How to Perform a Water Quality Test at Home
Having access to a clean water supply is often something that we take for granted and is crucial to maintaining good health for the whole family. Contaminated water can lead to health issues such as nausea, cramping, and other serious medical conditions such as stomach illnesses. The best way to ensure your home’s water supply is safe for consumption is through an at-home water quality test.
Why You Should Do Water Quality Testing
There are many reasons why a homeowner should regularly perform an at-home water quality test on their water supply. Essentially, if you’re consuming or using contaminated water, you and your loved ones are at risk of serious health issues.
Whether your homes water is supplied by a public municipality or a privately owned well, performing a water quality test is a great way to achieve peace of mind.
Signs of When You Should Do a Water Quality Test
Murky or Tinted Water
Your water should always be clear, especially after letting it run for several minutes. If your water supply is cloudy or murky, this could indicate high levels of minerals in your water. If this doesn’t clear up after running the water for several minutes, contact the plumbing experts at Chas Roberts.
Furthermore, if when placed in glass or cup, you notice any discoloration or tint, this is a sign that your water is not safe for consumption.
Chlorine or Sulfur Smell
If you receive your water supply from a public municipality, it’s likely they use a small but safe amount of chlorine to treat the water to remove any bacterial agents. If, however, you smell chlorine when using your tap water, this is a sign that the water is not safe.
Additionally, if you turn on your water supply and notice the smell of rotten eggs, there is likely sulfur in your water supply. Too much sulfur can be dangerous and should be handled by a licensed plumbing professional.
Oily Water
If you notice an oily film after running a bath or in your toilet, this is another indication that your water supply is contaminated. An oily film could be the result of grease or oil making its way into your water system and the substance rising to the surface.
Metallic or Bitter-Tasting Water
If you detect a metallic or bitter taste in your water, you should immediately stop consuming the water and contact Chas Roberts. This is often a sign of severe contamination in your water supply, and severe illness can result from consumption.
How to Preform Water Quality Testing at Home
Nowadays, there are quite a few home water quality testing options. Basic water quality testing kits start at around $20 and will have everything needed to test. Typically, you’ll receive testing strips that will detect common contaminants such as lead and copper. After placing the strip in the water, you’ll compare the new color of the strip to a results key to determine your levels.
Advanced water quality testing kits are another option and start at $200. With this type of kit, once you’ve collected your sample, your test will be sent to a laboratory for further analysis. These kits are usually sent in the mail and come with everything needed to send your sample to the lab – including pre-paid shipping.
If you’re having any issues with testing your water quality, or contaminants are found in your water, contact Chas Roberts plumbing. We’ll help you with your testing and provide recommendations to get safe water back into your home.
Conclusion
Contaminated water is a concern from both a safety and health perspective. If left untreated, you and your loved ones are at risk of being exposed to harmful bacteria that can wreak havoc to your health. The best way to ensure your water is safe for consumption is by performing routine water quality testing checks.
Chas Roberts is the oldest and largest family-owned residential HVAC company in Arizona and has been in business for over 75 years. Contact us for quality, reliable service.
