My website (in case you hadn’t noticed) is all about letting you know what you can expect from your tap water with a good number of reviews to help you decide which type of water filter or softener might suit you best. Now, I’m not an expert. In fact, I’m an average member of the public like you who was worried about the quality of the water coming out of my faucet.
I happen to think this is one of the most important sections of my site, and the reason for that is you may end up buying a water filter or softener that doesn’t do the job you need it to. You see, as you start to go through my reviews you will notice that different models will do different things for the quality of your water.
You also may not know, but depending on where you live in the US depends on what type of contaminants can get into your water. Highly industrial areas for example will probably have by-products of paint stripper, gasoline or other contaminants in it.
More rural areas are susceptible to herbicides or pesticides getting into drinking water. If your water source comes from a well, the end result out of your faucet can contain all manner of water born diseases which could be a danger to your health.
Below you will find what I think are some of the best water test kits available, so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
Sofcheck Total Hardness Test Strips
I’ve discovered that one of the biggest problems people have is hard water, and it doesn’t seem to matter where you live.
Sometimes hard water can make itself known to you because you will get white spots on surfaces that come into contact with water, and these can be difficult to remove.
In the worst cases, you’ll get a build-up of something called lime-scale and believe me I know how what a pain this can be to get rid of. Of course, you have to think about what’s going on in places you can’t see like the inside of your pipes, so if you suspect you might need a water softener, Sofcheck have made it easy for you. This bottle comes with 50 strips which you simply dip into your water, and you can then check the level of hardness by using the gauge detailed on the bottle – easy!
Click here to see the Sofcheck Test Strips at Amazon
First Alert WT1 Drinking Water Test Kit
If you’re unsure if you simply need a water softener or a more complex water filter, this testing kit is for you! As the name suggests this product has been designed to test your drinking water. The kit includes everything you need to test for harmful contaminants that can affect your health, the look and taste of your water.
Substances like pH, bacteria, nitrates, lead, pesticides and chlorine will all be detected by this product. Plus, it meets the required standards as set out by the EPA. In my opinion before you decide on which softener/filter will suit you best, you should consider purchasing one of these first.
Click here to see the First-Alert Test Kit at Amazon
Watersafe WS425W Well Water Test Kit
If your water comes from a private well, it’s open to all sorts of contaminants and it’s recommended you have it tested at least once or twice a year. However, I have discovered this can cost anything from $100 to $300 each time and it can take weeks for the lab to send you the results.
So if you want an easy and inexpensive way to check for levels of iron, copper and lead in your water this testing kit is for you. You can also test for dangerously high levels of chlorine as well as nitrates and nitrites. If that wasn’t enough this product will also give you readings on the presence of potentially harmful bacteria along with a great number of toxins including pesticides and fertilizers.
This kit is approved by the EPA and costs a fraction of a lab test!
Click here to see the Well Water Test Kit at Amazon
Leisure Time 45010 Chlorine Test Strips
I had to add this product because it’s only fair you get information on how you can test water that you’ve originally taken from your own water system and then treated it yourself. For instance, you may have a spa or hot tub. In which case, the water won’t be changed that regularly so it will need a little help to remain free of bacteria.
This is usually done by adding chlorine to the water. However, it’s important that you don’t let the levels get too high or too low. Too much chlorine can cause skin problems. Too little and you’re water could end up with all sorts of bacteria. Leisure Time has brought the above product to the market in order to help you, and it comes with 50 strips. Simply dip the strip into the water and use the gauge on the bottle – simple!