
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:
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:
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
What stood out the most was their attention to detail and genuine care for customer satisfaction. They took the time to assess my system thoroughly, offered honest recommendations, and completed the work efficiently without cutting corners. My home is now noticeably more comfortable, and I feel confident knowing everything was handled by true professionals.
If you’re looking for reliable, top-quality HVAC service, I highly recommend Goettl. They truly live up to their reputation and exceeded my expectations in every way.
Roger came for my rejuvenation appointment. He was very curtious and knowledgeable. I was happy he showed up prompt with great respect to my AC unit and property. I relaly appreciate him and his attention to detail. I would highly recommend him for any of your AC needs.
Jesus Gloria AC service review. He did a great job today and I would highly recommend him for any AC service needs. He was very knowledgeable and courteous. He helped add a surge protector on my outside unit for added protection. I look forward to working with him in the future.
Well, I had some plumbing issues at my residence, and I called "Goettl Plumbing." Great results, too 🤗.
My water wouldn't stay hot, and after contacting Justin at Goettl Plumbing, he sent out Frank, a service technician with over 20 years of plumbing experience. Frank spent a good bit of time studying/ evaluating my plumbing functions, consulted with an on-site Goettl supervisor, and determined my plumbing issues.
After they conferred those issues with Justin, a plan for resolution and payment was determined, and work started the next day.
Greg arrived that morning; accessed the work areas, determined the tools and equipment he needed, and got right to work.
By the end of the day, Greg had installed three (3) Replacement Single Handle Tub/Shower Valves, a Pressure reducing valve, and a Thermal expansion tank with vacuum breaker - - RESULTS: Hot Water 💧
In two days, I witnessed Super Communication, Super Teamwork, and some old-time "1990-1991" Professionalism ... thanks,
"GOETTL Air Conditioning & Plumbing" for A Job Well Done 👏🏼
After note. Cameron came back by a day later to check on readings he wasn't able to get on first appointment. I have high confidence in his work. I'm very likely to work with them again
Brayan and Marcos did an awesome job on the new ac installation. Installed with no issues and has been on ever since. Perfect time with summer coming up. Walked through and job was very clean and organized. Great work ethic. Great guys.
Update - our air conditioner went out today (10/26/23) and JEHAD showed up to repair the issue but the issue was bigger than expected. Tomorrow we will have a brand new system! Goettl is an EPIC firm that treats customers right. Thank you again JEHAD for going above and beyond.
Goettl is the epitome of what excellent customer service is! Our Drain King, DAREAN, addressed all of our questions and concerns and not only unclogged our drain but went above and beyond to show us our drains leading to the street were free and clear of any other issues. Thank you Darean and thank you Goettl for a great experience!
Update: great experience with Edgar Loredo who kept it real with us and was very transparent. I appreciate his honesty and recommendations. Will be requesting him as our technician in the future if we choose to use Goettl
2/15/23
Thank you, Jorge G. Again for being so honest about our unit issues.
Kathy
H. Navarro
Frank Soto, plumber was very thorough in his assessment of the problem. Provided options and was patient in waiting for our decision. We are very pleased with Frank's knowledge plus his warm personality was a plus. Thank you Frank.
H. Navarro
Jeremy Ortega service tech did an excellent job removing, cleaning and reinstalling the flame sensors along with servicing the HVAC blowers. We are set for the next 2 years. Thanks again Jeremy.
H. Navarro
Thank you!
09/19/2024 - Husam Ismail did an outstanding job!!! Very personable and honest, so far with my experience with
Goettl he is the best technician that i have encountered.
02/11/2024 - Josh L. did a fabulous job!!! He was very personable and fast. Great experience, I would recommend Goettl to anyone.
Today is 21 July Sam stopped by and service was excellent 👌. Ralph was excellent, great customer service
Thank you goettl
Explain testing and clarified cost.
I was impressed.
Brayan, Jason, and Christian were the three techs who installed the unit and new ducts. They showed excellent work ethic. They cleaned up all debris, and most importantly, the system works perfectly. Today Ignacio came and inspected the work, and found no problems at all. The entire team has earned 5 stars.
November 6, 2024. The team Brayan, Christian and Jason worked awesome in replacing our whole A/C system and air ducts. They were respectful of our property, answered our questions without hesitation. They all did a fantastic job. We thank ya'll for your services and definitely recommend your business. We appreciate you.
November 7, 2024: Ignacio inspected the newly installed air condition and duct system. He was very knowledgeable, and good expertise. He listened and answered our questions and concerns..he helped us to install our Sensi a/c and heater app..
Fe Alexander
Leticia and Ed Baca
We had an blockage in our sewer line.
Tyler Leija was dispatched the same day, and found the blockage using a camera tool.
He cleared the blockage temporarily.
The actual fix would require digging up and replacing the bad area of pipe.
Paulo "Adrian" Dado and his crew came out the next day with backhoe, dug up the area, and replaced the section of pipe.
The next day, after inspection, Adrian and his crew filled in the hole and then cleaned up the area.
This is a brief description. There was A LOT of work involved.
Very professional work.
Our tech Jorge that came out the day before helped quickly assess the situation and get us set up for a new system and water heater. Jorge was very friendly, would highly recommend!
Frank did an excellent job at explaining every thing in terms that were understandable to both myself and my wife. This greatly assisted in making the right decision to look at all options on either repair or update/purchase for the future and in the long term, saving money.
Will definitely call and use
Goettle again and I will ask if Darrean could help again.
Couldn’t be happier. Came all the options