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When Should I Retest My Home's Tap Water?

9379813470_169ddf2ccf_mThe best way to know what’s in your home’s tap water is to have it tested. That’s why McBride’s offers water testing services to New Hampshire homeowners during which we measure for a wide-range of common contaminants and quality issues. Sometimes, getting your water tested once is all you need to figure out what quality issues your water faces and to choose a treatment system to take care of them. However, there are certain circumstances that homeowners should get their water tested again, even if they’ve tested it in the past. Today we’re going to talk about those circumstances by answering the question, “When should I retest my home’s tap water?”
When should I retest my home’s tap water?

  • When you suspect new problems. This is the most obvious sign that you should have your tap water retested. If the taste, smell or appearance of your water has changed since the last time you had it tested, or if you think that your water might be causing health issues with you or your family, schedule another test to find out if your water has developed new quality issues. Even if nothing has changed in your water, the test will help ease your mind.
  • When a basic test didn’t uncover your water’s problems. McBride’s offers two different types of water testing services: a free basic test that is done at your home and a comprehensive test that’s performed by a New Hampshire-certified laboratory. The basic test will give you a good high-level view of your home’s water, but it is not nearly as detailed as the laboratory test. If your first water test was a basic field test that did not pinpoint your home’s quality issues, you should consider retesting your water using our comprehensive testing service.
  • After shock-chlorination of your well. Well water can occasionally get contaminated by microorganisms like coliform bacteria that can cause severe health issues. If your well is contaminated, it’s often recommended that you perform shock-chlorination on it to kill any bacteria or other pathogens that have grown. After doing the shock-chlorination, you should have your water tested to ensure that the process worked and that your well is safe again.
  • When you move homes. Every home’s water quality is different. Even two homes on the same block can face different quality issues. That’s why it’s important to have your water tested any time that you move to a new home, even if you tested your previous home’s water and your new home is in the same city or neighborhood.

If you have any questions about when you should retest your water, or if you’d like a water system serviced or installed in your home, contact McBride’s Water Advantage, your water softener and water filtration system dealer in Epsom, New Hampshire. We provide service all over New Hampshire, including towns like Pembroke, Concord and Alton, NH.
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