private wells. It is your job as a well owner to ensure the safety of your drinking water.
You can purchase a well water testing kit for regular testing at home. However, hiring a professional water well testing company ensures that your supply remains untainted.
We provide a comprehensive testing and decontamination service, from initial survey to continued aftercare.
The Importance of Well Water Testing
If you get your water from a well, the CDC suggests testing the water quality annually. If you have a shallow or old well, you should test it more often.
While home testing is important, we can help you with practical advice and action.
Our friendly and professional service has you covered when it comes to well water testing, sewer scope inspections, radon testing, and much more. If you’re in Florida, contact us today with any inquiries or to arrange a survey.
by CFBIBlog | Feb 21, 2022 | CFBI Blog
Are you a homeowner residing in Florida? Would you like to know how you can protect your home from powerful winds produced by tropical storms and hurricanes?
The unrelenting winds created by storm surges are one of the leading causes of property damage in Florida.
For this reason, it would be prudent of you to think of ways to protect yourself and your home against such events. And one of the best ways is to consult with a wind mitigation inspector.
However, you may be wondering how you’ll benefit from doing so. Keep reading to find out as we explore the 5 benefits of scheduling a wind mitigation inspection.
1. Avoid Expensive Repairs or Extensive Damage
Your home has many menaces that test its sturdy structure. Most of them you’re probably completely unaware of such as:
- Insufficient fasteners
- Rot in your attic, walls, crawls spaces, etc
- Fragility in the roof-wall conjoinments
These compromising scenarios can put your home at risk at high wind speeds. A wind mitigation inspector can point them out, which can help you be proactive in fixing them. Thus saving you a lot of money and potential damage in the future.
2. Lowered Insurance Premiums
Homeowners who do well on their wind mitigation inspections usually gain immediate savings in regards to their insurance policy. Inspectors will forward their reports to your insurance provider or soon-to-be insurance provider.
When the agent assesses the report and confirms the wind mitigation credits, they’ll modify the premium for you.
3. Stay in the Good Graces of Your Insurance Provider
Insurance providers are trying to put an end to dishonest claims that exploit their services. New legislation allows providers to let go of clients (or severely limit insurance compensations affirmed in their policy) based on the state of their roof, home, or shortfall of wind mitigation.
Insurers are offering reduced prices (and discounts) as an incentive to engage in wind mitigation practices.
4. Incremental Repair Plan
A wind mitigation inspection can help you create a plan of action to ensure your home is up to code. With the assistance of an expert, you will know what you need to do to stabilize your home to ensure it can handle hurricane-force storm patterns.
And this will provide you with a strong sense of…
5. Comfort and Security
You will have peace of mind knowing you, your family, and your home are well protected against tropical storms. A wind mitigation inspection is a thorough assessment of the strength and structural integrity of your home. So if you make the grade, you can rest easy knowing that your home is as it should be.
And if you don’t, then you’ll be informed on what you need to do to correct it.
Are You Ready for Your Wind Mitigation Inspection?
Having a wind mitigation inspection done is a necessity, especially here in Florida where tropical storms and powerful hurricanes are a way of life. Don’t wait until it’s too late, get your inspection done today.
Contact us to learn more about inspections or if you have any questions you’d like answered.
by CFBIBlog | Dec 6, 2021 | CFBI Blog
Are you buying or selling a new home or commercial property? Hiring a certified building inspector can help provide you peace of mind, knowing that your investment is safe and structurally sound. But with so many inspection options available on the internet…how do I find a reputable home or commercial building inspector? In addition, what are some important factors to consider when hiring home inspection services?
If you’re looking for great service and high-quality inspections, here are some things you need to pay attention to when shopping for inspection services.
1. Reputation
The reputation your home inspector has is important when considering them for hire. Search their references and reviews for good and bad customer experiences. You should always make sure they have proper licenses and qualifications for the work they intend to do.
2. Cost
When deciding between your options for inspectors, the cost is going to be crucial. Make sure you ask for a detailed list of the services provided and the accompanying prices. This detailed report will help as you compare costs between companies.
