How to Check TDS in Water at Home?

Do you ever wonder what’s in your water? If so, the following article is for you. In this blog post, we will share some of the most popular ways to check for TDS in your water at home. You will learn how to test and what kind of numbers you should be looking for.

What are TDS and why should you care about them?

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids and it represents a measure of all dissolved solids found in a given volume of liquid. These solids may include minerals such as calcium or magnesium sulfate, nitrates from fertilisers or organic material that has been leached from soils into groundwater sources. It also includes any residual chlorine that might have been used during treatment processes. The amount can vary depending on where you live and what processes were used for treating the water.

The amount of total dissolved solids in your water can affect the taste, odour and even the colour of the water. High levels of TDS can also cause scale build-up in pipes, appliances and fixtures making them less efficient and costing you more money in the long run. It is important to monitor TDS levels so you can incorporate a water purification system if needed.

Refer the TDS water chart to know more about TDS in water. We have covered much more information there that could be helpful for you.

How do you check TDS in water at your home?

First of all, it is important to have a tool that will help you measure the amount of total dissolved solids in your water accurately. There are many different options on the market, but we would recommend a digital TDS meter. They are easy to use and often come with a warranty that covers any defects or inaccurate readings. You can get one from your local hardware store or buy one online at Amazon.

There are many TDS meters available on the market, but we would recommend a digital one with a replaceable electrode. Test strips can be less accurate and more difficult to use.

There are different testing methods based on the type of water you are testing. We will go over each one below.

For drinking water – The most common way to test TDS levels in drinking water is with a TDS meter. You simply put the meter in a glass of water and wait for a reading. Be sure to test both cold and room temperature water as the TDS levels can be different.

For water from a faucet – Before testing remove any filters or purifiers you might have installed. Take the meter and place it directly under the faucet. Turn on the faucet and let the water run for about 15 seconds. The meter should be in line with the stream of water. Take a reading and record it.

For water from a well, river, stream or lake – If you are testing well water, you will need to collect a sample using a clean container. Be sure to remove any sediments or particles from the water before testing. Shake the container gently to mix the water and take a reading.

You should aim for a TDS reading of less than 500 parts per million (ppm) which could be safely used at home.

What kind of numbers should you be looking for?

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)/EPA has set the maximum contaminant level for TDS at 500 mg/L. This doesn’t mean that your water is unsafe if it reads higher than this number, but it is something to keep in mind. Ideally, you want your TDS levels to be below 150 mg/L for drinking water.

Now that you know how to test TDS in your water, what should you do if the levels are high?

If your TDS levels are high, there are a few things you can do:

• Install a water purification system.
• Use a reverse osmosis water purifier.
• Filter your water with an in-line cartridge filter. Ideally, you should replace the filter every 6 months depending on how much your family consumes.

You can make sure that you do all of this once your TDS levels are high by checking them regularly. It is recommended to check them every 3 months or so.

Is there anything else that you should consider?

The most important step is to determine the source of the contamination in order to effectively treat it. This is often done by a professional who will test the water for TDS and other contaminants using special equipment.

It is important to note that TDS is not necessarily dangerous or unhealthy if levels are below 500 mg/L, but it can affect the taste, colour and odour of your water. It is recommended to check them regularly so you can implement a water purification system if needed.

Conclusion

If you are concerned about the TDS levels in your water at home, there are a few things that you can do. You should start by checking them regularly with an accurate tool like a digital meter for TDS. If the level is high, consider installing one of these three types of filtration systems to reduce or remove contaminants – a water purification system, a reverse osmosis system, and/or an inline cartridge filter (which needs replacing every 6 months). The most important thing when it comes to reducing TDS levels is figuring out where they stem from so you know how best to treat them.