Frequently Asked Questions

We get a lot of questions about water wells, water quality, and treatment systems. Below are some of the most common, answered straight and simple so you know what to expect before you call. Our goal has always been the same: Honest Answers. Smarter Solutions.


Why should I schedule a diagnostic visit instead of just calling a full-service well company?

A diagnostic visit is about finding the real problem first. Many full-service well companies are set up to sell equipment or drilling services, which can drive costs up if the issue is something simple. In reality, most water well problems start with small components like pressure switches, control boxes, or pressure tanks. If you know what to look for, these can often be repaired on the spot.

The challenge is that many full-service companies will replace a couple of parts, and if that doesn’t work, they jump straight to pulling your well and replacing everything. Even when a pull is required, the root cause is often something up top — like a faulty pressure tank or bad incoming power — but they have little incentive to address those issues because it creates repeat work for them later.

At Huston’s Water Solutions, if we find an issue on top, we’ll explain it, give you a price, and in most cases can complete the repair on the same visit. If pulling is required, we coordinate with trusted partners, ensure transparent pricing, and correct the root causes so the problem is far less likely to come back.

What makes Huston’s Water Solutions different from national water treatment companies?

National chains often sell pre-packaged systems and can only offer the equipment that comes from their own brand lines. For example, companies like Culligan or Moore Water & Air may provide water testing, but their solutions are limited to the products their chain distributes.

At Huston’s Water Solutions, we’re independent. That means we can source equipment from multiple suppliers, giving us the flexibility to design a system built specifically for your water — not a one-size-fits-all package. We also go a step further by custom-matching filter media and cartridges to your exact water chemistry, instead of using the type that works on “most” homes.

With over 25 years in the industry, we bring the experience of both a water well contractor and a treatment specialist. That allows us to recommend fixes at the source when needed, rather than only adding treatment equipment. We also maintain active memberships in the National Ground Water Association and the Water Quality Association, keeping us current on best practices across both wells and treatment — something most treatment-only companies in our region simply don’t offer.

What water quality issues are common in this area?

In the Four-State region, the most common water quality challenges include:

  • Hard water (calcium and magnesium buildup)

  • Sulfur odor (“rotten egg” smell)

  • Iron staining (orange or red deposits)

  • Bacterial contamination in some wells

  • Bad taste or discoloration caused by minerals

These issues can vary dramatically, even between neighbors. Two homes on the same road may have completely different water chemistry — which is why proper testing and diagnostics are so important before deciding on a solution.

Why do I need a water system design for my new well?

A well alone doesn’t guarantee a reliable water supply. Without a proper system design, you risk undersized pumps, premature equipment failures, and treatment systems that don’t actually solve your water quality issues. A professional design ensures your pump, tank, controls, and treatment are properly sized and configured for your household’s actual demand. That means longer equipment life, better water, and fewer costly upgrades later.

Most drilling contractors quote a “standard package” system to keep their bid low, but in many cases those setups are undersized for real-world use. The result? Homeowners end up frustrated and eventually have to spend more money upgrading to the system they needed in the first place.

Our Water System Design process creates a custom plan based on your water quality and household needs. You can then take that design to multiple well companies for bids, ensuring you get competitive pricing while making sure everyone is quoting the right solution — not just the cheapest shortcut.

What areas do you serve?

We serve customers throughout the Tri-State region, including:

  • Southwest Missouri: Anderson, Noel, Pineville, Joplin, Neosho

  • Northwest Arkansas: Bella Vista, Bentonville, Rogers, Gravette

  • Northeast Oklahoma: Grove, Jay, Miami, Afton

There are too many towns to list them all, but if you’re in SW Missouri, NW Arkansas, or NE Oklahoma, chances are we already service systems in your area. If you’re unsure, just give us a call.


Do you offer free water testing, and what does it include?

Yes. We provide free in-home water testing for households without existing treatment equipment. These tests typically cover hardness, iron, sulfur, nitrates, nitrites, copper, TDS (total dissolved solids), and alkalinity.

For bacteria testing, we use the same method we use for our official inspections, which requires incubation in our own lab. This ensures accurate results and gives you confidence your water is safe to drink.

If you need even more in-depth results, we also offer independent lab testing through certified labs. This can check for additional contaminants and provide EPA-level reporting for an additional fee. Many customers prefer this option for peace of mind, especially when building, buying, or selling a property.

How much does a typical water treatment system cost?

Every system we install is custom-built for your water chemistry, household demand, and plumbing layout, so costs can vary widely.

That said, customers often find we are 20% to 65% lower than national brands like Moore or Culligan — while providing equipment that’s better tailored to their actual needs. For example, one family purchased a water softener from us for around $3,000 after receiving a $12,000 quote from Moore that included a lot of extras they didn’t actually need. In another case, we installed a custom sulfur system with water softener for $7,000, while another company quoted $12,000 for a less specialized setup.

By staying independent and sourcing from multiple suppliers, we keep overhead and marketing costs low — and pass those savings directly on to our customers.

What ongoing maintenance is required for your systems?

We’ll give it to you straight: every treatment system requires some maintenance. Depending on your setup, this may include changing filters, replacing UV bulbs, adding hydrogen peroxide, or other routine care.

When we design your system, we provide upfront details about the maintenance it will need, including the average cost of replacement parts or consumables. That way you know exactly what to expect before you buy — and your maintenance plan is custom to the system you actually own.

Do you provide warranties on your equipment or work?

Yes. All of our systems are backed by manufacturer warranties, which can range from 1 to 10 years depending on the specific components we recommend for your water. Because we aren’t locked into a single supplier, we can select equipment that not only fits your needs but also carries the strongest warranties available.

In addition, we warranty our labor and installation for one full year. That means you’re protected both by the manufacturer and by us — a company that stands behind the quality of its work.

Can you work on systems installed by another company?

Yes, we service and repair many systems installed by other companies. However, some national brands such as Culligan or Moore Water & Air use proprietary parts that are only available through their dealers. In those cases, we’ll work with you to find alternative solutions that avoid locking you into a costly replacement or service plan.

Do you coordinate with well drillers and pump companies?

Yes. We partner with trusted, vetted well drillers and pump contractors to provide a complete solution when pulling or drilling is necessary. If we can’t make the repair ourselves, we’ll coordinate with one of our proven partners and stay involved to make sure the work is done right. Most importantly, we’ll also address the root cause of the issue so you don’t face the same problem again down the road.

What payment options do you offer?

We accept cash, checks, debit/credit cards, and financing (for qualified customers). Unlike many companies, we do not add extra fees for using credit/debit cards or financing.

How quickly can you respond if I have a water emergency?

In most cases, we can provide same-day service for water well emergencies, with average response times of just a few hours. Because we cover a large service area and give every job our full attention, occasional delays may occur. But when we arrive, you can count on getting our best service and full focus until the problem is resolved.