Specialized diagnostics · D-08
Two Categories of Non-Invasive Water Evaluation: We offer both same-day on-site digital photometric screening and multi-tier accredited laboratory analysis depending on your property type, loan requirements, and health-safety goals.
Two categories of water evaluation
Performed on site during your inspection using an industrial dual-wavelength digital photometer to measure key water-conditioning and plumbing indicators—such as Water Hardness, Iron, pH, Alkalinity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Free/Total Chlorine. Ideal for verifying water softener performance, checking for pipe-corrosive conditions, or spotting shock-chlorinated wells the same day.
(Note: On-site photometric testing is unaccredited and provided for informational water-conditioning evaluation only).
Following strict EPA protocols, we capture both initial stagnant “first-draw” samples (after overnight pipe stagnation to detect internal plumbing Lead/Copper leaching) and fully purged 15-minute flushed samples in sterile/preserved vessels, shipped via overnight courier to an independent, NELAC/EPA-accredited laboratory:
Tier 1 — Municipal First-Draw Lead & Copper Screen: $375 with inspection | $450 standalone
Tier 2 — Essential Inspection Well Screen (Coliform, E. coli, Lead, Arsenic, Nitrate & Nitrite): $475 with inspection | $550 standalone
Tier 3 — Certified FHA / VA / USDA Loan Compliance Panel (Full Chain-of-Custody Loan Certification) OR 53-Analyte Expanded Metals & Bacteria Panel: $595 with inspection | $695 standalone
Tier 4 — Comprehensive 113-Analyte Drinking Water Profile (Bacteria, Heavy Metals, 60+ VOCs, Solvents & Disinfection Byproducts): $850 with inspection | $1,050 standalone
Early-Morning / Separate Trip Water Sample Fee ($175): Applies to Lab Tiers 1–4 if the appointment is scheduled in the afternoon and the property is currently occupied. (Lab analysis requires a stagnant, first-draw sample where water has sat undisturbed in the pipes for several hours, requiring the inspector to make a separate early-morning trip to the property prior to the homeowner waking up).
(Specialized PFAS “Forever Chemicals”, Pesticide scans, and Expedited Lab Rush Processing available upon request).
Overview
Bacteria, nitrates and lead have no taste, color or odor at levels that matter. Lab testing is the only reliable way to know what is in the supply.
We collect samples using proper chain-of-custody procedures and deliver them to an independent laboratory, then report the results against drinking water standards.
See what a Caliber report looks likeMethod
Sample collection with chain of custody
Laboratory
Independent, accredited laboratory
Best for
Private wells, older plumbing, lender requirements
Deliverable
Lab report compared to drinking water standards
Pairs with
Rapid on-site water analysis, septic inspection
Why this evaluation matters
A standard residential inspection evaluates plumbing fixtures strictly for functional flow, drainage, and visible leaks—it cannot determine the chemical or biological safety of the water supply.
Municipal / City Water Properties: Even when municipal water plants meet federal standards, water travels through aging underground mains, lead service lines, or interior plumbing joined with lead solder. Lead is a colorless, tasteless, odorless neurotoxin with zero safe exposure threshold for children.
Private Well Properties: Private wells in Northern Illinois are not regulated by the EPA and are vulnerable to agricultural runoff, nitrates, heavy metals, arsenic, and E. coli / coliform bacteria.
Non-invasive laboratory water sampling collects tap samples during your inspection window for accredited lab analysis so you know exactly what is coming out of the faucets before closing.
Scope
Common contaminants that affect health and lending.
Total coliform and E. coli, often required for well lending.
Common in agricultural areas and near septic systems.
From service lines, solder and older fixtures.
Additional panels available based on location and concerns.
Samples handled and documented for lender acceptance.
What each result means and what to do next.
Rapid on-site analysis
Hard water, low pH and high mineral levels shorten the life of water heaters, fixtures and appliances, and affect whether a softener or treatment system is needed.
On-site analysis gives you those answers during the inspection. For health-related contaminants, we recommend pairing it with laboratory testing.
See what a Caliber report looks likeMethod
Digital photometer, on-site
Turnaround
Results during the inspection
Best for
Treatment planning, fixture and appliance life
Deliverable
Readings with plain-language interpretation
Pairs with
Lab water quality testing (above)
On-site readings
Key water chemistry parameters, read on site.
Acidic or alkaline water that can corrode plumbing.
Calcium and magnesium that cause scale buildup.
Buffering capacity that affects treatment choices.
Minerals that stain fixtures and laundry.
Residual disinfectant in municipal supplies.
What each reading means for the property.
Instant results
Readings are recorded on site and added to your inspection report, so you can plan treatment right away.
Readings recorded on site
Added to your inspection report
Treatment considerations noted
Lab testing recommended where needed
Lender-ready
Well water testing is often a lending condition. Our lab reports are documented to meet those requirements.
Independent lab results
Chain-of-custody documentation
Comparison to drinking water standards
Recommendation for each result
It is less common, but older homes can have lead from service lines or plumbing. We can test for it.
Many lenders require a bacteria test for homes on private wells. Check with your lender and we will match their requirements.
No. On-site analysis covers water chemistry. Bacteria, nitrates and lead require laboratory testing, which we also offer.
Yes. It takes only a few minutes and can be added when you book online.
Keep exploring
Roof to foundation, with findings ranked for negotiation.
Learn more DiagnosticCamera inspection of the main line for roots, breaks and bellies.
Learn more DiagnosticInfrared surface scans for signs of moisture, insulation gaps and hot electrical.
Learn moreLive availability, instant pricing and confirmation in under two minutes.
