
Understanding Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in Your Home’s Water Supply
We’ve all heard of “hard water.” Most homeowners consider it a mild annoyance. But your home’s water hardness can make a huge difference, from the taste of your tap water to the longevity of your plumbing system and appliances. That’s why it’s so important to understand the level of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in your home’s water system.
As part of every plumbing visit, our Goettl technicians measure your water’s total dissolved solids level to gain a better picture of your plumbing’s overall health. Understanding the problems associated with hard water, what TDS levels are, how and why we test for them, and what average and ideal TDS levels are for your household.
What are Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)?
Total dissolved solids (TDS) is the measure of how many minerals, metals, and salts are present in your household’s tap water. In other words, it’s a measure of how “hard” your water is. The higher the concentration of TDS, the harder your water is.
As water moves through soil and rock, it can pick up certain minerals, salts, and metals along the way. Naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium are easily dissolved by flowing water. Other sources like agricultural run-off, industrial or petrochemical pollutants, or salt used to de-ice roads are also absorbed into the water as it passes.
All these particulates are carried through into the groundwater supply, which is then drawn from to provide tap water for households. When enough of these minerals are dissolved into your water supply, leading to a high concentration of TDS, you’ll start to notice that you have “hard water” due to certain problems that will arise.
Hard Water Problems
Even without measuring the total dissolved solid levels in your household water supply, there are certain signs that will tell you if you have hard water. Some signs that you have hard water include:
- A mineral or metallic taste in your tap water.
- Stubborn stains in laundry.
- Crusty, white mineral buildup around you faucets and drains.
- A thick film of soap scum on the walls of your shower or tub.
- Spotting or a film on your glassware coming out of the dishwasher.
- A residue left on your skin or hair when you wash that causes dryness.
While these are all annoying issues to deal with, hard water problems don’t stop at extra clean up and extra moisturizing.

High TDS levels can also cause significant issues with your pipes and home appliances that can shorten the lifespan of both and lead to serious plumbing issues. High TDS levels cause mineral build up and corrosion, which over time can:
- Clog water supply and drain lines.
- Damage pipes, electrical components, fixtures, and gaskets.
- Build up on internal components, like heating coils or dishwasher arms.
In other words, any household appliance that uses water, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, or water heater, will need repair or replacement sooner in a house with a high concentration of total dissolved solids.
The same goes for your household plumbing system, including your sewer lines. This leads to more frequent plumbing repair calls, which can really add up in terms of time, hassle, and expense.
Ensuring water quality is an essential part of providing the best service for Goettl’s customers, which is why we always are a carry a Total Dissolved Solids meter, and measure TDS levels as part of any plumbing visit. Knowing the concentration of total dissolved solids in your household water gives Goettl’s technicians a better idea of what issues to look for on a plumbing call so that we can serve you better. We’ll also get some insight into what plumbing problems may arise on future calls and how to prevent them.
How TDS Levels Are Measured
Measuring the levels of total dissolved solids in your household tap water is done with a device known as a TDS meter.
A handheld TDS meter like the ones we use at Goettl on every plumbing call measures the electrical conductivity of your household tap water in order to determine the concentration of total dissolved solids.
Unlike pure water, which is a poor conductor, dissolved solids carry a certain electrical charge. Thus, a higher electrical charge in the tap water means a higher TDS level. Besides measuring your tap water’s TDS level as part of every plumbing call we go on, we also test your water’s purity to ensure there are no harmful contaminants in your drinking water that may affect your health.
What are Average TDS Levels?
The concentration of total dissolved solids in your tap water plays a crucial role in both your water’s taste, and its quality. The higher the concentration of TDS, the greater the water hardness issues mentioned previously.
The average TDS level in the United States’ drinking water supply is about 350 ppm (parts per million.) In general, the EPA recommends that you stay below 500 ppm in your tap water. However, a higher TDS level isn’t necessarily dangerous for your health. Las Vegas, for example, has a TDS level of 642 ppm.
Anything above 500 ppm will have an effect on the water’s taste, and will shorten the lifespan of your pipes and appliances.
If we find that you have higher-than-average TDS levels, we may recommend scheduling a routine plumbing maintenance visit. Our technicians will perform a thorough inspection to check the health of your plumbing, sewer, and appliances.
We’ll make sure that mineral buildup from hard water isn’t blocking your water lines or causing damage to delicate internal components in your water heater, dishwasher, or washing machine. If they are, we can clear those out so that your pipes and appliances don’t have to be repaired or replaced prematurely. We’re also happy to answer any questions you have. Ensuring water quality is an essential part of providing the best service for Goettl’s customers. That’s why we incorporate TDS measurements and water purity test kits on every plumbing call.
How to Solve Hard Water Problems
If your household tap water has high TDS levels, the best way to lower them is to install a Reverse Osmosis system. A reverse osmosis system is one of the most effective water filtration systems. It significantly reduces your TDS levels by using pressure to filter minerals, salts, and other contaminants out of your tap water through a micron filter. This leaves only pure water flowing through your household pipes and faucets.
A reverse osmosis system installed in your house can lower your TDS levels to under 50 ppm, and sometimes even as low as 20 ppm. That means cleaner glassware, better tasting tap water, and increased longevity and functionality for your household pipes and appliances. If you’re considering installing a reverse osmosis system for your home, call Goettl for a free consultation. We offer upfront, flexible pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our work.
Whether you need help with a household plumbing issue, routine plumbing maintenance on your pipes and fixtures, or 24/7 emergency plumbing repair, we’re always a phone call away. When it comes to your household plumbing, don’t settle. Call Goettl.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say About Us







