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The Importance of Water Quality: How to Test and Improve It

Water, essential to all life on Earth, is not only necessary for hydration but also plays a crucial role in everyday tasks and overall health. For homeowners, ensuring good water quality is paramount, not just for drinking but also for various household uses, and understanding and addressing water quality issues is fundamental!

 

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Why Water Quality Matters

The quality of water can have significant implications for health and home maintenance:

  1. Health Concerns: Contaminated water can harbor harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that pose serious health risks when consumed or even when in contact with skin.
  2. Household Appliances: Poor water quality can lead to scale buildup in pipes and very low water pressure which can lead to more issues in the long run. 
  3. Taste and Odor: Water that tastes or smells bad due to impurities is unpleasant to drink and can affect the taste of prepared food and beverages.
  4. Environmental Impact: Water quality issues can also impact the environment through contamination of water bodies and ecosystems.

 

Testing Water Quality

To ensure the water in your home is safe and pleasant to use, regular testing is essential. Here’s how you can go about it:

  1. DIY Test Kits: Many hardware stores offer DIY water testing kits that can detect common contaminants like bacteria, lead, pesticides, and pH levels.
  2. Professional Testing: For a comprehensive analysis, consider hiring a professional plumbing service that specializes in water quality testing. They can provide detailed reports and recommendations based on the findings.
  3. Testing Frequency: Test your water whenever you notice changes in taste, odor, or appearance, or if there are known issues in your area regarding water quality

 

Improving Water Quality

Once you understand the quality of your water, there are several steps you can take to improve it:

  1. Water Filtration Systems: Install appropriate filtration systems based on your water test results. These may include activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, or UV purifiers, depending on the contaminants present.
  2. Water Softeners: If your water is hard (contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium), consider installing a water softener to reduce scale buildup in pipes and appliances.
  3. Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine septic system maintenance to ensure that everything is operating efficiently and effectively.
  4. Plumbing Inspections: Regularly inspect your septic system plumbing for leaks or corrosion that could contribute to water contamination.

 

As a responsible homeowner, understanding and improving water quality should be a priority. Whether you’re concerned about health risks, appliance longevity, or simply want better-tasting water, taking proactive steps to test and improve water quality can make a significant difference. 

It’s important to find a plumbing and septic service company dedicated to providing reliable service and ensuring customer well-being, At Flohawks plumbing and septic, we are committed to helping you achieve optimal water quality through our expert services and advice. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in ensuring safe and clean water for your home.

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OUR SERVICES

Isaiah Taylor

Service Advisor

Tacoma native Isaiah Taylor has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor, he focuses on building strong relationships with customers and making sure they feel confident in the solutions being provided.

Isaiah believes the company’s culture sets FloHawks apart. He appreciates working alongside people who genuinely care about customers and take pride in doing the job right.

At 26, Isaiah is focused on building his career and continuing to grow in the industry. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him in the gym lifting weights and staying active.

Kevin Elbert

Service Advisor

Born in Olympia and now living in Lacey, Kevin Elbert has spent 11 years serving customers with FloHawks. As a Service Advisor, he is focused on helping homeowners and businesses find solutions when plumbing or septic issues arise.

Kevin’s favorite part of the job is working with customers who need help and finding a path forward that solves the problem. He values being part of a team that takes pride in delivering dependable service when it matters most.

In his free time, Kevin enjoys staying active outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, photography, soccer, and travel are some of his favorite ways to spend time when he’s not at work. At home, he stays busy with his four teenagers.

Stephen Redford

Service Advisor

Stephen Redford was born in Tacoma and now lives in Gig Harbor. With 14 years at FloHawks, he’s built a reputation as both a trusted Service Advisor and a key contributor to the company’s growth and outreach.

Stephen plays a role in business development, trade shows, and marketing while also supporting service operations across multiple areas. He appreciates FloHawks’ unique culture and commitment to customer service, believing the team consistently goes above and beyond what most companies offer.

Outside of work, Stephen enjoys walking, playing golf, and riding motorcycles. He’s married to his wife, Lori, and is the proud father of three children.

Janie “J” Kirkland

Service Advisor Assistant

Janie “J” Kirkland was born in Miami, Florida, and now calls Roy, Washington, home. Despite being newer to FloHawks, joining the team mid-2025, she has already become a valued member of the Service Advisor support team.

J enjoys the strong sense of teamwork at FloHawks and the relationships she has built with the people she works alongside each day. That collaborative spirit helps the team deliver the dependable service customers count on.

Outside the office, J loves spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, as well as making memories with her family. She’s the proud mother of two sons and a grandmother to four grandchildren.

Carl Evanson

Service Advisor

A Puyallup native who now lives in Spanaway, Carl Evanson has been helping customers at FloHawks for more than 13 years. As a Service Advisor, he brings deep experience and a practical approach to solving plumbing and septic challenges.

Carl takes pride in helping customers find real solutions to their problems. At FloHawks, the philosophy is simple: if water runs through it, the team can handle it, and Carl has spent more than a decade proving that to customers across the region.

When he’s not working, Carl enjoys camping and spending time with his growing family, which includes two grown sons and seven grandchildren.

Luke Schneider

Service Advisor Assistant

Originally from the Midwest and now living in the Puyallup area, Luke Schneider has spent the past three years supporting the FloHawks service team as a Service Advisor Assistant. His role focuses on logistics and administrative coordination, making sure the details are handled so the team can deliver excellent service in the field.

Luke especially enjoys the moment when everything comes together to solve a customer’s problem. Helping turn a complicated situation into a clear plan and a successful outcome is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

When he’s not working, Luke loves hosting and entertaining with his wife. Much of their free time is spent with family, often gathered around the table for board games and good conversation.

Crystal Lyons

Service Advisor Assistant

Born and raised in Tacoma and now living in Puyallup, Crystal Lyons has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor Assistant, she helps keep operations running smoothly while making sure customers feel supported every step of the way.

Crystal’s favorite part of the job is simple: helping people. Whether she’s assisting the service team behind the scenes or making sure customers get the answers they need, she takes pride in being part of a company that puts people first.

Outside of work, Crystal enjoys camping and spending time with her family. She’s married, and the proud mom of one daughter, and she also helps care for her niece, keeping family at the center of everything she does.