this post was submitted on 19 Mar 2024
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[–] RubberElectrons 1 points 8 months ago (2 children)

I've heard, and read, that the test strip approach isn't very accurate.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago

IMHO, it shouldn't need to be. With test strips, my only intent is to see if there is something drastically off kilter. pH tests are likely the most reliable of any of them. If tap water pH is wildly off, there is likely something else wrong.

Excluding some cases, just a taste of the tap water should tell you volumes more than what a test strip might.

[–] Aux 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

But it's good enough for regular people. Very accurate test equipment costs tens of thousands of dollars and you have to recalibrate it every few months using very expensive consumables.

[–] RubberElectrons 0 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Nah. I paid $43 for my lead test via Virginia tech, as that's a concern I have with my new (very old) apt building: https://leadkit.hbbf.org

If you need to test for the common 9 dangerous items test, it's $160: https://mytapscore.com

[–] Aux 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

That's one single test and you don't get equipment. You're just sending your sample to the lab, which has all the stuff. I mean that's a great option, but you're not getting accurate testing devices for that price.

[–] RubberElectrons 0 points 8 months ago

Not interested in having the equipment. Not sure where I said that either.