Thanks Goettl and more importantly, thanks Blair!





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Update 4/21/25 - Mike did a wonderful job. Made suggestion to keep my system running well for more years to come.
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Update: 12/3/24 - Jacob is great. He fixed the leaking parts on water softener and also checked the water heater to see what can be done with that. He is efficient and very knowledgeable and reviews everything so you understand.
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Update: 7/25/24 - had some more work done today. The folks who come to service, install, etc. are great. They know their job, are very efficient and friendly. Today it was Justin and Luis who were installing a new filter system. Looking forward to not have to change filters every month. Thank you, gentlemen, for all the hard work in the heat.
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They said I needed to replace my a/c. I was given a choice of 5 units. I liked that the 2nd most expensive would balance the temperature in my house. I get full west in my living room in the afternoon. It is always 10 plus degrees hotter on my sofa, than rest of house. So I paid a fortune and it isn't doing what he said it would. They came back and added another vent to my living room. Better, but still not what I was told. I could saved $10k and got the cheaper model. Don't think I have much recourse to get this fixed. The technicians are very good, too bad their salesmen and products are not up to the same standard.


Blake was absolutely amazing from start to finish. He was friendly, personable, and genuinely took the time to listen to my concerns. He explained everything clearly, provided sound and honest guidance, and never once made me feel pressured. His professionalism and genuine care made it easy for me to trust him and feel confident in moving forward with this company.
Technicians like Blake are the reason customers stay loyal—he definitely deserves a raise. I’m truly blessed to have encountered him today. Thank you, Blake, for your outstanding service!










Thank you!!!




Original order of checking thermostat. And why heat would not kick on right away
It was taking several degrees to heat up the house. Air conditioning works great.
He went and checked thermostat and suggested a new thermostat. $800 for two installed. 👀
He then checked furnace in attic.
The fresh air exchanger was pretty dusty and he could clean it for under a hundred $. I said go ahead because exchanger runs ten minutes per hour to keep fresh air circulating. So price was $99. Still a lot for cleaning a screen.
It seemed to have worked in conjunction with thermostat because it’s been working properly since he left.
Im glad I didn’t spend $800. But only $228 .
Hope thermostat continues to work well
Thank you Jackie.
I still think prices are very high. You can buy and install a thermostat yourself for $175. With a $75 rebate. That’s quite a difference.


I also want to add that Taylor came to service my unit and she was amazing. My dog is usually sketched by most people and she liked Taylor. That's a huge plus.









Thank you Ian for my maintenance today!
March 2, 2024
Thank you Aaron for my garbage disposal! A big shout out to Mark and Ricky in dispatch for coming through and getting this done in a timely fashion to ensure I was prepared for my company coming to dinner. I love goettl and their service! Proud to be part of club Sadie!
March 2025
Always return back to Goettl because of how well they take of me! Thanks to Judd for installing my new toilet and to Marc for my AC maintenance!
November 2025
Thank you to Gerardo for educating me on hot water heater flushing! Lol. I always appreciate geottl for their customer service and knowledgeable techs!







