Due to a change in state law, well drillers may now request grout inspections at any time and on any day, regardless of whether a county inspector can be on site at the appointed time. This change was enacted because a few counties have difficulty conducting grout inspections at times requested by the well driller. Some people have misinterpreted the law to mean grout inspections are no longer required.
Under the new law, drillers must still provide advance notice of intent to grout by 9 AM on the day of grouting (or the last business day before grouting if they intend to grout on a holiday or weekend). Drillers must still provide the county a well construction record where they certify they have constructed the well in accordance with applicable rules.
A grout inspection serves two important purposes: to confirm the well has been properly cased and grouted and to confirm that the well has been drilled in the proper location. The grout inspection provides an opportunity for the driller to correct a mislocated or improperly constructed well with minimal loss of time and materials.
Wake County will still conduct a grout inspection on every new private well, regardless of when the driller chooses to grout it. If, during an after-the-fact grout inspection, the county finds that the well has been drilled in the wrong location or not constructed according to rules or permit conditions, the county may require the well to be abandoned and a new well drilled.
Drillers and builders can avoid having to replace improperly drilled wells by:
1) Making sure the driller has a copy of the complete well permit from the
system,
2) Marking lot corners, well, and septic system locations before starting to
drill,
3) Requesting grout inspections during normal business hours so a Wake
County Environmental Services employee can check the location and
construction before you complete the well.