3. Insurance Coverage
There’s anyways a chance that some part of the home inspection could go south. Should something go wrong, you need to find out who is liable for potential damages- you or the home inspector.
Ask whether or not the inspection company has insurance in case of an accident. You want to know that should something get damaged due to the inspection, the home inspection company will take care of the damage costs.
4. Specialization
You may want to seek out a specialized home inspector depending on your exact needs. For example, perhaps you want to know if your home’s foundation is stable or if you need to make repairs. You’ll need an inspector that specializes in inspecting home foundations and overall structural stability.
Consider what you need long before you start searching for an inspector. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the quality services you actually need!
5. Accessibility
Whether by phone or through email, you have to be able to properly communicate with your home inspector. That way, you can share necessary information with them about your home, your needs, and when you want them to do the inspection. You can also get any necessary follow-up information after the initial inspection.
If you can’t get in touch with your inspector easily, you may want to search elsewhere. Keep an eye on how often your inspector contacts you before making the hire.
The Best Tips When Hiring Home Inspection Services
Now that you know what to pay attention to when hiring home inspection services, you can start shopping for the inspector that fits your needs. Remember to do plenty of shopping around before settling on one particular inspector!
Do you need a professional home inspector to come to view your property?
We’re here to help. Contact us with any questions or concerns you have about our home inspection services, and continue reading our blog for more helpful information today!
by CFBIBlog | Nov 4, 2021 | CFBI Blog
Do you have an unexplainable cough, chest pain, or hoarse voice? Have you ever had your home, business, or rental property inspected for radon? While many people keep carbon monoxide detectors in their homes, almost no one considers a radon inspection because they don’t know about the dangers of radon.
The dangers of radon gas in your home are more extreme than you might think. Keep reading to learn all about the dangers of radon exposure and what levels are hazardous to your health.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas. Most of the time, in normal quantities, it’s unnoticeable and it shouldn’t have a negative impact on your health. In large quantities, however, it’s problematic.
Most radon exposure happens in businesses, schools, and even homes. Many people go through their lives never knowing that they’re being exposed to radon because the gas has no color or smell. This means that most people will never notice it until it causes health problems.
Radon comes from deep underground. Many people don’t know that it exists at all, but it comes from uranium. As the name implies, radon sends radiation out into the world.
The True Danger of Radon
In short, radon is a carcinogen. This means that it’s a cancer-causing substance. The largest and most common risk of radon exposure is lung cancer.
As a matter of fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The first is smoking. If someone is a smoker and has too much radon exposure, they have an even higher risk of lung cancer.
With a high level of radon (20 pCi/L), people who smoke have over 7 times greater chance (260/1000 people vs 36/1000 people) of developing lung cancer than people who do not smoke.
That said, 32/1000 people is still too many. Radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer among people who do not smoke (with the #2 cause being secondhand smoke).
How Much Radon Is Too Much?
So what level of radon is dangerous?
As we mentioned before, radon exposure is normal and fairly harmless in small amounts. Everyone comes in contact with radon, but most people won’t experience problems if they aren’t subject to long-term exposure.
While 20 pCi/L of radon is very dangerous, the dangers start at 4pCi/L. Levels below that are still less than ideal, but they’re not as likely to cause long-term damage.
Because you can’t notice radon levels in your home, it’s almost impossible to identify when you have a radon problem. This is why it’s so important to have professional radon testing. Even if your test shows that you don’t have an excessive level of radon in your home, it’s better to be safe rather than sorry when the health of you and your family is at stake.
Don’t Underestimate The Dangers of Radon
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall and the top cause amongst people who don’t smoke. The dangers of radon may seem insignificant to non-smokers, but many people develop lung cancer every year.
If you have never had your home tested for radon, we want to help you. Contact us at Central Florida Building Inspectors (or CFBI Inc.) to ask any questions or schedule an inspection today. We want to keep your family safe.
