Already Had a Water Test at Lowe's or Home Depot? What to Ask Before Buying

In-store water tests at Lowe's, Home Depot, and similar retailers are a common first step for Columbus homeowners concerned about their water. They are quick, free, and give you a number to work with. They are also limited — and understanding those limits helps you make a better decision before spending $1,000 or more on a water-treatment system.

Disclosure: Pure Aqua Columbus sells water-treatment systems. This article is written to help prospective customers understand what they have been told — not to suggest that retailer-recommended products are necessarily wrong for your situation.

Retail water tests vary by location and staff, but most measure a subset of the following:

What this means in practice: If your concern is hard water and scale buildup, a retail hardness test gives you useful information. If your concern is taste, smell, skin irritation, or well water quality, a retail test may not measure the parameters that matter most.

1. What parameters did the test measure? Ask for a written list, not a verbal summary.
2. What were the actual numbers? "Your water is hard" is less useful than "your water is 14 gpg."
3. Was the test performed on a sample from your home, or on a generic Columbus sample? Water quality varies by neighbourhood, building age, and plumbing.

4. Is the recommended system sized for my actual water hardness and household usage? A system sized for "Columbus averages" may be wrong for your specific address.
5. Does the system address all my water concerns? A water softener removes hardness. It does not remove chloramines, PFAS, iron above 0.3 ppm, or bacteria.
6. What is included in the installation price? Bypass valve, drain connection, and permit are sometimes quoted separately.
7. What is the warranty — parts only, or parts and labour? Who performs warranty service?
8. What are the ongoing maintenance costs? Salt type, monthly usage estimate, and any annual service fees.

9. Is the installation performed by the retailer's own staff or a subcontractor? Subcontracted installation varies in quality and may affect warranty claims.
10. What happens if there is a problem after installation? Who is the point of contact — the retailer, the installer, or the manufacturer?

A professional in-home water test by a water-treatment company typically measures:

• Hardness (gpg)
• Iron (dissolved and particulate, in ppm)
• pH
• TDS
• Chlorine and chloramines
• Hydrogen sulphide (rotten egg smell)
• Manganese (in some cases)

It does not replace laboratory testing for PFAS, bacteria, nitrates, or other contaminants that require certified lab analysis. If you are on a private well or have specific health concerns, ask about laboratory testing separately.

Pure Aqua Columbus offers a free in-home water test for Columbus and Central Ohio homeowners. Schedule yours here or call (614) 476-8711.

If you have a quote from a retailer or any other company and want a second opinion before deciding, Pure Aqua Columbus will review it at no charge. Request a free second opinion here.

We will tell you honestly whether the recommended equipment is appropriate for your water, whether the price is in line with the Columbus market, and whether there is a better option — or whether the original quote looks fair.

• Columbus Division of Water, 2025 Annual Water Quality Report: columbus.gov/utilities
• US EPA, PFAS in Drinking Water: epa.gov/pfas
• Ohio EPA, Private Water Systems: epa.ohio.gov
• Water Quality Association, Consumer Information: wqa.org

This article was written by Pure Aqua Columbus and last reviewed October 2026. Pure Aqua Columbus sells water-treatment systems in Central Ohio and is not affiliated with Lowe's, Home Depot, or any other retailer.