TL;DR
Homeowners should test their water at least once a year, especially if they notice spots, scale, smell, taste changes, dry skin, rusty stains, dingy laundry, or appliance issues. In this episode of Hire It Done, Adam Helfman talks with Jerrad Beauchamp of Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions about why testing comes before buying a water softener, filter, purifier, reverse osmosis system, or whole-house treatment setup.
BLUF
Do not start with a product. Start with a water test. Your home may need a basic softener, an iron filter, a carbon filter, UV treatment, reverse osmosis, or a combination of solutions. The right answer depends on what is actually in your water.
Why Water Testing Comes Before Water Treatment
Most homeowners do not think about water quality until something becomes obvious. Maybe the shower door is covered in white spots. Maybe the laundry looks dingy. Maybe the kitchen faucet has crusty buildup. Maybe the water tastes off, smells strange, or leaves rusty stains around fixtures.
Those clues matter, but they do not tell the full story. According to Jerrad Beauchamp, the better first step is simple: have the water tested at least once a year.
That advice matters because water problems are not one-size-fits-all. City water and well water can both have issues. Older pipes can affect water after it leaves the treatment plant. Well water can pick up iron, hardness, bacteria, sulfur odor, or other concerns depending on the property. Modern homeowners are also asking more questions about lead, PFAS, and what their filters actually remove.
The goal is not to scare homeowners. The goal is to stop guessing.
What Are The Warning Signs Of A Water Quality Problem?
In the episode, Adam and Jerrad discuss several visible and everyday signs that a homeowner may have a water issue. These include spots on fixtures, white scale, smell, taste changes, dry skin, dingy laundry, and rusty staining.
Some of these are comfort problems. Some are appliance problems. Some may point to bigger water quality concerns. Hard water can create buildup around faucets and showers. Iron can leave rust-colored stains, especially with well water. Chemicals used in municipal treatment may contribute to dryness for some homeowners. A refrigerator filter may make water taste better without fully purifying it.
That is why a water test matters. The same symptom can have more than one cause. The right solution depends on the test results.
What Does A Water Softener Actually Do?
A water softener has a specific role. Jerrad explains that a water softener removes hardness and low levels of iron from water. That can help reduce white buildup, improve the feel of the water, and protect fixtures and appliances from the long-term effects of hard water.
But a water softener is not the answer to every water problem. If the issue is heavier iron staining, the home may need an iron filter. If bacteria are present, the system may need ultraviolet light. If the concern is drinking-water purification, reverse osmosis may be part of the answer. If the homeowner wants to reduce chlorine and improve taste, a carbon filter may be useful.
Jerrad describes water treatment as modular. That is an important word for homeowners. It means the system should be built around the water test, not around a generic sales pitch.
Fridge Filters Can Help, But They Are Not Always Purifiers
One of the clearest moments in the episode is the discussion around refrigerator filters. Many homeowners assume that because their refrigerator has a filter, the water is purified. Jerrad explains that many of those filters are activated carbon filters. They can be beneficial. They can improve taste and reduce certain things like chlorine. But that does not automatically mean the water is fully purified.
The homeowner question should be: what does this filter remove, and what does it not remove?
That question applies to every filter, pitcher, faucet attachment, under-sink system, and whole-house setup. A filter is only helpful if it matches the actual water problem.
Why Hard Water Can Cost More Than You Think
Hard water is often treated like a minor annoyance, but it can affect daily life in several ways. Jerrad explains that hard water can dry out skin, increase soap usage, and create buildup around fixtures and appliances. Over time, those small issues can become bigger costs.
That is why one of the strongest lines from the episode is this: “It actually is more expensive not to filter your water.”
That does not mean every homeowner needs the most expensive system available. It means homeowners should understand the cost of doing nothing. If hard water is creating buildup, affecting appliances, wasting soap, or making fixtures harder to maintain, treatment may protect more than just the water taste.
Water Treatment Options Mentioned In The Episode
| Option | What It Helps With | Homeowner Note |
|---|---|---|
| Water Softener | Hardness and low levels of iron | Good for hard water buildup, feel, and fixture protection. |
| Iron Filter | Rusty staining and higher iron concerns | May be needed when iron is the main issue, especially with well water. |
| Carbon Filter | Taste, chlorine, and certain chemical concerns | Helpful, but homeowners should know exactly what it removes. |
| UV Light | Bacteria concerns | Usually considered when testing shows bacteria in the water. |
| Reverse Osmosis | Purified drinking water | Often used for drinking water, fridge, or ice maker connections. |
| Whole-House System | A combined solution based on water test results | Best when the home needs more than one type of treatment. |
FAQ
How often should I test my home’s water?
Jerrad recommends testing at least once a year. Testing is especially important if you are on well water, have older plumbing, notice staining or buildup, or see changes in taste, smell, or water feel.
Do I need a water softener if I have city water?
Possibly. City water can still have hardness or treatment chemicals that affect how the water feels and how it behaves inside the home. Testing will show whether softening or another solution makes sense.
Is a fridge filter enough?
Not always. A fridge filter may improve taste, but it may not fully purify the water. Ask what it removes and what it does not remove.
What is reverse osmosis?
Reverse osmosis is a purification method often used for drinking water. In the episode, Jerrad describes it as a high-level option for purified water that can also connect to a refrigerator or ice maker.
Should I buy a water treatment system online?
Equipment can have value, but it needs to be explained, matched to the water problem, certified for the concern, and installed properly. The wrong system can leave homeowners with a false sense of protection.
Get Clear Answers Before You Buy A Water Treatment System
The full episode is worth watching for any homeowner who wants a practical, plain-English look at water testing, water softeners, whole-house filtration, and drinking-water purification.
The biggest takeaway is simple: do not guess. Test the water first. Then choose the right system for the actual problem inside your home.
If you are in Southeast Michigan, Metro Detroit, or the Philadelphia market and want help understanding your water, visit Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions or connect through Hire It Done.
📞 Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions: 810-476-2907
💻 Visit: https://www.beauchampwater.com/
For more homeowner-protection advice, visit https://hireitdone.com/ and watch the full Hire It Done episode with Adam Helfman and Jerrad Beauchamp.