Living in Barto means enjoying the quiet, rural charm of Washington Township without being too far from the action on Route 100. You likely chose this area for the open space, the historic stone farmhouses, or perhaps the newer communities like Spring Valley Village. But whether you are up on a hill overlooking the valley or tucked away near the Boyertown border, you probably realized quickly that the water here has a personality of its own. At Dierolf Plumbing & Water Treatment, we believe in “Radical Honesty” when it comes to your home’s water. We do not use high pressure sales tactics or scare you into buying equipment you do not need. We just solve problems.
Since 2009, we have been the local resource for homeowners who want straight answers. Mark Dierolf brings over 25 years of personal industry experience to every job, which means he has seen just about every water quality issue Berks County can throw at a plumbing system. In a rural area like Barto, the vast majority of homes rely on private wells. While well water is free of monthly utility bills, it comes with the responsibility of being your own water manager. If you are new to well ownership or just tired of staining on your fixtures, we can help you understand exactly what is coming out of your tap.
The Reality of Well Water in Washington Township
Because so much of the land surrounding Barto is agricultural, we frequently see specific issues in private wells that city dwellers rarely worry about. The first is Nitrate contamination. Runoff from fertilizer can seep into the groundwater, leading to elevated nitrate levels. This is odorless and tasteless but can be dangerous, especially for infants and the elderly. We highly recommend annual testing if you live near active farmland.
The second major issue we encounter here is Low pH (Acidic Water). If you notice blue-green stains in your sinks or bathtubs, your water is likely eating away at your copper pipes. Over time, this causes pinhole leaks and expensive plumbing repairs. An acid neutralizer is often the simple fix to protect your home’s infrastructure.
Hardness and Bacteria Risks
Even if your pH is balanced, you might be dealing with Hard Water and Iron. Hard water leaves white, crusty scale on your showerheads and shortens the life of your water heater. Iron leaves those stubborn orange stains in your toilet bowls. While these are not health emergencies, they are nuisances that ruin expensive appliances. More concerning is Coliform Bacteria, which can enter wells through cracked caps or surface runoff. We often install Ultraviolet (UV) Filtration Systems to ensure your water is bacteriologically safe without adding chemicals.
For the few residents connected to public community systems near the Bally border, your main complaint is likely the taste and smell of chlorine. We can install carbon filtration systems that remove that “pool water” taste while leaving the protective disinfectant in the lines until it reaches your tap. You can check your local water quality reports through the EPA’s Consumer Confidence Report search or the Washington Township website.
We love serving this community because it is full of hidden gems. Whether you are hunting for treasures at the legendary Jake’s Flea Market on a Sunday morning, focusing on self care at the brand new Level Up Health and Wellness LLC (formerly Sweet’s Cafe), or treating the kids to ice cream at Longacre’s Modern Dairy, Barto has a great local vibe. We want to make sure the water in your home is just as high quality as the life you have built here.
Comprehensive Water Solutions for Barto Residents
Our approach is simple: Test, Diagnose, Solved. We start with a comprehensive water test to identify the exact makeup of your water. We do not guess. Once we have the data, we explain your options in plain English. We are plumbers first, not salespeople, so we will never push a system that is overkill for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I test my well water?
We recommend testing your well water at least once a year for bacteria (coliform) and nitrates, especially in agricultural areas like Washington Township. You should also test if you notice any change in taste, odor, or appearance.
Do I really need a water softener if I have a well?
Not always, but it is very common. If your water hardness is over 7 grains per gallon, you will see significant scale buildup. A softener protects your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine from premature failure. Read more in our article about Hard Water Treatment.
What is the blue-green stain in my sink?
That is a sign of acidic water (low pH) corrosion. It means your water is reacting with your copper pipes. Left untreated, this will cause pinhole leaks throughout your home. We treat this with an acid neutralizer system.
What Your Neighbors Are Saying
“My well tank was on its last leg and needed to be replaced along with the plumbing connecting it to the water feed. Bryan showed up on time, had the parts in his truck, and knocked the job out in a couple hours. I highly recommend Dierolf for all your plumbing and water treatment needs.”
– Brian D. (via Google Reviews)
“Jon K & Alec came to install an acid neutralizer tank. They arrived on time and were very professional, courteous, great clean up after installation as well as complete explanation on how it works with the system.”
– Kathy P. (via Google Reviews)
“Dierolf is an amazing company! Justin B. did an amazing job fixing our UV filtration system and a pipe that was leaking. Extremely pleased and will definitely be a repeat customer!”
– Brittany W. (via Google Reviews)
Ready to fix your water issues? Contact us today to schedule your water test or service call. We are your neighbors, and we are here to help.
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New customers get a FREE water test, including our In-House TC test for homes on wells, PLUS get $100 off the installation of a Water Treatment System!
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