A private well is not tested by anyone but the owner, so the annual test is the only safety net. The basics are bacteria and minerals, and the test is cheap compared to what it prevents.
The schedule
Well water is tested at least once a year for total coliform bacteria and basic minerals, with more frequent tests after any change. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Columbia, the local lab can run the panel.
The bacteria
A positive coliform test means the well needs disinfection and a retest, and the source of the contamination is found.
The minerals
Iron, manganese, hardness, and pH are checked on the same visit, and the results guide any treatment.
The triggers
A change in taste, color, or smell, or a nearby septic or land change, calls for an immediate test, not the annual date.
The call
Put the well test on the calendar every year. Call 888-217-3585 and Columbia, MO Plumbing Pros will match you with a Columbia pro.
Plumbing in Columbia: what to know
In Columbia, freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Boone County — from Ashland, Centralia and Fulton to ZIP codes like 65215, 65216, 65202 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Columbia?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Columbia, MO Plumbing Pros will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Columbia.