Category: Water Filter

Clean water isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Whether you’re using well water or public supply, contaminants can still find their way in.
Knowing how to test your water at home empowers you to catch issues early and protect your family’s health.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to inspect your water, what tools you need, which contaminants to look for, and what to do if something’s off.

Why Testing Your Water at Home Matters

Most people assume their tap water is safe, especially if it’s treated by the city.
But that’s not always true.

Aging pipes, agricultural runoff, chlorine, or limescale buildup can introduce risks.
Even if your water appears clear, it could carry heavy metals, bacteria, or chemical residue.

Testing your water helps you:

• Avoid long-term health issues

• Prevent plumbing damage from hard water

• Detect harmful contaminants before symptoms arise

For homes using private wells, testing is even more crucial since there’s no public oversight.

Routine testing lets you catch invisible issues early and take action fast.

Read more – Benefits of Soft Water for your skin and hair

Common Signs of Poor Water Quality

While not every contaminant is visible, some warning signs include:

• Cloudy or discoloured water

• Strange tastes, such as metallic or salty

• Rotten egg smell (often from sulfur)

• Scale buildup around taps and appliances

• Skin irritation after showers

These signs indicate possible issues like:

• Hard water

• Iron, manganese, or lead

• Microbial contamination

Spotting these symptoms should prompt immediate testing.

Methods to Test Water Quality at Home

Testing doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here are five ways to assess your water:

Visual Inspection

Start with a basic look:

• Fill a clear glass with tap water

• Check for particles, colour, and cloudiness

Brown or orange tints can indicate rust or iron.
White flakes may suggest hard water.
Greenish hues might signal copper corrosion.

While not conclusive, this step gives quick clues.

Smell and Taste Test

Though not scientific, smell and taste can detect:

• Sulfur (rotten egg odour)

• Chlorine (pool-like scent)

• Metallic or bitter flavours

If your water smells or tastes off, stop drinking it and test further.
Always use another method to confirm.

Using Test Strips

Affordable and user-friendly, test strips:

• Detect pH, hardness, chlorine, nitrates, and more

• Offer colour-coded results in under a minute

Dip the strip in a water sample and compare it with the included chart.
It’s a quick way to get a general overview.

Digital TDS Meters

A TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter measures:

• Mineral and metal concentration

• Water conductivity

Insert the probe into a glass of water.
Readings over 500 ppm can signal poor quality.

While it doesn’t show which contaminants are present, it flags when something’s wrong.

Lab Testing Services

For detailed results, send a sample to a certified lab.

Benefits:

• Identifies specific chemicals, bacteria, heavy metals

• Provides health risk assessments

• Useful for legal or medical documentation

Though more expensive, it’s the most accurate method.

What Contaminants Should You Test For?

Focus on the most common threats:

• Bacteria: E. coli, coliform

• Heavy Metals: Lead, arsenic, mercury

• Chemicals: Chlorine, pesticides, VOCs

• Hardness Minerals: Calcium, magnesium

• Nitrates/Nitrites: Especially in rural areas

Each can affect health differently—from gastrointestinal distress to long-term toxicity.

If you have kids, elderly relatives, or are pregnant, testing becomes even more important.

How Often Should You Test Your Water?

Frequency depends on your water source:

• Private well: Test at least once a year (bacteria, nitrates, pH)

• Public supply: Test every 6–12 months for peace of mind

• New plumbing or renovation: Always test after major work

• Changes in taste/appearance: Test immediately

Consistent testing keeps you informed and your water safe.

Read more – How to Interpret Your Water Test Report?

What to Do If Your Water Fails the Test

If your test shows contamination:

1. Stop drinking the water

2. Switch to bottled or boiled water temporarily

3. Identify the cause—pipe corrosion, agricultural runoff, etc.

4. Contact a professional for help

You may need:

• Water filters

• UV treatment systems

• Reverse osmosis units

• Softening systems

EWT offers solutions tailored to your water issues.

How EWT Can Help Improve Your Water Quality

At EWT, we provide:

• Free home assessments

• Advanced filtration systems

• Reverse osmosis and UV filters

• Expert installation across Ireland

With over 10,000 installations, we’ve helped families get cleaner, safer water—without the guesswork.

Check our full range of water testing and treatment products here.

