Clean water is something most of us take for granted — until there’s a problem. Whether it comes from a municipal source or a private well, the water in your home can carry impurities you can’t see, taste, or smell. That’s why professional water testing is one of the most valuable services I offer to homeowners and homebuyers across West Tennessee.
In communities like Somerville, Bolivar, and Covington, many homes rely on private wells or rural water systems. While these sources are often safe, they don’t always receive the same routine testing or treatment as city water supplies. And even in neighborhoods connected to public utilities, aging pipes, fixtures, or contamination at the service line can affect water quality by the time it reaches your tap.
Why Water Testing Matters
Water plays a role in almost everything you do at home — drinking, cooking, bathing, and washing. If it contains harmful contaminants, those exposures add up over time.
Water testing identifies issues such as:
- Bacteria (including total coliform or E. coli)
- Nitrates and nitrites from fertilizers or septic systems
- Lead and copper leaching from older plumbing
- Iron, manganese, or hardness minerals that stain fixtures or damage appliances
- pH imbalance that can corrode plumbing or affect water taste
Without testing, you simply can’t know what’s in your water — and by the time symptoms appear (like staining, odors, or taste changes), the problem is already established.
What a Professional Water Test Includes
When I conduct a water quality test through Upchurch Inspection, samples are collected directly from your home’s fixtures under controlled conditions. The testing can be tailored to your needs — whether you’re concerned about bacteria, metals, or general mineral balance.
Samples are sent to a certified laboratory, where they’re analyzed for a wide range of potential contaminants. The final report includes clear, easy-to-read results, along with explanations of what each level means and whether it falls within EPA safety standards.
This testing can be performed as a standalone service or added to any home inspection — and it’s especially important when purchasing homes with private wells, rural plumbing, or older supply lines.
Private Wells: A Hidden Risk for Rural Homeowners
Private wells aren’t monitored or treated by the city. That means it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the water remains safe.
Wells can be contaminated by:
- Surface runoff from heavy rains or nearby agriculture
- Septic system leakage
- Old or damaged well caps
- Corrosion of metal well casings
Even if your well water looks and smells fine, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Annual water testing is recommended by the EPA — especially after flooding, drought, or construction near your property.
Water Quality and Real Estate Transactions
If you’re buying a home in rural West Tennessee, a water test provides peace of mind before closing. Lenders and mortgage programs (like FHA, VA, and USDA loans) often require proof of safe drinking water when the home is served by a private well.
Testing early in the inspection process helps you avoid surprises, plan for filtration or treatment if needed, and negotiate repairs or improvements with the seller.
Protecting Your Family and Your Investment
Whether your home is on a private well or city supply, water testing is an easy and affordable step toward protecting your family’s health. It’s also a smart way to safeguard plumbing fixtures, water heaters, and appliances that can be damaged by poor water quality over time.
If the test reveals an issue, I’ll help you understand what it means and what steps can be taken to correct it — from simple filtration systems to professional water treatment solutions.
📞 Schedule Water Quality Testing in West Tennessee
Serving Somerville, Bolivar, Covington, and surrounding West Tennessee communities, Upchurch Inspection provides certified water quality testing, mold testing, radon testing, and full home inspection services.
📞 Call (901) 350-8885 or visit UpchurchInspection.com to schedule your water test or add it to your next inspection.
