Testing
What a home water test costs
Lab test$50–$500published range
Home kitFrom $10hardness only
Local departmentSometimes freebasic checks
A professional lab test typically costs $50 to $500. Home hardness kits start at about $10.
| Option | Published cost | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Home hardness kit | From about $10 | A quick hardness number |
| Lab test | $50 to $500 | Contaminants and a full report |
| Local health or water department | Sometimes free | Basic checks |
| Installer’s in-home test | Often free | Sizing a system |
What to check
Hardness, chlorine or chloramine, iron, pH and total dissolved solids. A free test from an installer usually comes with a recommendation, so ask for the numbers in writing.
Sources: Angi on testing hardness, Angi Los Angeles.
These are published ranges and general guidance, not quotes. In the Bay Area, Soft Patagonian offers free water tests.