
Your Water, Your Home: Free Water Testing in Irvine & Across Orange County.
Hi, I’m Brian McCowin. For over 50 years, since 1972, my family and I at McCowin Water have been helping folks right here in Irvine and all over Orange County get crystal-clear answers about their home’s water.
We know your water is special, and what comes out of your tap might be different from your neighbor’s, even in places like Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Santa Ana, or Fountain Valley. That’s why we offer a free in-home water test. It’s the best way to see what’s really in your water, things that city reports or little DIY kits often miss.
We’ll check for hard minerals, chlorine, dirt, and even tiny bits of metals or other stuff like PFAS. This helps us figure out the best way to make your water taste great, protect your appliances, and keep your family healthy. We’re all about giving you clear facts and simple choices, with no pressure, just honest advice. Because your trust means everything to us.
Call us at (949) 569-5736 or schedule your free water test today.
Why Is a Free Water Test So Important for Your Home or Business?
Think of our free water test as a check-up for your home’s water. We come right to your faucet; where you actually use the water; to see what’s going on. This helps us understand what you and your family are exposed to and how your appliances are affected.
We check things like hardness, chlorine, pH, and how much stuff is dissolved in your water. We also look at your plumbing and water pressure.
Why? Because even if the city says your water is fine, your home’s pipes can change things. Our test gives you clear, easy-to-understand results that point to real solutions. Maybe you need a special filter for drinking water, or a whole-house system to protect everything. Here are some signs that tell us it’s time for a free test:
- You see white crust or scale on your faucets, showerheads, or dishes. This often means hard water.
- Your drinking water or shower water smells or tastes like bleach. That’s usually chlorine.
- Your water looks rusty or cloudy, especially after plumbing work. This could be dirt or iron.
- Your appliances (like your water heater or dishwasher) are breaking down too fast or using too much energy. Bad water can really hurt them!
If you see any of these, it’s a good idea to give us a call for your free test. We’ll help you understand what’s happening and what to do next.
What Kinds of Water Problems Do We See in Irvine and Orange County?

Here in Irvine and across Orange County, we often find a few common things in the water. These include the stuff used to clean the water (like chlorine), hard minerals (calcium and magnesium), dirt, and sometimes tiny bits of iron or newer things like PFAS.
These can come from where our water starts, how it’s treated, or even from the old pipes that bring it to your home. That’s why a test right in your home is so important. Two houses right next to each other can have different water! Knowing what’s in your water helps us pick the right solution – maybe a carbon filter for chlorine, a water softener for hardness, or a special filter for drinking water.
How Do These Water Problems Affect Your Family and Your Home?
Bad water can cause real headaches! Chlorine can make your water taste and smell funny, and it can even bother sensitive skin. Those hard minerals? They build up as “scale” inside your pipes and appliances, making them work harder and break down faster. If there’s lead in your water, even a tiny bit, that’s a big health concern we need to fix right away. Why does my tap water taste bad?
And dirt can clog things up and make your water cloudy. When we test your water, we’ll show you how these things are affecting your family’s health and your home’s systems, so you can make smart choices about fixing them. We provide the best water filtration system options for your needs.
How Is Your Tap Water Different from City Reports?
City water reports are great, but they tell you about the water before it gets to your house. They don’t know what’s happening inside your home’s pipes, or if old fixtures are adding something to your water.
Our in-home test looks at your water, right where you use it. So, a city report might say the water is “safe,” but you could still have problems like lead from your own plumbing, or dirt that settles in your pipes. If your water tastes weird, smells bad, or stains things, our free test gives you the real story and helps us figure out what to do.
How Does McCowin Water Do Your Free Water Test?
When we come to your home for a free water test, it’s a friendly, no-pressure visit. Our trained technician will check your water right at your taps for important things like hardness, chlorine, pH, and how much stuff is dissolved in it.
We also look for dirt you can see. Plus, we check your plumbing and water pressure. This gives us a full picture of your water’s health.
The best part? We use this information to give you honest advice, not just try to sell you something. We’ll show you what the numbers mean and what options you have, whether it’s a special drinking water filter, a whole-house filter, or a water softener. We’re here for you, even after we install something, with our lifetime support.
To make your visit easy and helpful, here’s what to expect: the installation process
- Just give us a call or ask for your free water test online. Tell us a little about your concerns.
- Think about which faucets you use most and any problems you’ve noticed (like taste, smell, stains, or appliance issues).
- Our technician will arrive, test your water in a few spots, check your plumbing, and explain everything in plain, simple words. We’ll talk about your choices, with no rush.
