Changing from well water to city water

[Trace P.]

Hi everyone,

I'm evaluating a SFH in Columbus OH at the moment, everything looks ok except that this property isn't connected to city water (it is on well water, of which the pipe has broken). I called up the City of Columbus and provided them the address, they told me that there is a city line there so I would be able to connect up to city water. I was recommended to a few plumbers but they all said that I would have to be the owner of the property before I could request for a site survey for a quote. I wanted to know roughly how much it would cost so that I can factor that into my offer price, but the various plumbing companies weren't willing to give me a range, they probably don't wanna commit before seeing the place, stating that it depends how long the pipes need to be, how they need to seal up the connection to the well, etc.

I have no experience on this, hence was wondering if anyone here could share:
1) Is it a difficult job and how long would it take, roughly?
2) What is the typical range of costs for the plumbing work? I know this varies with a lot of things but I really just need a ballpark to factor into my estimations (e.g. $10k? $20k?) I already got the costs from the City side, so what's outstanding is the actual ground work. 
3) Any other lessons learnt or peculiarities to share regarding connecting up to city water?

Thanks!  

[Isaac Pepper]

@Trace P. If you move forward with an offer you should assume worst case scenario that you will add a tap to the city's line.

You could make a contingency that owner have the line repaired. You could ask the owner to aquire a quote for you.

But even if you can move forward with the well water, do you want to? Most wells will test positive for bacteria, my last property on private water contained ecoli and coliform (also in Ohio). Well water can be very hard because of calcium, lime, and other minerals. This will cause faster deterioration of water lines, water heater, etc. Aerators and showerheads will need cleaned regularly if the water is hard and the toilets will have rings at the water level. Your water may have high amounts of iron or contain sulfur. Systems to correct these issues are expensive to install and maintain. It will be your responsibility to maintain the well pump. If its submersible you will need to retrieve it from the bottom of the well for repair/replacement.

My vote is pay for city to add a tap. Contract an excavation company to dig the trench. Or rent a trencher/backhoe and dig a trench below frost line.

Hope this helps