Not Plumbing
Goerttl made repair experience not so painful
Support Military
Andrew is an outstanding representative of the company.
Thanks

We had Edgar come out to inspect our new home today and he did a very thorough inspection. He made sure the unit was checked so when the warranty company comes out we have all information possible. Amazing customer service and very personable
Edgar came back after a warranty inspection was done on the home by the install company. He found errors and was amazing at documentation of the issues. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
Peter and Josue came out today to do an additional check on our unit with humidity issues. The weather was not conducive to having the outdoor pressures checked and they were very thorough with an interior check. Very professional and knowledgeable.






















I think the guy that was supposed to be assigned to me had problems. My appointment was from 9-1 and Austin was assigned to me at 1:30 and Drove over an hour to get to me.
Now that's 💜
11/24/25 Seems this is an update not its own post. Adam was out to repair our filtration system. No muss no fuss and it was fixed. Awesomely competent guy






Job done quickly and efficiently. Thank you





A special shout-out goes to Pablo, our technician. He was on time, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. Pablo took the time to explain everything he was checking, walked me through the condition of each component, and gave helpful tips on how to keep our system running efficiently year-round. His attention to detail and pride in his work really stood out. Because of his professionalism and the overall quality of service, Goettl has definitely earned my trust and future business.
Highly recommend Goettl HVAC—and if you can, ask for Pablo!

I have seen Goettl vans all over town and so I called them.
Got appointment right away and the Technician, Jef Eusepi, took care of our problem.


Call Goettl and was able to get us on the schedule due to a cancellation they had.
Jef Eusepi our tech was fantastic.
He explained everything and showed us pictures of what he was doing and fixing.
Would definitely recommend this Company and Jef.

He was knowledgeable and friendly and was able to flush the tank and get my hot water flowing again. Thanks again...




(Oldest)Jared was great. Got here promptly and fixed it quickly. Lifesaver on a 100+ degree day!












On time, clean, and very thorough with any potential issues.
Thank you.







Chris R came out for our Sadie Membership inspection and review before the cold comes here in TX. He did a fantastic job and really knows his stuff. Thank You!






Mike provided truly exceptional service. From the moment he arrived, it was clear he was extremely knowledgeable; he quickly and confidently diagnosed a very tricky issue that we had with our pipes, explaining everything clearly and answering all of our questions with patience. He also installed our new water heater and did an outstanding job. If you need a plumber who gets the job done right the first time, we highly recommend Mike. Thank you!






The Goettl team has been very professional and helpful to me as their customer. Thank you, Kelli Stoika.
PS… If there would’ve been 6 stars on the scale, that’s what I believe they should’ve received.



Sally






Thank you,
Greg Sanches





















This past week our service technician was Andrew Morgan and he is such a friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled technician. He spent time making sure the job was done correctly and he explained it in terms that I could understand. Not only is our unit functioning even better than before, I also gained knowledge of how the system works.













I highly recommend Goettl as this is the second time l've used them in less than a year. (2 seperate issues)... and I highly recommend them..anytime and anyday.
They have exceeded to top any expectations I could have ever had with any company.


Jerry also noticed our water pressure was low after flushing toilet then trying to wash hands in bathroom sink which were so he suggested a new pressure regulator as we have had a new better water conditioning system installed. We now have the best water pressure even when using a shower and kitchen sink faucet at the same time. Also Jerry is a master plumber and we appreciate his knowledge and experience. Will definitely call Goettl again when a plumber is needed.
Ralph & Kathy Lesmeister



Darean Guerra today. He arrived on time and took the time to explain what he was going to do. He was very knowledgeable which helped me trust what he was doing. He left his work area clean. I am very pleased with his work.









The company is installing a tankless heater and the customer service is outstanding.
I recommend Geottl to all!


They made sure my carpet was covered and when they were all through they cleaned up perfectly
I would recommend your company to anyone looking to put in a new air conditioner.
Thank you so much for all you did for me.
Sincerely, June Jones

And I would highly recommend the company and the quality technicians like Jarod.
Jarod is the go to if you want excellent
Customer service and communication for any AC related issues. He is very knowledgeable, personable and trustworthy. I am grateful and satisfied.







They listened to my issue, were very through, checked for leaks, etc. I’ve lived in Lakeway for 30 years, used MANY local plumbers - but Goettl will definitely get all my business moving forward. HIGHLY recommend!
Ty, Wil & Adrian!

Everyone from the Goettl sales representative Christian, Tech / Advisor Josias recommended a HVAC A/C and Heating system replacement. Technicians team Veronica and her partner.

Jeremy Canchola serviced our mini-split today with the usual Goettl efficiency and professionalism.
Highly recommended!