We want you to feel good about your water, and our test is the first step to making that happen. Here’s a quick look at what we test for and why it matters:
| What We Test For | How We Check It | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Calcium & Magnesium) | We use a quick test right at your tap. | High hardness means scale buildup, which hurts appliances. We’ll talk about softeners. |
| Chlorine / Chloramines | Special kits show us how much disinfectant is there. | If it smells or tastes like bleach, we can filter it out for better taste and softer skin. |
| pH Level | A small meter gives us the pH number. | Water that’s too acidic or too basic can cause problems like corrosion or scale. |
| TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) | A digital meter tells us how much “stuff” is dissolved. | High TDS can mean poor taste. A special drinking water filter can help. |
| Sediment / Cloudy Water | We look closely and check your filters. | Dirt or rust in your water means you need a filter to keep your water clear and protect your plumbing. |
| PSI / Plumbing Check | We use a gauge and check your pipes. | Good water pressure is key for any system. We make sure your plumbing is ready. |
After we do these tests, we’ll sit down with you and explain everything. We’ll help you understand what the numbers mean and what kind of system would be best for your home and family.
How Can You Get Your Free Water Test in Irvine?
It’s super easy to schedule your free water test! Just give us a call or fill out our online form. Tell us your name, where you live, and any worries you have about your water.
We’ll set up a time that works for you. Our technician will come to your home with all their testing tools. They’ll test your water, check your plumbing, and then explain everything clearly. You’ll get all the facts you need to make a good decision, without any pressure from us. Remember, it’s all about your peace of mind!
What Do We Test For During Your Home Water Check-Up?
Our home water test focuses on the things that matter most for your daily life: water hardness, chlorine, pH, how much stuff is dissolved in your water (TDS), any dirt you can see, and your plumbing’s health. We use quick tests right there in your home to get fast answers.
If we see anything that makes us think there might be bigger problems, like certain metals or PFAS, we might suggest a more detailed lab test. But for most common issues, our in-home test gives you all the info you need to choose the right filter or softener.
How Do You Understand What Your Water Test Results Mean?
Our technicians are great at explaining things simply. They won’t just give you numbers; they’ll tell you what those numbers mean for your home. For example, they’ll tell you if your water is “hard” and why a softener would help, or if your chlorine levels are high and how a carbon filter can fix that. We’ll also talk about what your water will be like after treatment; better taste, longer-lasting appliances, and easier cleaning. If we find anything serious, we’ll tell you right away and help you figure out the next steps to keep your family safe. Our goal is to make sure you understand everything and feel confident in your choices.
Why Is a Professional Water Test So Good for Irvine Families?
A professional water test from McCowin Water does so much more than just give you numbers. It helps protect your family’s health, makes your expensive appliances last longer, and makes your water taste and feel better. We find the real problem, whether it’s from transition to your home, how it’s treated, or your own home’s pipes.
This means we can give you a solution that actually works, not just a guess. You’ll see real changes: less scale, fewer appliance repairs, and delicious drinking water. Over time, this saves you money! Plus, our test gives you a starting point to compare against later, so you always know your system is working right.
| What It Helps With | What We Look For | How Our Test Helps You |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping Your Family Healthy | Lead, chlorine, dissolved solids. | We find risks and suggest filters to keep bad stuff out of your body. |
| Making Appliances Last | Hardness, dirt, water pressure. | We spot scale and dirt issues so you can get softeners or filters that save your appliances. |
| Better Taste & Smell | Chlorine, weird smells, dissolved solids. | We find out why your water tastes bad and help you get filters for delicious water. |
| Easier Home Care | How often filters need changing. | We help you pick the right system so you don’t have to change filters all the time, saving you money. |
See? Our professional test is a smart first step for anyone in Irvine or nearby Orange County cities who wants lasting, custom solutions for their water.
How Does Our Water Testing Keep Your Family Safe?
Our test looks for things that can hurt you if you drink or touch them, like chlorine byproducts or tiny bits of metal. By checking your water, we can tell if you need a special filter for your drinking water or a whole-house system to protect everyone. If you have little ones, expecting moms, or anyone with a weak immune system, we pay extra close attention to make sure your water is as safe as possible. This test takes away the guesswork and gives you clear steps to make your home safer.
How Can Testing Make Your Appliances Last Longer?
