As the calendar turns to a new year, many homeowners focus on goals for better health, improved organization, and preventive home care. But one often-overlooked resolution could have a lasting impact on your health and your home's safety: testing your water quality. Whether your property relies on a private well or municipal water supply, winter is one of the most important times to test for contaminants.
At HouseMaster Serving Harrisburg & Lebanon, we understand how environmental and seasonal factors affect water safety. Our professional water quality inspections provide homeowners, buyers, and sellers with clear, certified results and actionable steps, so you can start the new year with clean, safe water flowing from your tap.
Why Winter Testing Matters More Than You Think
Winter brings unique challenges that can increase the likelihood of water contamination and make existing problems worse. This makes early-season testing essential.
1. Runoff from Snowmelt and Winter Rains
As snow and ice begin to melt, the resulting runoff can carry a cocktail of pollutants, including pesticides, fertilizers, road salts, and industrial waste, into local water supplies. If you own a well, you’re especially at risk. Wells located near agricultural areas, gas stations, dry cleaners, or old septic systems may become vulnerable to runoff seeping into groundwater, even without heavy storms.
Municipal water systems have treatment processes, but they are not infallible. Water still must travel through aging infrastructure before reaching your home, and contaminants can be picked up along the way.
2. Stagnant Water Systems in Vacant or Seasonal Homes
Winter is a prime time for stagnation, especially in:
- Vacation properties
- Guest bathrooms
- Second homes
- Basements and additions that are underused
Water sitting still for long periods can accumulate bacteria, lead, and sediment from corrosion or decaying pipes. This is particularly concerning in older homes or homes with galvanized plumbing.
3. Aging Municipal Pipes and Seasonal Infrastructure Strain
Freezing temperatures can damage underground pipes and joints, causing small leaks or backflows that go undetected. Water main breaks are more common in winter months and may introduce contaminants temporarily, even after repair.
If your home is supplied by a public water system, you might assume it’s safe, but according to the NRDC, millions of Americans drink from water systems that violate EPA safety standards every year. Testing provides peace of mind that what reaches your faucet is truly clean.
Common Winter Water Contaminants to Watch For
Water contamination is not always visible, and often not noticeable through taste or smell. Some of the most concerning winter-season contaminants include:
Bacteria and Coliforms
Found in runoff from septic systems, animal waste, or decaying organic matter. Especially risky for private well users after winter rain or snowmelt.
Nitrates and Nitrites
Common in rural areas due to fertilizer use. They pose serious health risks to infants and pregnant women.
Lead
Lead can leach from pipes, especially in homes built before the 1980s. Stagnant water and temperature changes can accelerate corrosion.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Chemicals from paints, cleaning agents, or industrial processes that can seep into water through the soil. Found near manufacturing zones, dry cleaners, or gas stations.
Heavy Metals (e.g., Arsenic, Mercury, Cadmium)
These may be naturally occurring or introduced through industrial pollution. Long-term exposure is linked to neurological and developmental issues.
What’s Included in a HouseMaster Water Quality Inspection?
HouseMaster’s process is both standardized and adaptable, ensuring consistent, lab-certified results with the flexibility to tailor recommendations to your home’s location and risk profile.
Step 1: Arrival with Certified Equipment
Your local HouseMaster inspector arrives with top-quality sampling materials and the expertise to identify areas of concern. All inspectors are trained to follow industry-standard water collection protocols.
Step 2: Collection of Water Samples
We collect water from a centralized source (typically the kitchen or main faucet) under sterile conditions. This ensures the results reflect the water you and your family actually use.
Step 3: Lab Testing
Samples are sent to certified laboratories for comprehensive analysis. Results are typically returned within a few days and include a clear summary of findings and contaminant levels.
Step 4: Recommendations
Depending on your location and the results, your HouseMaster inspector may recommend additional testing (e.g., lead, VOCs, radon in water) or mitigation options such as filtration systems or well disinfection.
Who Should Schedule Winter Water Testing?
Water quality testing is valuable for all homeowners, but especially important for:
- Private well users: Wells lack centralized treatment and must be self-monitored.
- Homeowners near farms or factories: Agricultural and industrial runoff is a top winter concern.
- Buyers and sellers: Testing helps ensure safety and may be required for VA, FHA, or USDA loans.
- Parents of infants or immunocompromised individuals: Even minor contaminants can pose health risks.
- Owners of seasonal or second homes: Stagnation and corrosion may occur when systems are idle.
Clean Water, Clear Planning
The benefits of testing your water in winter go beyond health and safety. It’s a smart way to protect your home’s plumbing systems, appliances, and long-term value.
- Hard water, for example, can shorten the life of dishwashers and water heaters.
- High iron or sediment levels can stain sinks and damage pipes.
- Unbalanced pH levels can corrode plumbing over time.
With a HouseMaster inspection, you’ll receive a clear, actionable report that gives you:
- A snapshot of your water’s health
- An outline of any immediate concerns
- Long-term recommendations to protect your home
Start the Year with Confidence
The new year is a time for new goals, and protecting your family’s health should be at the top of the list. Whether you’re living in a century-old farmhouse, a suburban development, or a newly built home, you deserve to know what’s in your water.
With HouseMaster’s professional water quality testing, you can take the guesswork out of this critical part of homeownership. Winter may be cold and unpredictable, but your water doesn’t have to be.
Harrisburg home inspectors Dan Ayers and Scott Ayers, like all Housemaster home inspectors, have extensive training and certifications and are tested annually to meet the industry standards of continuing education, inspection, reporting, and customer service. As part of the oldest and most trusted nationwide home inspection business, Dan and Scott have been able to put their decade long experience in fire and water property restoration and their passion for customer service to good use in the professional home inspection process. Request an inspection today!
