Flushing Pipes – Does it Work? A Simple Science Experiment

Some health departments recommend flushing your pipes before using your tap water.  This is because as water sits idle in pipes, it is possible that it could absorb materials from the plumbing system.  The best way to avoid ingesting any of this contaminated water is to flush the pipes by letting your water run for a few minutes before using it.

We decided to see how effective this was by conducting a simple experiment.  We used  Test Assured’s 4 Test Kit Set for Schools and Science Fairs to test water samples that had been collected after flushing the pipes for varying amounts of time.  This test set includes 4 test kits and can be used by children in grades three through twelve to perform water tests that can be used for school science experiments.

Supplies

The first thing you need to do is gather your supplies:

• Test Assured 4 Test Kit Set with TD Meter
• Tap water
• Paper towels

Preparation

Before you start testing, you’ll need to prepare your water samples.  For this experiment, you will create four samples:

1. ½ cup tap water collected immediately after faucet is turned on – this is the control sample
2. ½ cup tap water collected after faucet has been flushed for 1 minute
3. ½ cup tap water collected after faucet has been flushed for 3 minutes
4. ½ cup tap water collected after faucet has been flushed for 5 minutes

Collect your samples in a mug or glass and set aside to complete the TDS test before pouring samples into the vials.

Feel free allow the water to run for any length of time.  You can even use a second testing kit to test more samples.  No matter how long you let the water run, don’t forget to label your vials and write down the corresponding sample information in the results notebook.

Testing

The first test you want to start with is for total dissolved solids, using the TDS meter.  The meter will not fit in the test vials, so it is easier to complete this part of the experiment before transferring your samples to the vials.  To perform the TDS test, simply turn on the meter and submerge the prongs in the samples. Rinse the meter with clean water and pat dry between each test. Record your results in the results notebook.

After completing the TDS test, you will need to pour your samples into the vials you labeled.  Fill each vial to within a ¼” of the top.  Be sure to wipe up any spills, so you don’t contaminate the test strips.

Before you get started with the tests, now is a good time to make some visual observations. You may notice that some of the samples are cloudy or contain particles.  These observations can be written in the “Notes” on the last page of the results notebook.

Now you’re ready to get started with the rest of the tests. Follow these instructions to complete the remaining tests.

Alkalinity/pH/Hardness Test

1. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “ALK/pH/Hard”
2. Pick up the strip on the end with no pads
3. Dip the strip in the sample for one second and remove
4. Hold the test strip level and wait 10 seconds
5. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for alkalinity, pH, and hardness
6. Next, record your results in the results notebook

 Total Chlorine/Copper/Nitrate/Nitrite Test

1. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “CL/CO/NA/NI”
2. Pick up the strip on the end with no pads
3. Dip the strip in the sample three times and remove – DO NOT SHAKE OFF EXCESS WATER
4. Hold the test strip level for 2 seconds
5. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for chlorine and copper
6. Wait 45 seconds before reading the results for nitrate and nitrite
7. Next, record your results in the results notebook

 

Iron Test (Complete this test last)

1. Remove one iron reagent tablet from the foil packet and place in test vial (the reagent could alter the results of other tests which is why the iron test is completed last)
2. Place the cap on the test vial and shake for approximately one minute, until the tablet is completely dissolved
3. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “Iron Test”
4. Dip the strip in the sample for 2 seconds
5. Shake the strip once and wait 60 seconds
6. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for iron
7. Record your results in the results notebook

 Repeat all three tests for each of your samples.

Results

Now that you have completed each of the four tests on your samples, it’s time to look at your results.  Ask yourself these questions:

• Did flushing the pipes change the appearance of any of the samples?
• Did flushing the pipes affect the test results for any of the samples?
• Was there an optimal time to flush the pipes that improved water quality?
• Based on your results, do you think flushing pipes is an effective way to make water safer to drink?
• What results did you find the most surprising?

Record your answers on the “Notes” page.  If you are using this as a science fair project, you can use clear tape to fix the test sticks to the color charts to display your results.