Is it safe to drink brown well water?

• <div><p>Some causes of brown well water—like excess tannins or dissolved iron—don’t pose a health risk. In other cases, harmful bacteria might be the culprit. If your well water has suddenly turned brown, it’s a good idea to use a home water test kit to get a better sense of what’s going on with your water. Consider calling a professional for an expert opinion before drinking the water and hoping for the best.</p></div>

Can I paint over lead paint?

• <div><p>You can paint over lead paint, or “encapsulate” it with a special paint that includes an ingredient called an encapsulant. The EPA approves encapsulation as a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-options-do-i-have-remove-lead-paint.htm">lead paint removal method</a> as long as the paint remains undisturbed. Standard types of paint without an “encapsulant” from the big box stores or hardware stores do not meet EPA standards for remediation of lead-based paint.</p></div>

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Q: Are lead paint test kits accurate?

• <div><p>Lead paint test kits are not always accurate. Several factors can play into why a test kit provides an inaccurate result such as user error, sample viability, the age and condition of the paint, or difficulty interpreting the final result. If you are looking for 100% accuracy, hiring a professional lead paint test is the only way to get that piece of mind. </p></div>

Q: How long does lead dust stay in the air?

• <div><p>When a surface that contains lead dust is disturbed, the dust can float about in the air for roughly an hour before settling again. Since you cannot see the dust, it is important always to wear protective gear when working with any materials that may contain lead paint and to keep children, pets, and others away from the area for as long as possible</p></div>

Q: Is it safe to drink brown well water?

• <div><p>Some causes of brown well water&mdash;like excess tannins or dissolved iron&mdash;don&rsquo;t pose a health risk. In other cases, harmful bacteria might be the culprit. If your well water has suddenly turned brown, it&rsquo;s a good idea to use a home water test kit to get a better sense of what&rsquo;s going on with your water. Consider calling a professional for an expert opinion before drinking the water and hoping for the best.</p></div>

Q: Do all homes that were built before 1978 contain lead paint?

• <div><p>While not all homes built before 1978 contain lead paint, enough do, so you&rsquo;ll still want to test to be on the safe side. The federal government banned lead-based paint for homes in 1978, but your state may have banned lead before that time. Around 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1977 contained lead-based paint, while 87% of homes built before 1940 contained lead-based paint.</p></div>

Q: Can I paint over lead paint?

• <div><p>You can paint over lead paint, or &ldquo;encapsulate&rdquo; it with a special paint that includes an ingredient called an encapsulant. The EPA approves encapsulation as a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-options-do-i-have-remove-lead-paint.htm">lead paint removal method</a> as long as the paint remains undisturbed. Standard types of paint without an &ldquo;encapsulant&rdquo; from the big box stores or hardware stores do not meet EPA standards for remediation of lead-based paint.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Lead Testing And Removal pros in Wells River, VT

*The Angi rating for Lead Testing And Removal companies in Wells River, VT is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Lead Testing And Removal needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Lead Testing And Removal companies in Wells River, VT is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Lead Testing And Removal needs.

