Home Water Quality Checklist

Kitchen

Run the kitchen faucet for 30 seconds before evaluating. Use both hot and cold water.

• White spots or cloudy film on glasses and dishes after washing
• Faucet aerator clogged with white or orange grit
• Soap does not lather well - requires extra soap or rinse cycles
• Slimy or slippery feel on hands after washing with soap
• Metallic or chemical taste in drinking water
• Ice cubes from the freezer are cloudy or have white particles
• Coffee maker or kettle has white scale buildup inside
• Water has a noticeable chlorine or pool-like smell

Bathrooms

Check every bathroom in the home, including guest baths and powder rooms.

• Orange, red, or brown stains in the toilet bowl, sink, or tub
• Soap scum or hard water stains on glass shower doors
• Dry, itchy skin or brittle hair after showering
• Showerhead has reduced water flow or visible mineral clogging
• White chalky residue around faucets and drain openings
• Water has a rotten egg or sulfur smell
• Tub or sink takes longer than usual to drain
• Water appears cloudy or milky when first turned on

Laundry Room

Inspect the washing machine and surrounding area with a full load of whites if possible.

• White clothes turn gray or dull after repeated washes
• Towels feel stiff or scratchy instead of soft and fluffy
• Detergent does not dissolve completely or leaves residue on clothes
• Washing machine drum or glass door has soap scum buildup
• Water stains appear on freshly washed dark clothing
• Fabric softener seems ineffective even at recommended dosage

Exterior & Whole House

Walk around the exterior and check major appliances connected to your water supply.

• White or green crust buildup on exterior hose bibs and spigots
• Hot water heater makes popping or rumbling sounds when heating
• Plumbing fixtures have shortened lifespan - frequent replacements needed
• Water pressure drops noticeably at certain times of day
• Water-using appliances need repairs more often than expected
• Pipes show signs of corrosion or scale buildup at connections
• Lawn sprinklers leave white residue on driveways, cars, or siding

Well Water - Additional Checks

If your home uses a private well, add these checks to your routine.

• Annual well water test is overdue; private wells should be tested every 12 months
• Water has changed color, taste, or smell since last test
• Nearby construction, farming, or industrial activity has increased
• Well cap is cracked, loose, or not properly sealed
• Water appears sandy, silty, or has visible sediment after sitting
• Septic system is older than 20 years or has required recent repairs