privatewelldata / Guides / Salesperson checklist

Salesperson or “free” in-home water test? Checklist

Some companies use free tests to sell treatment systems. Use this before you sign anything.

• Be wary of “free” water tests done by the salesperson: many are inaccurate and misleading. ^{[US EPA]}
• Colour-change or “particles forming” tests often just show natural minerals, not contamination. No water supply is completely free of contaminants. ^{[Minnesota Department of Health]}
• If they say they work with your city or the health department, ask for a contact name there and call that person yourself. ^{[Minnesota Department of Health]}
• Get an independent test from a certified lab before buying treatment, and buy a system certified for the contaminant you actually have. ^{[Health Canada],[CDC]}
• Do not sign contracts for “one-time offers” or anything that places a lien on your home. Call other companies for estimates. ^{[US EPA],[Minnesota Department of Health]}
• Be careful giving credit card details by phone, and check any offer involving prizes or sweepstakes. ^{[US EPA]}
• No treatment unit is maintenance-free, and no single unit solves every problem. ^{[Minnesota Department of Health],[US EPA]}
• Problems with a company: contact the Better Business Bureau; if you were misled, the Federal Trade Commission (US). ^{[US EPA]}