ABE Laboratories FAQ’s
No, our office hours are 9am-4pm, Mon-Friday. Stop in anytime.
We have to test the water for specific contaminants. We do not test for mold. If you are having sediment and/or black speck issues we recommend doing one of our Safe Water Bundles. This will test for possible culprits of your issue including iron, manganese, and total solids.
There are many things to test for in drinking water. ABE Labs offers comprehensive test bundles including bacteria, metals, and other common contaminants. Check out our list of testing by clicking this link. If you suspect other contaminants, test for them as well. Call the lab if you have any questions on determining which test you should run on your well water.
There are many reasons your water could smell like rotten eggs. This rotten egg smell is a gas known as hydrogen sulfide. It is difficult to test for a gas because it escapes the water instantly.
It is helpful to determine if the smell is coming from the cold or hot water. If it is only coming from the hot water, it's likely due to the presence of sulfur bacteria in your water that is reacting with the anode rod. The anode rod in your hot water heater is made of magnesium or aluminum, and it's meant to attract corrosive elements in the water to protect the tank itself. Sometimes, these bacteria can react with the metals in the anode rod, producing hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like rotten eggs.
To address this issue, you may need to replace the anode rod with one made of a different material, such as aluminum-zinc alloy. Additionally, flushing the tank and disinfecting it with hydrogen peroxide can help eliminate the bacteria causing the odor. If the problem persists, you might need to consult a professional plumber for further assistance. If the cold water smells, this could be a sign of bacterial growth in your water system. Not all bacteria that produce a rotten egg smell are harmful. We recommend testing your water for Total Coliform and E. coli to indicate whether there could be harmful bacteria in your water. Then sanitize your well with bleach (refer to DEP Disinfection directions). Sometimes sanitizing the Well can kill the bacteria that are producing the rotten egg smell.
Additionally, hydrogen sulfide can come from the sulfur compounds in your aquifer. In this case, the smell is not related to bacteria at all. To help combat the odor, you could install an aeration system to expel the hydrogen sulfide gas before it runs through the whole house.
Total Coliform bacteria are a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment, including soil, water and on plants. Total coliform bacteria are commonly used as indicators of water quality, especially in drinking water systems, to monitor for possible contamination. Testing for Total Coliform bacteria is an important part of assessing the safety of water sources. E. coli is a species of Total Coliform and can potentially cause major health problems.
Click this link and follow the DEP’s disinfection directions. Otherwise, consider contacting a water treatment specialist to install a permanent treatment system. Boil your water before consumption including coffee making, ice cubes, and food prepping. It is okay to bathe in the water. After disinfecting your well or installing treatment, it is a good idea to retest the water.
ABE Labs offers the fastest turn around time possible. Unfortunately, there is no “rush” option. If we finish all your testing ahead of schedule, we will send the report early.
At this time, we only accept cash or check.
ABE Laboratories
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The EPA recommends a homeowner with well water to test once per year for Total Coliform, E. coli, pH, Nitrate and Total Solids. However, it is recommended to test more frequently if there are sudden changes in taste, odor, or color of the water, or if there have been any repairs or maintenance on the well.
It is crucial to use the appropriate sample containers when collecting water samples. We recommend visiting us to pick up a sampling kit so that we can provide you with the correct sampling instructions and the right type of bottles. Alternatively, please call the Lab to see if your bottle meets the method requirements. We could also ship you a kit for an additional shipping fee.
After shocking your well, it is generally recommended to wait at least 24 to 48 hours after all the chlorine has been flushed from your water system, which typically takes two weeks of normal water usage.
ABE labs will only send your results to your approved recipients. We never send your results or personal information to anyone else.
No, we do not offer this kind of testing. You can contact your local DEP office for recommendations of accredited laboratories who do offer other bacteria testing.
Disinfecting the well does not guarantee the bacteria are gone. Consistently testing your well water is the only way to be sure it is not contaminated with Total Coliform bacteria. A well is a part of the natural ecosystem, which is always changing and evolving.
This pink film is most likely from a bacteria species known as Serratia. They are airborne bacteria that thrive in moist environments. They are not known to cause any health effects; therefore, we do not test for them in drinking water. Use your standard household cleaners to sanitize the area once per week because it is normal for Serratia to reappear regularly. If you are concerned about drinking harmful bacteria, we recommend our Total Coliform and E. coli test.