We measure how much hardness and dirt are in your water. These are the main bad guys that cause scale buildup, clogs, and rust. Knowing these numbers helps us recommend the right water softener or filter for your whole house. When you get rid of scale, your water heater works better, your pipes last longer, and your dishwasher and washing machine need fewer repairs. Many of our customers find that preventing just one water heater breakdown pays for their whole water treatment system! It’s all about catching problems early.
How Does Testing Make Your Water Taste and Smell Better?
Our test helps us find out why your water tastes or smells bad. Is it too much chlorine? Sulfur? Other dissolved stuff? Once we know the cause, we can suggest the right fix, like a carbon filter to remove chlorine or a special drinking water filter for a broader clean. The idea is simple: remove the bad stuff where it matters most. Our customers often tell us they notice a huge difference right away; clearer, better-tasting water tastes for drinking, cooking, and even showering!
What Water Filters Do We Suggest After Testing in Irvine?

After your free water test, we’ll know exactly what your water needs. We don’t just sell one-size-fits-all systems. We match the right solution to your water problems. For example, if your drinking water has a lot of dissolved stuff, we might suggest a special drinking water filter. If chlorine is a problem all over your house, a whole-house filter is best. And if hard water is causing scale, a water softener is the answer. We make sure the system we suggest will actually fix your specific issues. Here’s a simple guide to the types of systems and what they do:
| Type of System | What It Removes | Best For (Problem) | What You’ll Notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking Water Filter (RO) | Dissolved stuff, some metals, bad taste. | Water tastes bad, high dissolved solids, worries about metals. | Super clean, crisp drinking water right from your tap. |
| Whole House Carbon Filter | Chlorine, bad smells, some chemicals. | Chlorine taste/smell everywhere, dry skin after showers. | Better smelling and tasting water from every faucet, softer skin. |
| Water Softener | Hard minerals (calcium & magnesium). | Scale buildup, damaged appliances, dry skin, dull laundry. | No more scale, longer-lasting appliances, cleaner dishes, softer skin and hair. |
| Sediment Filter | Sand, rust, dirt particles. | Cloudy water, dirt in fixtures. | Clearer water and protects other filters and appliances. |
We’ll help you choose from trusted brands and models, making sure it’s the perfect fit for your home and budget. It’s all about getting you the best results!
How Do Drinking Water Filters (RO Systems) Make Your Water Better?
A drinking water filter, often called an RO system, pushes water through a very fine filter. This filter catches almost all the dissolved stuff, some metals, and things that make your water taste or smell bad. It’s a fantastic way to get super clean drinking water right from a special faucet at your sink. If our test shows high levels of dissolved solids or metals, an RO system is usually the best choice. You’ll definitely notice the difference in taste! For more information, visit interesting facts about water filters.
What’s So Good About Whole House Water Filters?
Whole house filters clean all the water that comes into your home. This means every faucet, every shower, and every appliance gets clean water. They’re great for removing chlorine, dirt, and other chemicals before they can bother your skin, fade your laundry, or damage your appliances. If our test shows chlorine or dirt problems all over your house, a whole-house water filtration system is a smart move. It gives you clean water everywhere, all the time.
How Do Water Softeners Fix Hard Water Problems?
Water softeners work by swapping out the hard minerals (calcium and magnesium) with something harmless, like a tiny bit of sodium or potassium. This stops scale from building up in your water heater, pipes, and appliances. Our test tells us exactly how hard your water is, so we can pick the right size softener for your home. With soft water, your appliances last longer, your soaps work better, and your skin and hair feel amazing. We can even talk about salt-free options if that’s what you prefer!
Why Choose McCowin Water for Your Free Water Test in Irvine?
Here at McCowin Water, we’re not just about selling filters; we’re about building trust. My family has been serving Irvine and all of Orange County since 1972. That’s over 50 years of understanding your water. We start with a free, honest water test because we believe in giving you the facts first. We’ll never pressure you into buying something you don’t need. We’ll show you your results, explain your options, and help you choose what’s best for your family and your home. We even check your plumbing and water pressure during the test, which most others don’t do. And here’s our promise, our McCowin Guarantee:
The McCowin Guarantee:
If the system we install doesn’t perform the way we promised…
If your water doesn’t taste, feel, or behave the way we said it would…
We’ll pull the whole system out. And either replace it or refund you, no strings attached.
Because your trust is worth more than the sale.
That’s how much we believe in our service. We’re here for the long haul, with lifetime support to make sure your system keeps working perfectly. For clear answers and peace of mind, choose McCowin Water.
What Does Over 50 Years of Local Experience Mean for You?
