FAQ

Brown or discolored tap water can be alarming, but it’s a common issue that can occur for several reasons. The most frequent cause is sediment or rust buildup inside old pipes, which can become dislodged when water pressure changes—especially after maintenance or nearby construction. In some cases, the discoloration comes from iron or manganese, naturally occurring minerals that stain sinks and clothing while affecting taste and clarity.

If your water appears brown suddenly, avoid drinking or washing with it until testing confirms it’s safe. At Olympian Water Testing Residential, we provide comprehensive water analysis to identify the exact cause of discoloration—whether it’s harmless mineral content or something more serious, like corrosion or bacterial growth.

Our certified lab testing and expert review ensure that you’ll know exactly what’s happening with your tap water and how to fix it safely, effectively, and permanently for your home.

Not necessarily. Even if your city provides treated water, that doesn’t guarantee it remains safe once it reaches your tap. Many apartment buildings and older homes have outdated plumbing systems that can introduce contaminants after municipal treatment. Metals like lead and copper can leach from corroded pipes or fixtures, while bacteria can develop in storage tanks, filters, or low-use plumbing lines.

At Olympian Water Testing Residential, we help residents in New York and New Jersey understand the true condition of their home’s water. Our certified testing services go beyond standard city reports to detect hidden pollutants, ensuring the water you drink, cook with, and bathe in is genuinely safe.

Testing provides data-driven clarity about your water quality, regardless of your building’s age or location. It’s the only reliable way to confirm that what’s flowing from your faucet meets the highest standards of purity and health protection.

We recommend homeowners and tenants schedule annual water testing to ensure consistent safety and quality. However, several situations call for more frequent testing—such as after plumbing repairs, renovations, water main breaks, or noticeable changes in taste, smell, or color. Older buildings or homes with children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised residents should test at least twice a year, as even minor contamination can impact health over time.

At Olympian Water Testing Residential, we tailor testing schedules based on your home’s plumbing age, local water source, and previous results. Routine testing can detect early signs of lead, copper, bacteria, or PFAS, preventing long-term exposure before it becomes a costly issue.

By maintaining a regular testing schedule, you protect your family, extend the lifespan of your plumbing system, and gain ongoing peace of mind knowing your home’s water remains clean, clear, and completely safe year-round.

Yes. At Olympian Water Testing Residential, we offer combined testing packages that screen for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and lead in one comprehensive service. These contaminants are among the most serious health concerns in residential water supplies. While PFAS are “forever chemicals” used in industrial and household products, lead typically leaches from corroded pipes or old fixtures. Both require precise laboratory analysis using EPA-approved methods to ensure accuracy.

Our dual testing process simplifies the experience—one visit, one set of samples, and one detailed report covering both contaminants. The results identify even trace levels, providing actionable insight and next-step recommendations to restore your home’s water quality.

Combining PFAS and lead testing saves time and ensures nothing is overlooked. It’s the most effective way to ensure your household’s drinking water meets the highest safety standards in New York, New Jersey, and surrounding areas.