Buying or refinancing a home is an exciting yet stressful time. You want to make sure your new property and its water supply are safe for your family. While mortgage lenders require basic water quality tests for FHA loans, more extensive testing can identify issues that may affect your home's value and your family's health. This article explores common water contaminants in Tampa Bay, recommended testing for home buyers and refinancing, and water treatment solutions to provide clean, safe water in your new home.
Why Test Water for Real Estate Transactions?
While city water is treated, wells and plumbing systems can introduce contaminants. Older homes may have lead pipes or fixtures that leach lead into water. Common groundwater contaminants include:
Hardness minerals
Iron
Manganese
Hydrogen sulfide odors
Bacteria
Chemicals
Heavy metals like arsenic
Consuming contaminated water, or using it for bathing, cleaning, and laundry, can negatively impact your home and health. Issues include:
Skin irritation
Staining of fixtures, tile and clothing
Scale buildup on plumbing fixtures
Corrosion of plumbing
Reduced appliance lifespan
Unpleasant odors or taste
Testing water at a prospective home provides vital data to negotiate repairs or discounts for needed water treatment equipment.
Overview of Required Tests for FHA Loans
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) requires the following basic water tests for mortgage approval:
Bacteria Test
This checks for total coliform and E. coli bacteria. AquaGuard UV SYSTEM for Bacteria Removal uses ultraviolet light to destroy bacteria without chemicals.
Nitrates Test
Nitrate levels above 10 ppm can cause blood oxygen issues in infants under 6 months. A Retention Tank + Chlorine Injection System or HydroClear Ozone Generator can treat high nitrates.
Lead Test
Lead above 15 ppb requires treatment to remove lead from water before consumption. AquaRevive Reverse Osmosis System is effective for lead reduction.
While the FHA tests cover acute bacterial and lead risks, they do not evaluate other contaminants affecting homes and health.
Recommended Additional Real Estate Water Testing
To fully assess potential water issues for your Tampa Bay home, experts recommend adding these key tests:
Hardness Test
Hardness above 150 ppm causes scale buildup and makes soaps less effective. AquaLux Water Softener prevents hard water problems.
Iron and Manganese Tests
Levels above 0.3 ppm of iron or 0.05 ppm of manganese cause staining and foul tastes. An AquaCarbonGuard Catalytic Carbon Filter removes iron and manganese.
Hydrogen Sulfide Test
Sulfur odors and stains need treatment. HydroClear Ozone Generator eliminates rotten egg smell and stains.
Heavy Metals Test
Checks for concerning levels of arsenic, lead, mercury, chromium-6, cadmium, and selenium. Reverse osmosis like AquaRevive is the most thorough option for heavy metal removal.
Chemicals Test
Screens for solvents, herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, SOCs from industrial contamination. Activated carbon filtration like AquaBlue Whole House Filter combined with reverse osmosis effectively reduces chemicals.
With this more extensive water testing, you can better identify and address potential issues to provide cleaner, safer water throughout your new home.
Water Treatment Solutions for Real Estate Transactions
When water testing reveals contaminants, buyers can request the seller install treatment systems before closing. Or if you decide to move forward with a home despite water issues, financing options can help fund necessary equipment. We recommend the following solutions to common Tampa Bay water problems:
Hard Water Treatment
The AquaLux Water Softener uses a mineral tank to remove hardness minerals and prevent scale buildup. Meter based models efficiently regenerate based on actual usage rather than a timer. Electronic controls allow 24/7 monitoring and adjustments for optimized performance.
Iron & Manganese Removal
Oxidizing filters like the AquaCarbonGuard Catalytic Carbon Filter change dissolved iron and manganese into particles. These are filtered out to eliminate staining issues.
Sulfur Odor & Stain Removal
HydroClear Ozone Generator injects ozone into the water supply to oxidize hydrogen sulfide gas and prevent rotten egg odors and black stains.
Bacteria & Microorganism Reduction
AquaGuard UV SYSTEM uses ultraviolet light to deactivate and destroy illness-causing bacteria, viruses, and cysts without adding chemicals.
Heavy Metal Removal
Reverse osmosis like the AquaRevive forces water through a semipermeable membrane to block contaminants including lead, arsenic, chromium-6, and more. It removes up to 99% of dissolved solids and chemicals for the purest drinking water.
Whole House Sediment, Chemical & Pesticide Removal
Multi-stage whole house systems like AquaBlue combine filtration technologies to reduce a wide range of contaminants. Sediment pre-filters trap particles. Activated carbon absorbs chemicals, pesticides, solvents, VOCs. Scale inhibitor protects plumbing.
Commercial Property Water Treatment
For apartment buildings, offices, retail, or other commercial properties, HydroTech Pro Commercial Water Treatment Systems professionally survey needs and install optimized equipment for the highest water quality.
Well Water Treatment
Properties on well water avoid municipal chemicals but face risks like bacteria and hydrogen sulfide from the aquifer. WellFusion Well Water Treatment Systems blend sterilization, filtration, and purification methods for clean, safe water from the tap.
Schedule Your FREE Water Test Today to evaluate your prospective or current home. Then we can recommend the right solutions based on your water chemistry and needs. Take advantage of discounts, promotions, and financing options to make clean water affordable. Investing in water treatment protects your property value and your family's health.
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