You're all set

We're preparing your kit now and it will ship within 1–2 business days.

You should receive it within 3–5 business days depending on your location.

Have any questions while you wait?

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1. It arrives in your letterbox

A small envelope with your mineral test strip and instructions.

2. You test your water

Dip the strip, see colour change in under 2 minutes.

3. Scan to interpret results

Use the QR code to see what the colours mean for your water.

Trusted by homeowners

Free Home Water Test – Outright Plumbing Maintenance
Free Home Water Test

Know your water.

Melbourne's water is treated and safe. But mineral levels, pH, and trace elements can vary suburb to suburb — and even building to building. Here's an easy way to see what's actually coming out of your tap.

Plumber dipping a water test strip into a glass of tap water in a home kitchen
  • Free at-home kit — posted directly to you
  • Takes 2 minutes to complete
  • Clear explanation of what your results mean
↓ See how it works
Request your free kit
Free Home Water Test (Normally $10)

Melbourne water is safe — this is a quick mineral-level check for clarity. We post your kit, you do the test at home.

Why Test?

Your water is safe.
Here's why some homeowners still want to know more.

Melbourne's water supply is treated and monitored by Melbourne Water. That said, what arrives at your tap can be subtly different to what leaves the treatment plant — depending on your suburb, your building's pipes, and seasonal variation.

  • Mineral levels vary by suburb, building, and season
  • Film on taps, glassware, or shower screens can signal elevated minerals
  • Scale inside kettles, dishwashers, and hot water systems shortens their lifespan
  • Older pipes can introduce trace iron or copper before water reaches your tap
  • Changes in taste or feel are often the first sign something's worth checking
What the strip reads

Six things worth knowing about your tap water

Each parameter tells a small story about your water — and together, they give a useful picture of what's flowing through your home.

pH Balance

A measure of how acidic or alkaline your water is. Most tap water sits between 6.5 and 8.5. Values outside this range can affect taste and, over time, may influence pipe and fitting wear.

Free & Total Chlorine

Chlorine is used to keep water safe during distribution. Some people notice it in taste or smell. This check shows how much remains by the time water reaches your tap.

Iron & Copper

These metals can enter water through older pipes and fittings. Elevated levels may contribute to staining on fixtures, a metallic taste, or visible discolouration.

Lead

Lead can leach from very old plumbing materials. It has no taste or smell, so testing is the only way to know. Most modern homes are well within safe levels — but it's worth confirming.

Nitrate & Nitrite

Typically low in treated metropolitan water. Elevated levels are more common in rural or older areas. This check gives you a baseline reading for your property.

Alkalinity, Minerals & Fluoride

Total alkalinity and mineral content affect scale build-up on appliances and fixtures. Fluoride is added to Melbourne's supply for dental health — this confirms your level is within range.

Not a laboratory test. Results are indicative and intended to guide understanding, not replace professional water analysis.

The process

Three Steps. About 2 Minutes.

We mail your kit

Fill in the form above and we'll post a test strip kit to your door. No cost, no catch — just your address so we know where to send it.

Dip the strip

Immerse the strip in a glass of cold tap water for 2 seconds. Hold it level for 15–60 seconds while the colours develop. That's it.

Check your results

Compare the strip colours to the included chart, or give us a call and we'll walk through it with you — no technical knowledge required.

No pressure — we'll explain what the results mean in plain language, and outline any options if something looks worth following up. There's no obligation to do anything.

What happens next

Two Outcomes

Whatever your results show, we'll give you a straightforward explanation — and leave the next move entirely up to you.

✓ Results look normal

Good to know — and file away.

If your levels are within expected ranges, we'll confirm that clearly. There's nothing you need to do. You now have a baseline reading for your property, which can be useful if anything changes down the track.

↑ Something looks elevated

We'll talk through what it means.

If any parameter reads higher than typical, we'll explain what it might mean for your plumbing, appliances, or water quality — and what options exist if you'd like to do something about it. No pushing, no upselling. Just clarity.

FAQ

Common questions

Is this a water safety test?
No. This is an at-home indicative test to give you a general picture of your tap water's mineral and chemical levels. It is not a certified laboratory analysis. Melbourne's water supply is treated and monitored by Melbourne Water and is safe to drink. If you have a specific health concern, we'd recommend contacting Melbourne Water or a certified water testing laboratory.
How long does the test take?
The test itself takes about 2 minutes. You dip the strip for 2 seconds, then hold it level for 15–60 seconds while the colour indicators develop. Reading the results against the colour chart takes another minute or two. We can also walk through the results with you over the phone if you'd prefer.
What suburbs do you service?
We currently service South Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, feel free to reach out and we'll let you know. We're expanding our service area — register your interest and we'll be in touch when we reach you.
Do I have to book a plumber after doing the test?
Absolutely not. The test kit is free with no obligation attached. If your results are normal, there's nothing more to do. If something looks elevated and you'd like to understand your options, we're happy to have that conversation — but it's entirely your call.
What will you do with my details?
Your name and address are used solely to post your test kit. Your email is used to follow up with a results guide and, occasionally, relevant information from Outright Plumbing. We don't share your information with third parties, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
What if I'm not sure how to read the strip?
The kit includes a colour chart with clear instructions. If you'd prefer a second set of eyes, just give us a call or send us a photo of your strip — we'll walk you through exactly what the colours mean, no fuss.
How accurate are at-home test strips?
Test strips provide a useful indicative reading rather than lab-grade precision. They're a reliable starting point for understanding your water's general mineral and chemical profile. If a reading looks notably high or you have a specific concern, we can point you toward more detailed testing options.
No obligation. No pressure.

Get your free at-home water test kit.

Free Home Water Test (Normally $10). Posted to your door.

↑ Request my free kit

Clear process. No pressure. Just clarity.

Service area: South Melbourne and surrounding suburbs, Victoria.
Disclaimer: The at-home water test kit provides indicative results only and is not a substitute for certified laboratory water analysis. Results should be used as a guide to understanding your water's general mineral and chemical profile. Contact us if you'd like help interpreting your results or discussing next steps.
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