Water Quality Testing in Your Home

In the process of buying or selling a home, you will probably get a home inspection that includes water quality testing. Sometimes water quality testing will determine that there are no issues, but other times tests can reveal potentially devastating problems that are a danger to the health of the home and its occupants. Plumbing could need to be replaced, the water source further investigated, or other repairs might be required. Repairs resulting from water quality testing can amount to as much as tens of thousands of dollars. The worse case scenario is the property being condemned. Ultimately, it’s better to be safe than sorry – both to protect your investment and to protect your family.

What does water quality testing include?

Water quality testing measures the following:

• Acidity – Acidic water will register below 7 on a pH scale while basic water will be indicated by anything above 7. Results typically vary between 7 and 7.5. Water that is more acidic can be corrosive to plumbing, leave stains, and even carry and release lead into water that is consumed, posing a health concern.

• Chlorine – While chlorine may be used to disinfect public and private water sources, large leftover traces react with decaying organic matter to form cancer-causing carcinogens. Water quality testing also detects chlorine to help maintain the taste and odor of the water, because too much chlorine can alter both. It can even irritate skin and eyes.

• Water Hardness – Calcium and magnesium build up in water and these metals, if not detected by water quality testing, can present health risks. They also build up scale residue in pipes over time and can severely clog the plumbing system. Or, if water hardness is low, it can be as corrosive as acidic water.

• Iron – This mineral exists in the ground naturally and leaches into drinking water. While a small amount is healthy, too much can taste bitter or discolor skin, clothes, and hair.

• Copper – A small amount of copper is expected from water quality testing. However, anything more than 1ppm can lead to health problems including anemia, pancreatitis and jaundice.

• Nitrates and Nitrites – Sewage, fertilizer, and other man-made chemicals can seep into a water system and cause health risks, especially to pregnant women and unborn children. It reduces the oxygen available to adults as well as fetuses.

When buying or selling, water quality testing is just another essential part of health and safety inspections. Having potable water and ensuring that your pipes last is as important as a solid foundation, roof, or functioning heat. Consider these inspection services from Inspect-It 1st before investing in or handing over your property to another family. Inspect-It 1st will ensure that your home is safe for your family and will last a long time.