Fifty years means we’ve seen it all! We know the ins and outs of Orange County water, from Irvine to the coast in Laguna Beach and up to Santa Ana. We understand the unique challenges here. This deep knowledge helps us figure out your water problems faster and recommend the right solution the first time. It means fewer headaches for you, and a system that truly fits your home. Our experience helps us give you the best advice, not just today, but for years to come.
How Does McCowin’s No-Pressure, Friendly Approach Work?
Our free water test is truly no-pressure. We come to your home, do the tests, check your plumbing, and then explain everything in simple terms. We don’t use pushy sales tactics. We give you the facts, show you your options, and let you decide what’s best for your family.
We make sure any system we suggest is perfectly sized and set up for your home. And with our lifetime support, you always have someone to call if you have questions or need help. It’s all about making you feel comfortable and confident.
What Do Our Irvine Customers Say About McCowin Water?
Our customers often tell us how much they appreciate our clear explanations, thorough testing, and how their water truly improves. They love that their water tastes better, their appliances last longer, and they have less scale to clean. We’re proud to be a part of the Orange County community, and we work hard to earn your trust every day. Our goal is for you to be thrilled with your water, and our free test is the first step to getting there!
Got Questions? Here Are Some Common Ones About Free Water Testing!
We get a lot of great questions from homeowners. Here are some quick answers to help you understand more about your water and our free testing service.
Is Irvine’s Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Generally, Irvine’s city water meets safety rules at the source. But what happens in your home’s pipes, or with older fixtures, can change things. Our free in-home test shows you what’s actually coming out of your tap.
Even if the city says it’s fine, you might have issues like lead from your own plumbing or taste problems. If our test shows anything concerning, we’ll tell you and help you find a solution, like a special drinking water filter.
How Often Should I Test My Home’s Water?
A good rule of thumb is to test your water once a year, just to keep an eye on things. But if you notice any changes in taste, smell, or color, or if you’ve had new plumbing installed, it’s a good idea to test right away. Also, if you have babies, pregnant family members, or anyone with health concerns, we recommend testing more often. Regular testing helps us catch small changes before they become big problems.
What Happens If My Water Test Shows Bad Stuff?
Don’t worry! If our test finds anything concerning, our technician will explain it clearly and suggest simple steps. This might mean a special filter for your drinking water, a whole-house system, or sometimes, we might suggest a lab test for very specific things.
For immediate safety, we might suggest boiling water or using bottled water until a solution is in place. We’ll work with you every step of the way to make sure your water is clean and safe.
How Is McCowin’s Home Test Different from Lab or City Tests?
Our in-home test gives you fast, real-time answers about the water you actually use. City tests look at the water before it gets to your home, and lab tests are very detailed but take longer. Our test is perfect for figuring out what kind of filter or softener you need right away. If we find something that needs a super-detailed look, we might suggest a lab test as a follow-up. We combine the best of all worlds to give you a complete picture of your water.
Ready to Get Your Free Water Test in Irvine Today?
It’s so easy to get started! We want to make it simple for you to go from wondering about your water to having clear answers. Just follow these easy steps, and we’ll be there to help you understand your water, with no obligation and our McCowin Guarantee backing everything we do. Remember, your trust is worth more than the sale!
- Call us at (949) 569-5736 or schedule your free water test today. Tell us a little about your water worries.
- Tell us what you’ve noticed. Mention any strange tastes, smells, stains, or appliance problems, and which faucets you’d like us to check.
- Confirm your appointment. We’ll set a time, and our technician will arrive ready to test, check your plumbing, and explain everything clearly.
After your appointment, you’ll have all the information you need to make the best decision for your home and family. It’s that simple!
What Are the Easy Steps to Book Your Free Water Check-Up?
Booking your free water test is a breeze! Just give us your name and number, and tell us what’s on your mind about your water. We’ll make sure our technician comes prepared with the right tools. Be sure to point out any faucets you’re worried about or any recent plumbing work. Our visit includes testing, a plumbing check, and a clear explanation of your results and options. It’s quick, easy, and gives you real answers.
How Can You Reach McCowin Water for Help?
The fastest way to get help or schedule your free water test is to give us a call! We’re here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and get you set up for a visit. When you call, we’ll gather some basic details to make sure our technician is fully ready for your home. We’ll confirm your appointment and explain exactly what our free in-home test involves. We’re looking forward to helping you get the best water possible!
Call us at (949) 569-5736 or schedule your free water test today.
Don’t Wait! Get Your Free Water Test Today!
Clear water, clear answers, and our McCowin Guarantee. It’s time to love your water!