Final Thoughts on Water Testing at Home

Testing your water at home is easy, affordable, and essential.
It’s the first step toward healthier living and peace of mind.

If you’re unsure where to begin, start with a simple test strip or TDS meter.
For in-depth results, consider professional lab testing and follow up with proper filtration.

Need help?
EWT is here to guide you from test to treatment—so your tap water is as clean as it should be.

Clean, safe drinking water is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. As concerns about tap water quality continue to rise, more households in Ireland are turning to water filtration systems. However, when it comes time to install a home water filter, the decision often boils down to one question: should you do it yourself or hire a professional?

In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both approaches to help you determine what works best for your home, budget, and technical abilities.

Why Install a Water Filter?

Whether you’re dealing with hard water, chlorine, heavy metals, or other contaminants, a water filtration system ensures better taste, improved health, and extended appliance life. Installing a water filter can remove up to 99% of impurities, giving you peace of mind every time you turn on the tap.

If you’re considering water filters Ireland, you’re likely already aware of these benefits—but the challenge is in the installation.

DIY Water Filter Installation: The Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Cost Savings
   Doing it yourself can save on labor costs, sometimes reducing your overall expenses by up to 50%.

2. Flexibility
   You can work around your schedule and choose the right time for the installation.

3. Learning Experience
   For those who enjoy home improvement tasks, installing a home water filter can be a rewarding experience.

Cons:

1. Complexity
   Not all systems are plug-and-play. Some require plumbing experience or specialized tools.

2. Risk of Incorrect Installation
   Mistakes can lead to leaks, reduced efficiency, or even water damage.

3. Time-Consuming
   Without experience, even a “simple” installation can take hours—or days.

Professional Installation: The Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Expertise and Experience
   Professionals are trained to handle various types of water filtration systems, ensuring a correct and efficient setup.

2. Time-Saving
   What may take you a full day could take a professional just an hour or two.

3. Warranties and Guarantees
   Many professional services offer warranties on labor and parts, giving you added peace of mind.

Cons:

1. Cost
   Hiring a pro adds to the overall expense, especially for more advanced systems.

2. Scheduling
   You might have to wait for an appointment, which can delay the process.

Types of Water Filters and Installation Difficulty

Filter Type	Installation Difficulty	DIY-Friendly?
Pitcher Filters	Very Easy	✅ Yes
Faucet-Mounted Filters	Easy	✅ Yes
Countertop Systems	Moderate	✅ Yes
Under-Sink Filters	Moderate to Hard	⚠️ Maybe
Whole-House Systems	Hard	❌ Not Recommended

Whole-house systems, in particular, often require tapping into the main water line and dealing with pressurized pipes. Unless you have prior plumbing experience, professional help is highly advised.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional

Installation Type	Approximate Cost (Ireland)
DIY	€50 – €100 (tools + parts)
Professional	€150 – €400 (labor + warranty)

While the upfront DIY cost may be lower, you must factor in the risk of errors. Improper installation could void warranties or cause long-term damage, leading to higher costs in the long run.

When to DIY and When to Hire a Pro

Choose DIY if:

• You’re installing a simple system like a countertop or faucet-mounted filter.

• You have prior experience with basic plumbing.

• You’re confident in following manufacturer instructions.

Hire a Professional if:

• You’re installing a complex system like a whole-house or under-sink water filtration system.

• You’re unfamiliar with plumbing tools or safety precautions.

• You want the assurance of a warranty and expert advice.

FAQs

Q1: Can I install a water filter without professional help?
Yes, many smaller systems like pitchers, faucet-mounted, and countertop filters are designed for DIY installation. However, complex systems may require professional help.

Q2: How long does professional water filter installation take?
Most professional installations take between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the system complexity.

Q3: Is professional installation worth the cost?
If you’re dealing with a high-end system or concerned about potential errors, investing in professional installation can save money and stress in the long run.

Q4: Are there risks to DIY installation?
Yes, risks include incorrect setup, leaks, water damage, and voiding the manufacturer’s warranty.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to go the DIY route or hire a professional, installing a home water filter is a smart move for health, taste, and appliance protection. Evaluate your comfort level with plumbing, the complexity of the system, and your budget before making a decision. When in doubt, consult with an expert to ensure you get the most from your water filtration system.

Remember, clean water isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safeguarding your family’s health.