Additional Inspections and Testing
Water Quality Testing
Quick answer
What is water quality testing?
Water quality testing is the collection of a drinking-water sample from a designated tap or well source for analysis by a certified laboratory. Analysis may include bacteria, lead, arsenic, copper, nitrates, nitrites, and radon in water. It is especially useful for homes on private wells, where the owner is responsible for water quality, and is sometimes requested by lenders.
What the testing covers
A drinking-water sample is collected from the designated tap or well source and submitted to a certified laboratory for analysis. Analysis may include bacteria, lead, arsenic, copper, nitrates, nitrites, and radon in water. Results help identify water-quality concerns that may not be apparent during normal use and inform decisions about treatment or further evaluation. The service fee includes sample collection, shipment, laboratory analysis, and the laboratory report. Results reflect the water sampled at a specific time and location and do not assess the well system or plumbing, identify substances outside the selected panel, or guarantee future water quality.
This is available as a stand-alone inspection or as an add-on ancillary service to a residential home inspection.
Wells versus municipal water
Municipal utilities are responsible for testing public water. Private well owners are responsible for their own water quality, which is why lenders and buyers often request testing when a home has a well.
Who typically needs it
- Buyers of homes on private wells
- Buyers whose lender requests water testing
- Owners with questions about their drinking water
What's included
We evaluate
- Sample collection from the designated tap or well source
- Shipment to a certified laboratory
- Laboratory analysis of the selected panel
- The laboratory report
Not included
- Evaluation of the well system or plumbing
- Substances outside the selected panel
- A guarantee of future water quality
Benefits
- Results from a certified laboratory
- Sample collection, shipping, and lab fees in one price
- Information for treatment or further-evaluation decisions
Pricing and cost factors
$350 stand-alone · +$265 as an add-on to a home inspection
$350 stand-alone or +$265 as an add-on to a residential home inspection.
- Stand-alone or added to a home inspection
- Laboratory panel selected
What to expect
When to schedule: Collect early in the inspection period — laboratory results can take several days.
Step 1: Book with your inspection or on its own
Water testing can be scheduled on its own or added to a residential home inspection.
Step 2: Collect the sample
The sample is collected on site following the laboratory's protocol.
Step 3: Laboratory report
You receive the laboratory report when analysis is complete.
Water Quality FAQs
What does the laboratory test for?
Analysis may include bacteria, lead, arsenic, copper, nitrates, nitrites, and radon in water. Results cover only the substances in the selected panel.
Does water testing evaluate my well or plumbing?
No. Results reflect the water sampled at a specific time and location. They do not assess the well system or plumbing or guarantee future water quality.
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Schedule your water quality testing
Schedule online or call to talk through the right inspection for your home and timeline.