Free water test
Free in-home water test for Treasure Valley homes
We come to your home, test your city water at the tap and explain what we find in plain language. You get your results and a written quote, with no pressure to buy anything.
- Cost
- Free on city water
- Visit length
- About 1 hour
- You get
- Your results and a written quote
City water and well water are tested differently
The free in-home test is for city (municipal) water. On a private well, we set up a certified lab test instead, because arsenic and bacteria need a lab to measure accurately. Testing depends on what you want checked. There is a lab fee, and results take about a week. Then we design your system around the lab report. Learn more on our well water page.
City water test
What we check at your tap
Most of the test happens at your kitchen sink, with results on the spot. If you already have a softener or filter, we test before and after it so you can see what it’s doing.
We also look at where water enters your home, your water heater, and whether a softener loop is already plumbed in. That tells us what an install would involve.
- Hardness in grains per gallon (gpg), the number that sizes a softener
- pH, how acidic or alkaline your water is
- TDS (total dissolved solids) in ppm, a quick read on everything dissolved in the water
- Nitrates in mg/L, checked against the EPA limit of 10 mg/L (as nitrogen)
- Chlorine, the disinfectant most local city systems use
| Hardness | 14 gpg | Very hard |
| Chlorine | 1.1 ppm | Taste & smell |
| pH | 7.6 | OK |
| Nitrates | 2 mg/L | OK |
| Total dissolved solids | 290 ppm | Moderate |
Where your hardness number falls
We report hardness in grains per gallon. Water over 7 gpg counts as hard, and over 10.5 gpg as very hard. Many Treasure Valley homes land in those top two ranges.
Scale: U.S. Geological Survey hardness classes. 1 grain per gallon = 17.1 mg/L as calcium carbonate.
How your water test works
Send the form
Tell us your name, how to reach you and your town. We usually call back within about 5 minutes during business hours to set a time that works.
We test at your tap
We test your water on site and take a look at your plumbing. The visit takes about an hour.
We walk you through it
We explain each number in plain language, what it means for your home, and what you can leave alone.
You get it in writing
You get a written quote for any system that fits your results. We price in person, after testing, so the number fits your home.
You decide
Take your time. Ask questions, compare options or do nothing at all. There’s no pressure either way.
Request your free water test
Fill out the form and we'll call you to set a time. We usually call back within about 5 minutes during business hours. An adult needs to be home for the visit, and we need access to the kitchen sink and the spot where water enters the house, usually the garage or a utility room. On a private well? Say so in the message and we'll talk through a lab test.
Water test questions
Is the water test really free?
Yes, for city water. The in-home test costs nothing and you’re under no obligation. Private wells need a certified lab test, which has a lab fee. We explain it before you decide.
How long does it take?
About an hour. That covers the test, a look at your plumbing and time for your questions.
Do I need to do anything to get ready?
Not much. Tell us if you already have a softener, filter or drinking water system, and where water comes into the house. If you have an old water report, keep it handy.
My city water is already tested. Why test it again?
City water meets its own testing rules, and it can still be hard and carry a chlorine taste. Your test shows hardness, pH, TDS, nitrates and chlorine at your own tap.
Do you test well water?
Yes, through a certified lab. Testing depends on what you want checked. There is a lab fee, and results take about a week. Then we design the system around the report. See well water treatment.
Will you try to sell me something?
We show you your results and a written quote, then leave the decision with you. No pressure.
Which areas do you serve?
The whole Treasure Valley from Boise west to Fruitland, including Star, Middleton, Eagle, Meridian, Nampa and Caldwell. See service areas.
Curious about cost first
See what moves the price up or down, and why we give you a written quote after testing.