“Water is the driver of nature.” – Leonardo da Vinci
Regular water testing often uncovers hidden contaminants, like bacteria, lead, or even nitrates —all of which can impact your health, plumbing system, and the lifespan of your home appliances. So, the truth of the matter is you may not think you need to get your water tested, but…you do.
Now that we’ve discussed the 12 most common problems with residential water quality in Ohio and the importance of access to high-quality water, let’s move on to the second part of our five-part series.
Why Does Testing Your Water Matter?
Testing your water is important due to the health risks poor quality can come with as well as the havoc it can wreak upon your home appliances. You never know what could be lurking in your water. As we’ve stated, water is life, but not all water is safe for life! The best option is to test your water! Testing helps identify harmful contaminants such as lead, bacteria, nitrates, pesticides and the growing concern surrounding “forever chemicals.”
Knowing what’s in your water will enable you to address any health risks promptly. As your local water quality experts, we at Five Star Home Services care about your water quality! We offer affordable water testing throughout Central and Southwest Ohio.
Water Quality Testing Finds Iron in Wells
Do you rely on well water? If so, you need to check for iron content. High levels of iron can stain plumbing fixtures and cause issues with laundry. Iron can also affect your water’s taste and your home’s smell. Plus, it can even clog your plumbing. If caught early enough, the iron in your water is an easy problem to remediate. As your local plumbing expert, I should mention that I am a state-certified well water license holder in Ohio.
Testing Provides a Basis for Choosing the Right Treatment System
Additionally, accurate water testing provides a homeowner with a clear understanding of what treatment solutions they might need. Whether you need a simple filter or a more complex system, knowing what’s in your water supply ensures that you invest in the right equipment. In part four, we will cover many of our water treatment solutions. However, first we’ll explore how to test water in the next section!
How Do I Test My Water?
If you’re concerned about what’s in your water, you’re not alone. The good news is, you can start getting answers right in the comfort of your own home.
DIY Testing & Troubleshooting Steps—Before calling in a professional you can try these simple tests to uncover common issues:
- Soap Test for Hardness: Fill a clear bottle with water, add a few drops of pure liquid soap (not detergent), and shake. If it doesn’t lather well and leaves a cloudy film, your water likely has high hardness.
- Odor Check: Does your water smell like rotten eggs, chlorine, or metal? That could signal sulfur, disinfectants, or corrosion—respectively.
- Color or Particulate Changes: Discolored water (brown, orange, or cloudy) can indicate rust, sediment, or contamination, especially if it appears after plumbing work or heavy rain.
DIY Testing VS Professional Testing
DIY Water Testing Kits: Affordable and usually easy to use, Do-It-Yourself water testing kits provide basic information about common contaminants and water quality parameters. However, they only go so far and there’s room for human error.
Professional Testing Services: For a far more comprehensive analysis, professional services from a licensed company like Five Star Home Services are best. There are other companies, but I am here to tell you we stand head and shoulders above the competition in our commitment to customer satisfaction and water safety. Professional water testing from our team offers detailed reports and accurate results. We’ve been doing this for decades! We are your top-rated water quality experts in Central Ohio and Southwest Ohio.
When Should I Call a Local Water Treatment Specialist?
If your DIY test reveals any alarming levels or you’re unsure about the results, it’s time to call the professionals. Five Star Home Services offers expert advice and fast and affordable solutions tailored to your specific needs. We cannot emphasize this too much.
I’ve been a plumber and water quality expert my entire life. I am the chief plumbing engineer and part owner of Five Star Home Services. In addition to being a state—certified master plumber, I am also a state-certified well water license holder. Over the years, we’ve helped countless homeowners like you!
What Does Water Quality Testing Detect?
When testing someone’s water supply, generally, most experts focus on these top three parameters:
- pH Level: Indicates how acidic or alkaline your water is.
- Hardness: Measures the concentration of calcium and magnesium.
- Contaminants: These include nitrates, bacteria, lead, pesticides, chemicals, and more.
Interpreting the Test Results
Understanding your test results is essential. Here’s a quick guide:
- pH Level: A pH level between 6.5 and 8.5 is generally safe.
- Hardness: Water hardness above 120 mg/L (milligrams per liter) is considered hard and may require a softener.
- Contaminants: Any presence of harmful impurities like lead or bacteria requires immediate action. We are always equipped and prepared to help you in this regard! We also offer the most evasive testing to detect what at-home tests might not.
Why Choose Five Star Home Services?
- Expertise: Our team is well-trained to handle any type of water quality issue.
- Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art equipment for the most accurate testing.
- Customized Solutions: We provide treatment options and customized solutions tailored to meet your specific water quality needs.
- Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed: We stand behind all of our work with workmanship guarantees and warranty coverage you won’t find anywhere else. In short, when you become our customer, you join a family. We aim to keep you as a customer for life! If anything ever goes wrong, (we’re human after all) we will make it right!
Lastly, if you’re a Columbus, Cincinnati, or Dayton homeowner and you rely on private wells for your water supply—keep in mind that private wells aren’t regulated by the EPA. That means the responsibility for safe, clean water falls on your own shoulders. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. We are here to guide you every step of the way!
For instance, during one of our service calls in Worthington, Ohio our fantastic team discovered elevated nitrate levels through a professional lab analysis. We immediately recommended a reverse-osmosis filtration system, which offers a reliable solution for removing nitrates and other harmful substances. Local issues like this are exactly why we believe proactive water testing isn’t just smart; it’s necessary.
Remember, testing the water quality in your home is essential for your health and selecting the right water treatments system for your home. Concerned about the tap water in your home? You can contact us at your convenience to schedule a comprehensive water quality test for Columbus-area homes! You can also call (833) 405-8009 to learn more about Five Star’s other water filtration solutions!
FAQs
- How often should water be tested at home?
Your home’s water quality should be tested at least once a year—if you use a private well or notice changes in taste, color, or odor, we generally recommend having it tested every 6 months.
- What contaminants should I test for?
The key contaminants you should be looking out for include bacteria (like coliform), nitrates, lead, arsenic, hardness minerals, and any other region—specific pollutants.
- Can I use a home water testing kit?
Absolutely! However, bear in mind that home kits only offer limited accuracy. For more accurate results, especially if you suspect health concerns, professional testing is always recommended.
- How does professional water testing work?
As your local master plumbers, we collect water samples on—site and send them to a certified lab for a detailed and thorough analysis, then review the results with you and recommend solutions if needed.
