Identifying Water Problems by Symptoms

When selecting a well water treatment system, knowing your water chemistry is the key to finding the right system. Your water chemistry can easily be determined by conducting simple water testing, using of of our test kits.

Testing to Determine Water Chemistry, Depending on the Problem

If you have never had your well water tested, or have recently constructed or serviced your well, it’s a good idea to have a complete general mineral, physical and bacteriological test done.

This includes common minerals, salts, metals, and bacteria.  It should always include a pH test, which tells you how acidic or alkaline the water is.  With these results, you can determine if you need any type of water treatment, and what type of system to select based on your water chemistry.

If you are trying to correct an aesthetic or corrosion-related problem, such as staining, pinhole leaks or odors, once again the general mineral analysis is also recommended (this time include minimum tests for iron, manganese, tannin, pH, total dissolved solids, hardness, and alkalinity).  In some cases, additional tests for tannins are recommended.

For health-related issues, at a minimum include a test for total coliform, E.coli (fecal coliform).  If infants and children will be drinking the water, a general, mineral, metals and a bacteriological test is recommended.

Physical Ways of Understanding Your Water Problems

You can often get an indication of any well water problems by a physical inspection of your water, appliances, fixtures, and plumbing.

However, sometimes the underlying water problem causing the symptoms of a water problem are not obvious. For example, corrosion of copper piping can be caused by acidic water (low water pH), but in other cases by water that is too alkaline (high water pH). 

Odors, stains, and sediment can have various causes.  It is critical to correctly identify the water problem that is causing the symptoms.

We recommend following the Well Water Treatment Cheat Sheet (below), to decide if your water needs further testing, whether or not you can fix it yourself, or if you need hire a professional as you may not always be correct in addressing the problem yourself.

Odor Identification and Solutions

Color Identification and Treatment

Treatment Solutions by Stain Type

Flakes, Particles, and SedimentAs a reminder, here are our recommended steps for addressing and solving your well water problems.

 Well Water Treatment Cheat Sheet

Do The Basics:

• Test water chemistry
• Check well water flow rate
• Check for odors
• Perform toilet tank check
• Check water heater
• Check for pipe corrosion

Decide On Goals

• Treat water for one sink, or
• Test water for the entire home?
• Need to correct pH of water?
• Remove stains, sediment, odors, or bacteria?
• Improve water pressure?
• Disinfect water of bacteria?

Installation

• Buy direct and install yourself, or
• Buy direct and hire a plumber, or
• Buy from water treatment dealer

Quality Control

• Set up a maintenance schedule
• Test well water annually for bacteria and nitrate
• Test treated water regularly and keep records

Enjoy Healthy, High-Quality Water

• Water meets EPA standards
• No odor, stains, or sediment
• Non-corrosive to pipes and fixtures
• Free of bacteria, viruses, or parasites
• High-quality water for bathing and laundry

If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to e-mail us at support@cleanwaterstore.com, leave us a message on Facebook, or use our online contact form for prompt, personalized assistance from our trained professionals.  Thanks for reading!