ServicesWater testing
Water Testing in Richardson
We test the water coming out of your tap and tell you what we found in plain words. If your water is fine, we say so. If something needs attention, we start with the smallest fix that solves it, which is often the system you already have.
Test first, spend money second
A lot of people buy a filter because a salesman told them they needed one. We do it the other way around. We test first, then we talk about what the numbers mean for your home.
City water that meets the rules can still taste like chlorine, leave spots on glasses, or pick up metals from old pipes inside the house. A test shows which of those is going on, if any. It also tells us if a filter you already own is still doing its job or just needs a new cartridge.
Most of the time the answer is simpler than people expect. Sometimes it is a cartridge swap. Sometimes it is nothing. When a new system really makes sense, we explain why and show you the result that points to it.
What a water test covers
Hardness
We measure how much calcium and magnesium is in your water. This is the number that decides whether a water softener is worth talking about. We do not recommend one without it.
Chlorine
We check the disinfectant level at the tap. This is the usual cause of a pool smell or a flat, chemical taste.
Iron and sediment
We look for iron, rust and fine grit. These cause orange stains, cloudy water and clogged aerators.
pH and total dissolved solids
These two readings tell us a lot about how your water behaves in your pipes and fixtures. They also show if a reverse osmosis unit is working right.
Checking a system you already own
If you have a filter, softener or reverse osmosis unit, we test the water going into it and the water coming out. That tells us if it needs a new filter, a small repair, or nothing.
Lab testing when it is needed
Some questions, like lead from older plumbing, need a proper lab instead of a field test. We tell you when that is the case and help you collect the sample the right way.
Signs it is time to test your water
- It smells like a pool
- A strong chlorine smell at the kitchen sink or in the shower is common. A test tells us how strong it is and what would fix it.
- Spots, crust or stains
- White crust on faucets points to hardness. Orange or brown stains point to iron. Each one has a different fix, so we test instead of guessing.
- Your filter seems to have quit
- If the water from your filter tastes the same as the tap, the cartridge may be spent or the unit may need a part. Testing tells us which.
- Older pipes in the house
- Homes with older plumbing can add metals to water that was clean when it left the treatment plant. A test is the only way to know.
- Someone is selling you a system
- If a company told you that you need a softener or a whole-house unit, a test from someone else is a good second opinion.
How a test visit goes
- 1
You call and tell us what you notice
We ask about taste, smell, stains and any equipment you have. That tells us which tests to bring.
- 2
We test at your tap
We draw samples from the kitchen sink and, if you have a filter, from both sides of it. Most readings are done right there in your kitchen. We do not move furniture or shut off your water.
- 3
We go over the results with you
We show you each number and what it means. If your water is fine, we tell you that and leave.
- 4
We give you options in writing
If something needs attention, you get a written estimate with the smallest sensible fix first. That might be a new cartridge, a repair, or in some cases a new system. There is no pressure to decide that day.
What affects the cost of a water test
A basic test at your tap is simple and does not take long. The price goes up when we test more points in the house or send samples to a lab. We tell you the cost on the phone so you know it ahead of the visit.
- How many things we test for
- A basic panel covers hardness, chlorine, iron, pH and dissolved solids. Adding specific metals or other items adds time and cost.
- Field test or lab test
- Field readings are done on the spot. Lab work costs more and takes longer, but it is the right call for lead and a few other concerns.
- Existing equipment
- Testing on both sides of a softener, filter or reverse osmosis unit means more samples. It is often worth it, because it can save you from replacing something that only needs a part.
- Number of taps
- Most homes need one or two sample points. If a problem shows up at one fixture only, we may test a few more to find where it starts.
Water testing questions
- My city water already meets the standards. Why test it?
- Meeting the standards and tasting good are two different things. A test also checks what happens after the water enters your home, like metals from old pipes or a filter that stopped working. Plenty of tests come back fine, and we tell you when that happens.
- Will you try to sell me a system after the test?
- No. We show you the numbers and tell you what they mean. If your water is fine or your current setup just needs a cartridge, that is what we recommend. A new system only comes up when the results point to it.
- How long does a test take?
- A basic test at your tap usually fits in a short visit. If we send samples to a lab, the results take longer, and we go over them with you by phone when they come back.
- Can you tell if I need a water softener?
- Yes. The hardness reading is the key number. If it is low, a softener is money you do not need to spend. If it is high enough to cause scale and spotting, we explain the options on our water softeners page and what they would cost.
- Do you test for lead?
- We can check for signs that point to it, but a reliable lead result needs a lab. We help you take the sample the right way, usually first thing in the morning before the water has run. If lead shows up, an under-sink reverse osmosis unit at the drinking tap is a common fix.
- Do you serve towns outside Richardson?
- Yes. We also test water in nearby towns like Plano, Garland and Allen. Call and tell us where you are.
Find out what your water needs, if anything
Call and we will test your water for free and give you a free quote.