What are Water pH Levels and Why do they Matter?

If you have a pool, you likely know at least a little bit about water pH levels, but if you don’t, you may not. It’s important to keep your pool’s water at a healthy pH, but it’s also important to monitor the pH level of your home’s water supply. At Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating, we’ve helped many homeowners in Maryland adjust their water’s pH level, and wanted to talk about some of the basics today.

What Exactly is pH?

pH is a chemistry measurement that looks at the concentration of hydrogen ions in a water-based solution. The lower a pH is, the more hydrogen ions are in the liquid, the higher a pH the fewer hydrogen ions are in the liquid. pH is measured on a scale of 1 to 14, with pure distilled water being in the middle at a pH of 7.

Why Does pH Matter?

Our drinking water should be at or around a pH of 7, otherwise consuming it could be dangerous. Water with a low pH can corrode metal pipes, adding contaminants to your water, and high pH water can be toxic. We recommend you test your home’s pH level annually, so you can track how the levels have changed over time.

How pH is Tested

You can test your pH level with a good old fashioned paper test strip, and while these strips can give you a general reading, they won’t give you a complete reading. We use an electronic pH meter to accurately calculate your water’s pH level, as well as your mineral levels. We’ll then be able to help you adjust your levels back to a safe level.

Get Some Assistance from an Experienced Maryland Plumbing Specialist

Do you suspect something is wrong with your home’s water? When was the last time you had your pH tested? At Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating, we offer our water testing services throughout Maryland. Get into contact with us today to learn more about all of the services we offer.