Coliform Bacteria in Well Water: What a Positive Test Means and What to Do Next
Key Takeaway: A positive test for coliform bacteria in well water means your water supply needs attention, even if it looks, tastes, and smells normal. Total coliform bacteria can indicate a potential pathway for contamination, while a positive E. coli result is stronger evidence of fecal contamination and a potential health risk. Avoid drinking potentially […]
Sulfur Smell in Well Water: Causes & Treatment Options
Key Takeaway: A rotten egg smell in well water is often associated with hydrogen sulfide gas, sulfur-related bacteria, or conditions inside the water heater. The right solution depends on where the odor originates and the chemistry of your water. Before installing treatment equipment, identify whether the smell occurs in hot water, cold water, or throughout […]
Water System Inspection: Why Regular Maintenance Matters
Key Takeaway: A water system inspection can help identify maintenance needs, leaks, performance changes, and other issues before they turn into bigger problems. If your home uses a water softener, filtration system, reverse osmosis unit, or other treatment equipment, routine checks and timely maintenance can help keep the system operating as intended. Water testing can […]
Why Does Gresham’s Water Taste Different Now? What the Switch Away From Bull Run Means for Your Home
If your tap water has suddenly started tasting, smelling, or feeling different this year, you’re not imagining it — and you’re not the only one asking what’s going on. Since spring 2026, the City of Gresham has been transitioning its water supply away from the Bull Run Reservoir to a new local groundwater system through […]
Reverse Osmosis Systems: A Guide to Cleaner Drinking Water
Key Takeaway: Reverse osmosis systems can reduce many dissolved substances and other contaminants that may affect drinking water quality, taste, and odor. The right RO system depends on your source water, the contaminants you want to address, household demand, water pressure, and maintenance preferences. Testing your water first can help determine whether reverse osmosis is […]
Outdoor Faucet Maintenance & Irrigation Care for Summer
Key Takeaway: Routine outdoor faucet maintenance and irrigation system care can help prevent leaks, wasted water, low pressure, foundation moisture, and costly summer plumbing repairs. Inspect hose bibs, supply lines, sprinkler heads, valves, and irrigation schedules throughout the season. Address dripping fixtures, damaged components, or unexplained wet areas before a small problem becomes more serious. […]
Summer Water Quality Maintenance: How to Protect Your Home’s Water System
Key Takeaway: Summer water quality maintenance helps prevent unpleasant tastes, odors, leaks, equipment problems, and unexpected issues while you are away from home. Before vacation or periods of heavy summer water use, inspect your treatment equipment, replace filters when needed, check for leaks, and address any noticeable changes in your water. Summer water quality maintenance […]
Water Heater Replacement Guide: Signs It’s Time for a New Water Heater
Key Takeaway: Water heater replacement is usually the smarter choice when your unit is old, leaking, noisy, rusty, or struggling to keep up with your household’s hot water needs. The best replacement depends on your home’s water quality, fuel source, usage habits, efficiency goals, and whether hard water is shortening your system’s lifespan. Water heater […]
Water Softeners Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right System for Your Home
Key Takeaway: A water softener can help reduce hard water problems like scale buildup, soap scum, cloudy dishes, and appliance wear. The best system for your home depends on your water test results, household size, plumbing setup, and whether you need true softening, scale prevention, or a combination water treatment solution. A water softeners buyer’s […]
Mastering Iron Removal: A Guide to Clear Well Water
Key Takeaway: Iron in well water can cause rust-colored stains, metallic tastes, unpleasant odors, and plumbing buildup, but the right treatment system can effectively remove iron and restore water quality. Identifying the type of iron present and selecting the appropriate filtration solution are the first steps toward cleaner, clearer water. Recognizing the Signs of Iron […]