Environmental Tests in Connecticut (CT)
Water Quality
The quality of water your family drinks, cooks, bathes and washes your clothes and dishes in is very important to the overall health of your family. If the water supply comes from a private well, chemical and bacteria tests are important to have prior to purchasing. A new well and treatment system can cost upwards of $10,000 dollars to drill and install. I will sample the water, get it to the lab, and within three to four business days have a detailed written report of the results.
In addition to water quality, a water quantity test should also be conducted to measure the ability of the well, pump, and other system parts to deliver water at an adequate pressure and flow. If a well cannot keep up with the demands of your family, the common solution is a new well. Sometimes you can adjust your water-use-schedule to not overstress a well. A pressure-flow screening can provide valuable information about your well. An average family uses approximately 180 gallons of water per day. My test, using flow and pressure gages, tries to mimic that output and my past experiences with other wells will help me judge if the output of your well is sufficient for your needs.
Septic System InspectionsThe septic tank system in a home is obviously of great importance. Tanks typically need to be pumped occasionally depending on the number of people living in the home. I can help you locate a state-licensed inspector. Sometimes the septic tank is pumped to look inside. When this is done, some excavation is usually necessary to uncover the access port to the tank. The inspector’s costs are sometimes paid by you and/or the homeowner. Your realtor can also give you some guidance in this matter.
Radon SamplingRadon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, taste or smell. Studies have shown it to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. It is released from the decay of uranium deposits found in nearly all soils. It is easy to control once it is identified. The EPA has specific guidelines for testing and recommendations for removing radon from homes. Based on these guidelines it can be determined if the levels are safe or not. We can sample for both Radon in air and Radon in water. Radon in air is found in 5-10 percent of homes. Radon in water is found less frequently.
Mold Screening
Mold spores are found in every house. They are searching out that right combination of temperature, moisture and a food source. Your house could be that food source. Also, every person reacts different to allergens. As many as 50 million Americans have asthma or allergic sensitivities - many of these cases are related to mold exposure.
During a typical Home Inspection we evaluate the property thoroughly and look for signs of visible mold like substances or potential mold problems. When we see what appears to be a problem we will make recommendations for more extensive testing and/or further evaluation.
The scope of the visual screening is limited to readily accessible areas only. We do not remove floor and wall coverings or move furniture, open walls or perform any type of intrusive screening.
Lead SamplingLead has been found in many interior and exterior paints used in residential applications. Prior to 1978 it was very common; however since then, the EPA has prohibited the use of lead in paints. Therefore if your house was built before 1978, we can do surface sample testing for lead. Once identified, you can proceed in having it removed or treated safely.