Originally Posted By: ksutherland This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I just landed inspection that will include a water test. The customer says the house had not been occupied for 6 month and during that time she believes that mold grew in the plumbing. I have not been to the house yet, but she says when she uses the kitchen sink, she starts to smell mold. So, I am going to have a water test done for her. This will be my first water test.
My questions are.
1) Are the self test kits as creditable as having a lab preform the test?
2) When choosing a lab test. Do you use there most general or specific test?(ex. General=lead & bacteria, specific= lead only or bacteria only)
3) What is the average price per test for you as the home inspector?
4) Can anyone recommend any good labs in Southeast Florida?
Originally Posted By: randerson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Kevin, just one thing about mould. We have a working arrangement with an insurance adjusting firm. They have an environmental division and when discussing mould they told us that while there are approximately 300 different types of mould, only a small percentage (less than 2%) are considered to be serious health hazards. A mould test should be recommend along with the water test.
Originally Posted By: phinsperger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
would be growing in the supply plumbing. I think it very likely that bacteria may be growing in the supply plumbing esp around the spout.
If she does indeed smell mold (not bacteria) when using the kitchen sink I would tend to think that it is not from the supply but instead coming up from the waste line as the water goes down. If this is the case a water test would not give you the expected results. Dumping some bleach down the drain may clear it up.
Originally Posted By: dedwards This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Kevin,
I agree with Paul. If the house has been empty chances are real good that the traps have all dried out and gases may what she smells. Regardless your original question was do the self test kits work? Why bother with a kit you have no confidence in. You can buy the Pro-lab test kits for bacteria, nitrates, nitrites, pesticides, individually or a whole house water test kit at Lowe’s or I believe even Home Depot for about $30. You take the samples, then send them off to Pro-Lab which is what you would do with a kit bought directly from Pro-labs. Ive never used them but I know a lot of folks that swear Pro-Lab is great. Pro-Lab is located in south Florida so the turn around time for you should be very good. If all fails give them a call. Hope this helps. As for price…set your own price. Whatever is fair in your estimation for the services rendered.
Originally Posted By: dplummer This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Kevin, Use a lab. The self kits are not as reliable as a government approved lab. Have them test for everything. Is the water from a well or city water? Make sure you take the screen off the tap & run the water for a couple of minutes before you fill the sample bottle. $100-$150 is what we charge depending on the cost of the lab & courier charges. Doug
Originally Posted By: dvalley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
Make sure you take the screen off the tap & run the water for a couple of minutes before you fill the sample bottle.
Very true, but also don't forget to sterilize the spout with a burning match after removing the screen. If the spout is plastic, then I wipe it with an alcohol swab.
Sterilization is very important. 
