Question 1

How does WellWaterTrust actually work?

Accepted Answer

You tell us where you live and whether you are on a private well or municipal water. We route your request to a vetted water-testing lab or WQA-credentialed filtration installer in our network who serves your ZIP code. They contact you, offer an EPA-method test or a free filtration quote, and you choose whether to hire them—no obligation.

Question 2

Is WellWaterTrust free for homeowners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Homeowners never pay WellWaterTrust anything. Labs and installers in our network pay us a referral fee only when they win your business. You evaluate their quote the same way you would any pro, and if it doesn't work for you, you walk away with no cost.

Question 3

What are PFAS and why are they in my water?

Accepted Answer

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made 'forever chemicals' used in non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and stain-resistant fabrics. They do not break down in the environment and have seeped into groundwater and municipal water supplies nationwide, affecting an estimated 45% of U.S. tap water.

Question 4

What are the new EPA limits for PFAS in drinking water?

Accepted Answer

In 2024, the EPA finalized limits (MCLs) of 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS, and 10 ppt for PFHxS, PFNA, and GenX. However, public water utilities may have until 2031 to fully comply with permanent filtration, and these rules do not apply to private wells at all.

Question 5

How often should I test my private well water?

Accepted Answer

The CDC and EPA recommend testing your private well at least once a year. Annual tests should cover coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH. You should test immediately if you notice changes in water taste, odor, or color.

Question 6

My well water smells like sulfur. How do I fix it?

Accepted Answer

If well water smells like sulfur, test for hydrogen sulfide and bacteria first. Short-term odors may need shock chlorination; persistent rotten-egg smell usually needs an oxidizing filter sized to your water chemistry.

Question 7

What is WQA certification and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

The Water Quality Association (WQA) provides independent, professional certification for water treatment installers. It ensures the installer understands water chemistry, proper sizing of filtration equipment, and local plumbing codes. Every installer we route to must hold a current WQA or equivalent credential.

Question 8

Do refrigerator or pitcher filters remove PFAS?

Accepted Answer

Usually no. Most standard refrigerator and pitcher filters are only certified to improve taste and odor by reducing chlorine. To remove PFAS, a filter must specifically hold NSF/ANSI 53 or P473 certification for PFAS reduction.

Question 9

What is the difference between Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Carbon filtration?

Accepted Answer

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) absorbs chemicals and is great for whole-house filtration but requires frequent filter changes. Reverse Osmosis (RO) forces water through a microscopic membrane, removing >99% of contaminants including PFAS and heavy metals, but is usually only installed at the kitchen sink because it is slow and wastes water.

Question 10

How does lead get into drinking water?

Accepted Answer

Lead rarely comes from the municipal water plant or your private well. It leaches into the water from old service lines, lead solder used in pipes, or brass fixtures inside your own home, especially when water sits stagnant overnight.

Question 11

How much does a professional well water test cost?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive EPA-method test from an ELAP-certified lab typically costs $150 to $350, depending on the number of contaminants checked. Testing for PFAS usually adds to the cost because the lab equipment (Method 533) is highly specialized.

Question 12

How much does a whole-house PFAS filtration system cost?

Accepted Answer

A certified whole-house carbon system typically costs $1,500 to $3,500 installed. An under-sink Reverse Osmosis system for drinking water costs $400 to $800 installed. Prices vary based on home size, water chemistry, and local plumbing rates.

Question 13

How is WellWaterTrust different from Angi, Thumbtack, or HomeAdvisor?

Accepted Answer

General networks sell your contact info to 3-5 contractors, leading to a flood of sales calls. We route your request to exactly one vetted professional (lab or installer) who specializes in water quality. One conversation, one assessment, one quote.

Question 14

Are the network installers licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every installer in our network must hold a current state plumber's or contractor's license (where required), current liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage. We re-verify these credentials annually.

Question 15

What happens if I am not happy with the matched lab or installer?

Accepted Answer

Tell us immediately. We will investigate within 5 business days, route you to a different professional, and remove contractors from the network for confirmed quality or conduct issues. You are never locked in.

Question 16

Does WellWaterTrust sell my information to other contractors or marketing lists?

Accepted Answer

No. Your contact details go to exactly one matched lab or installer who has been vetted for your needs. We do not sell to data brokers, broadcast to multiple contractors, or add you to marketing lists.

Question 17

How much does an under-sink reverse osmosis system cost?

Accepted Answer

A professionally installed under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system typically costs $400 to $1,200, including the multi-stage unit, a dedicated faucet, and labor. Tankless RO units and systems with remineralization or a permeate pump sit at the top of that range.

Question 18

How much does a whole-house water filter cost?

Accepted Answer

A whole-house (point-of-entry) filtration system typically costs $1,000 to $4,000 installed. A basic carbon tank for chlorine, taste, and odor sits at the low end; a certified PFAS-reduction system, or one combined with softening and sediment pre-filtration, reaches the upper end.

Question 19

How much does a water softener cost?

Accepted Answer

A professionally installed water softener typically costs $1,200 to $3,000. Grain capacity (sized to your hardness and household size) and the quality of the control valve are the biggest cost factors, with twin-tank and high-efficiency metered systems at the top of the range.

Water Softener System

Where's the home located?

What network partners deliver

Other tests and systems we can match for

Four steps. ELAP labs. No filtration unless your water actually needs it.

One request. ELAP-certified lab. Written report.

Common questions, real answers