How to Collect and Submit a Proper Well Water Sample

Eight simple steps from the well to the lab.

Use this guide to help ensure the sample represents the untreated well water and arrives at the laboratory with the information needed for a useful treatment recommendation.

1) Order the Prepaid Test Kit

Order a prepaid well water testing kit from Plumber’s Choice Water Solutions.

The kit includes:

Sample bottle
Water Analysis Request Form
Prepaid laboratory testing
Shipping container and instructions

Keep the kit sealed and clean until you are ready to collect the sample.

2) Locate the Proper Sampling Point

Whenever possible, collect the sample at the well head or the earliest accessible point after the well pressure tank and BEFORE any existing water treatment equipment.

The goal is to test the untreated/raw well water, not water that has already passed through a softener, filter, chemical feed system, UV system, or other treatment equipment.

Do not collect the sample after existing water treatment.

3) Flush the Water for 5 Minutes

Turn on the sampling faucet and allow the water to run continuously for at least 5 minutes before collecting the sample.

This helps flush standing water from the plumbing so the sample is more representative of the water coming from the well.

Whenever possible:

Remove hoses or attachments from the faucet.
Avoid sampling from a faucet with an aerator or other treatment device.
Do not touch the inside of the sample bottle or bottle cap.

4) Collect the Water Sample

After the water has run for at least 5 minutes:

Open the supplied sample bottle.
Hold the bottle directly under the untreated water source.
Fill the sample bottle completely to the top.
Securely replace the cap.
Check the bottle for leakage before packaging it.

5) Complete the Water Analysis Request Form

Fill out the enclosed form with all information known about the water source and customer.

Include as much information as possible, including:

Dealer or distributor information
Customer name
Address/location of the well
Contact information
Date the sample was collected
Person who collected the sample
Any known water problems or concerns
Any other requested information on the form

Complete information helps us interpret the laboratory results and make a more appropriate treatment recommendation.

6) Package and Mail the Sample Promptly

Place the sealed sample bottle and completed Water Analysis Request Form back into the provided shipping package.

Mail the sample as soon as possible after collection. Do not allow a collected sample to sit unnecessarily before shipping.

Track the Shipment

Keep the shipment tracking number and verify that the package is successfully delivered to the laboratory.

We recommend recording:

Sample Date → Shipping Date → Tracking Number → Lab Delivery Date

This makes it much easier to locate a sample if there is ever a delay.

Set a 30-Day Follow-Up Reminder

Once tracking confirms that the laboratory has received the sample, set a reminder for 30 days from the delivery date.

If laboratory results have not been received within 30 days, contact Plumber’s Choice so we can follow up on the sample.

Print-Friendly Reference

Keep the full testing guide handy.

Use the visual guide as a quick technician reference in the field, at the shop, or while preparing a sample for shipment.