Last update on July 01, 2026

Reviewed in July 2026
I had a tree fall on my shed and garage. Regenerative Gardenworks was very quick to get me a quote, and were able to do the work quickly. They showed up, removed the tree safely and cleaned up the mess. Highly Recommend.
Regenerative Gardenworks LLC
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Reviewed in October 2025
These guys were absolutely FANTASTIC. They were professional, personable and very thorough. The whole team was communicative and engaged from the start of making the appointment to the end and follow-up. As a new home buyer I was sad to find out that the previous home owners had not been...
McBriens Fire & Flue
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Reviewed in February 2024
HoweD Tree was able to come assess damage from a wind storm quickly. They were very professional and gave me options that could save me some money. We made an appointment, and they showed up on time and did the work. Who could ask for more?
Howe D Tree
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Reviewed in October 2023
Josh and his crew removed the dead maple tree and cleaned it up. Very professional job done, highly recommend NEK Tree Workz LLC to anyone who needs tree work done.
NEK Tree Workz LLC
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Reviewed in April 2023
They did an excellent job and they were very prompt. When they came, they were very polite and professional. Everything was nice and clean when they left.
Timberline Overhead Door Systems LLC
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Reviewed in January 2023
Everything went very well. I have used Eddy at my home and a rental property I own. He is an all around repairman who has replaced windows, did plumbing, carpentry and masonry work for me. He shows up on time and completes the work in a timely manner. He is very professional and always has a...
Eddy's General Home Repair and Handy-Man Service
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Reviewed in October 2022
From the first time I called them, Jillian was so pleasant and helpful. Meeting Michael was a pleasure and he was so willing to work with us to get the job done. You won't be disappointed when you hire Family Tree Removal & Services.
Family Tree Removal & Services
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Reviewed in August 2022
They just left, so I don't yet knowhow effective the treatment will be, but they were quick, efficient, and clean, and I'd hire them again.
Terminix
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Reviewed in June 2022
Dan and Tim performed tree removal and decommissioned an old well. Before the clearing, I had difficulty seeing the potential in the site, but after they cleared the property, all I can see is the potential. They're easy going and nice people. I'm very happy with the result and look...
LABRADOR EQUIPMENT SERVICES LLC
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Reviewed in March 2022
This was a difficult project. Removal of a large maple tree with a central rotted section that threatened my neighbor's house if it fell. It had to be removed. The tree was on a slope, any tree section removed could roll down the slope and hit my neighbor's house. Josh tied every...
NEK tree workz, LLC
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Gold Star Services LLC

4.6(

)

Serving Wells River, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"They did such a wonderful job! They were friendly and professional and did even more around the house than we’d imagined. We were so impressed with how thorough and careful they were with our home. I’ve never been so pleased! We’ll definitely hire them again and would recommend them to everyone."

+150

Response time4 days

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by66%of homeowners

Serving Wells River, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 1986

Free estimates

"It was a very technical job. They did a fantastic job. They were prompt and got the job done under budget. It was a completely pleasurable experience for me and I highly recommend them to anyone!"

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Lead Testing and Removal questions, answered by experts

Lead paint test kits are not always accurate. Several factors can play into why a test kit provides an inaccurate result such as user error, sample viability, the age and condition of the paint, or difficulty interpreting the final result. If you are looking for 100% accuracy, hiring a professional lead paint test is the only way to get that piece of mind.

When a surface that contains lead dust is disturbed, the dust can float about in the air for roughly an hour before settling again. Since you cannot see the dust, it is important always to wear protective gear when working with any materials that may contain lead paint and to keep children, pets, and others away from the area for as long as possible

Some causes of brown well water—like excess tannins or dissolved iron—don’t pose a health risk. In other cases, harmful bacteria might be the culprit. If your well water has suddenly turned brown, it’s a good idea to use a home water test kit to get a better sense of what’s going on with your water. Consider calling a professional for an expert opinion before drinking the water and hoping for the best.

While not all homes built before 1978 contain lead paint, enough do, so you’ll still want to test to be on the safe side. The federal government banned lead-based paint for homes in 1978, but your state may have banned lead before that time. Around 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1977 contained lead-based paint, while 87% of homes built before 1940 contained lead-based paint.

You can paint over lead paint, or “encapsulate” it with a special paint that includes an ingredient called an encapsulant. The EPA approves encapsulation as a lead paint removal method as long as the paint remains undisturbed. Standard types of paint without an “encapsulant” from the big box stores or hardware stores do not meet EPA standards for remediation of lead-based paint.

The Wells River, VT homeowners’ guide to lead testing and removal services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
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How to Hire a Lead Testing Professional to Protect Your Home
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Who Can I Hire to Test for Lead Paint?
If you suspect the presence of lead paint in your home, testing is the natural first step. Here is who homeowners can hire to test for lead paint.
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Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
The Homeowner’s Guide to Lead Clearance Testing
Have you recently renovated your home and removed all lead-based paint? Follow this guide on lead clearance testing to ensure it's all eradicated.
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Who Do I Call to Remove Lead Pipes?
Confused about who to call to remove lead pipes? We've rounded up a few options for the safest removal by trained professionals.