Picture this: You’ve finally found it. The dream farmhouse in Penryn. It has the wrap-around porch, the views of the Sierras, and—most importantly—a master bathroom that looks like a 5-star spa.
You can already see yourself in that deep soaking tub, glass of wine in hand, washing away the stress of the week.
But as your local Loomis & Penryn Realtor, I have to be the one to ask the unsexy question: “That tub looks amazing... but can the well handle filling it?”
City Water vs. Country Reality
When you live in the city, you turn the knob, and water comes out. You flush the toilet, and it goes "away." You never think about it.
In Placer County rural real estate, the plumbing isn't just a utility—it’s a living system. If you buy a home on acreage without checking the systems that power that luxury lifestyle, your dream bath can turn into a dry nightmare fast.
Here are the two things I check for my clients before they ever start picking out bubble bath.
1. The Well: It’s Not Just About "Having" Water
Many buyers ask, "Does the well have water?" That’s the wrong question. The right question is: "What is the Recovery Rate?"
You might have a well that produces water, but if it only recovers at 1 gallon per minute (GPM) and your new spa tub holds 80 gallons, do the math. You could be waiting an hour for your bath—or worse, running the well dry while the dishwasher is running.
As a Horse Property Specialist, I look for Well Productivity Reports that prove the system can keep up with a modern family (and your horses!).
2. The Septic: Where Does the Water Go?
That giant soaking tub is glorious, but when you pull the plug, that 80 gallons has to go somewhere. In the country, it goes into your backyard.
I see it all the time: A flipped house where they added two bathrooms and a massive tub, but the septic tank is still sized for a 1970s 2-bedroom cottage. Overloading a septic system is a mess you never want to deal with.
When we tour country estates, I’m looking at the Septic Leach Line capacity to make sure it matches the house size.
The Bottom Line
I love a luxury bathroom as much as anyone (clearly!). But my job isn't just to find you a pretty house. My job is to make sure the "guts" of the house work as good as they look.
If you are looking for a Realtor in Placer County who isn't afraid to get her boots muddy checking wells so you can relax in the tub, let's chat.
Are you ready to find your perfect country home? [Call or Text Us Today]
Specializing in Loomis, Penryn, and "Plumbing That Works."
