What is Water Testing?
Clean water isn’t guaranteed just because it comes out of the tap.
Wells, older plumbing, or even municipal lines can carry bacteria, nitrates, lead, or other contaminants that affect health and safety.
Some lenders (like FHA, VA, and USDA) even require water testing before closing.
Clear choices. Fast results.
- Coliform bacteria and E. coli
- Nitrates and nitrites including total nitrate/nitrite
- Iron, lead, pH, turbidity
- Meets most FHA, VA, USDA lender panels. We confirm your lender’s checklist.
- Includes everything in the FHA Water Test
- Bacteria screening plus core metals and minerals
- Hardness, TDS and conductivity, chlorine, chloride, sulfate, ammonia
- Great for general water quality and filtration planning
- Includes everything in the FHA Water Test and the Standard Water Scan
- Plus VOCs and radon in water
- Best near gas stations, industrial sites, or when you want the full picture
- Results typically 1 to 3 business days from lab receipt
- If a lab result is inconclusive for no clear reason, we re test at no cost
- No trip fees, ever
Inside the Box offers a range of water tests.
Samples are collected carefully under chain-of-custody protocols (so results are legally defensible) and submitted to an accredited laboratory.
You’ll receive a professional lab report, plus an explanation in plain English so you know exactly what’s in your water and whether action is needed.
Type 1 Bundle Add-On Testing Baseline screenings that stack smart. Bundles are a thank you for choosing Inside the Box. Click to expand Click to collapse
What’s in Type 1
- Radon: 2 charcoal canisters, lab analysis
- Mold and IAQ Snapshot: 2 air samples, spore ID and levels
- Essential Water Check: screening for coliform, nitrates, nitrites
- WDO for Loans: visual plus targeted moisture
- Well System Check: head, cap, casing, tank review
- Septic Dye Screening: noninvasive dye and load
- Sewer Scope: main line camera up to 100 ft
- Pool and Spa: visual, function, safety notes
Single Type 1 screening
Choose any one Type 1 test.
Popular value combo
Pick any two Type 1 tests. Suggested pairs: Mold + Sewer or Water + Radon or Well + Septic.
Balanced coverage
Pick any three Type 1 tests. Typical trio: Radon + Mold and IAQ + Essential Water.
Wide net for surprises
Pick any four Type 1 tests. Common mix adds a systems check like Well, Septic, or Sewer Scope.
Keep stacking without full price
Add as many as you want at the add-on rate. Examples: round it out with Pool and Spa or WDO.
How bundles work
Type 1 screenings are fast snapshots that surface issues.
If results or site conditions suggest more complexity, I recommend targeted Type 2 testing so you get real answers instead of guesswork.
On-site findings are usually same day. Lab timing varies by test.
Smart upgrade pricing
Upgrade credit: if we move from a Type 1 to a deeper Type 2, every dollar already paid is credited. You pay the difference only. No restart tax.
When upgrades make sense:
- Lab flags or on-site readings suggest more detail
- Loan or insurance needs stricter documentation
- Health concerns or water quality red flags
- Agent or buyer wants deeper due diligence
Fair-play policies
- Free remediation re-test within 3 years
- If a lab result is inconclusive for no clear reason or due to my obvious error, I re-test at no cost
- Add-on results don’t carry the $100 same day guarantee for the main inspection
- Most on-site findings are same day. Lab results are typically 1 to 3 business days
- No trip fees ever
- If access is denied after you’ve paid, I’ll find an alternative or refund or switch the test
Type 2 Bundle Add-On Testing
Mix and match any Type 2 test. Type 2 includes everything in Type 1 plus more. Upgrade credit applies when we move from Type 1 to Type 2 during the same appointment.
Click to expand
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Type 2 Bundle Add-On Testing
1 Test
2 Tests
3 Tests
4 Tests
What’s in a Type 2 Test? Click to expand Click to collapse
Water Testing FAQ
Whether you’re on a private well or city water, water quality matters. Here are the most common questions homeowners ask before scheduling water testing.
Water testing checks for bacteria, nitrates, nitrites, contaminants, and unsafe levels of minerals. If you’re on a private well, nobody is monitoring your water for you. Even city water can become contaminated by plumbing problems or outdated pipes. Testing protects your health and tells you what’s actually coming out of your tap.
My standard test checks for coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrates, and nitrites. These are the most common and most important health-related contaminants. Additional panels are available for FHA/VA loans or if you want a deeper analysis.
It’s still a good idea. City water can become contaminated after it enters the home due to aging plumbing, old galvanized lines, lead solder, or corroded fixtures. Testing confirms that your specific home’s plumbing is not introducing contaminants.
Most lab results come back in 1 to 3 business days depending on the test type. You will receive a digital copy of the results along with a simple explanation of what the numbers mean.
If bacteria or contaminants are found, the next steps depend on the problem. Often a simple well shock, filtration upgrade, or plumbing fix resolves the issue. I explain the findings clearly and point you in the right direction to fix the problem.
Yes. FHA/VA loans often require a broader panel including lead, iron, hardness, pH, and sometimes arsenic or copper. I offer all required panels and provide documentation that lenders accept.
I collect the samples professionally and chain-of-custody them to the lab. This prevents contamination, avoids user error, and ensures the results are valid for real estate transactions.
Yes. Filters, softeners, and reverse osmosis systems can change water chemistry. I typically test from both treated and untreated locations when needed. This helps identify whether a filtration system is actually working or just taking up space.
If the plumbing has been stagnant, bacteria can multiply. In these cases, I may recommend flushing the system before testing or performing additional sampling to ensure accurate results. Vacant homes are common in real estate sales, and I handle them accordingly.
Some loans (especially FHA/VA) require specific panels. Even when it’s not required, many buyers choose it because water quality directly affects health. A simple $175 test can prevent expensive medical or plumbing issues down the line.
Have questions about your water or which test you need?