In today's world, the quality of drinking water is becoming one of the main concerns for every family. - Xiaomi Water Tester, also known as the "Water Tester" TDS-This is a meter-long, popular gadget for quick checks of the contents of a jug or a water tap, and it's a compact device that allows you to instantly assess the degree of fluid purification and the efficiency of filter systems.
Many users are asking themselves, what exactly does this device measure and can you trust its readings? The Mijia Water Quality Tester analyzes the electrical conductivity of a liquid, counting it into a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) value, which reflects the total amount of dissolved solids, which is an indirect indicator of the purity of water.
Using Xiaomi’s smart analyzer, you can access advanced statistics through your smartphone, you can track the dynamics of changes in water quality in your home, compare indicators from different sources, and change cartridges in reverse osmosis systems in a timely manner.
Principle of operation and measured parameters
The main purpose of the device is to measure the total salt content in a liquid. The device passes an electric current through the water between two electrodes. Since pure distilled water is a dielectric and does not conduct current well, the presence of dissolved salts, minerals and metals increases conductivity. Based on this physical phenomenon, the final value is calculated in milligrams per liter (mg/l) or ppm.
It is worth understanding that TDS-The meter is not a bacteria or virus analyzer, and it will not show the presence of chlorine, heavy metals in a bound form, or organic contaminants unless they affect electrical conductivity. However, for household use, this is enough to understand how well your reverse osmosis filter or cleaning system is working.
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The main point or conclusion of this section
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The device measures electrical conductivity, which is directly dependent on the amount of dissolved minerals, but does not determine the biological safety of water.
It is important to note the high sensitivity of the sensor. Even a small change in the composition of the liquid, such as adding a pinch of salt or hitting dust particles, will instantly affect the screen. Xiaomi uses a quality sensor that is calibrated in the factory, ensuring minimal error measurements at home.
Interpretation of TDS indicators
After measuring, the user sees a digital value, and to know if your water is good or not, you need to know the generally accepted standards, and the readings of the Mi Water Quality Tester can be classified as follows:
- 🟢 0-50 ppm: Highly purified water, close to distilled water, ideal for reverse osmosis systems.
- 🔵 50-150 ppm: Optimal drinking water, containing minerals but free of harmful impurities.
- 🟡 150-300 ppm: Hard tap water. You can drink, but you can scale the kettle.
- 🔴 300+ ppm: High mineralization. Taste can be unpleasant, use in household appliances will lead to rapid failure.
If your filter has stopped reducing TDS to an acceptable level, it is a sure signal that you need to replace the membrane or cartridges. A sharp jump in readings in the dynamics can also indicate contamination of the water storage tank.
Why can a statement jump?
Don't panic if you see a value above 200 ppm. For many regions, this is a normal indicator of tap water, which simply requires additional cleaning before ingesting, and the main thing is to monitor the consistency of the readings.
Instructions: How to use the tester
The device is as simple as possible and requires no technical knowledge, and you need to start by removing a protective plug from the bottom of the case, where the measuring electrodes are located, and turn the device on with a short press on a single button.
☑️ Preparation for the first measurement
Lower the bottom of the appliance into the water tank to the level indicated in the instructions (usually before the plastic case begins). Do not immerse the device completely, as it is not completely waterproof. Wait for the digits to stabilize on the display - this takes 3 to 10 seconds.
After reading, be sure to wipe the electrodes with dry soft cloth or wash under the tap if you have measured an aggressive environment, which will prevent the oxidation of contacts and maintain the accuracy of the sensor for many years of service.
⚠️ Note: Do not use a tester to measure hot liquids that are above 50 degrees Celsius, which can damage the plastic case and distort the sensor readings.
Connection to the Mi Home app
One of the key features of Xiaomi’s model is that it syncs with your smartphone, and you’ll need the Mi Home app to do that, and make sure that your phone is Bluetooth enabled, as it’s through this low-power protocol.
The pairing process takes seconds. Open the app, press the add-on button, and select a tester from the list of gadgets you found, and once you've successfully connected, all your measurements will automatically be stored in the cloud, creating a convenient schedule.
| Function | No app. | With the Mi Home app |
|---|---|---|
| TDS display | Yes. | Yes. |
| History of measurements | No. | Yes (graphic) |
| Water temperature | No. | Yes. |
| Quality assessment | No. | Yes (textual) |
The app also has a temperature compensation function, and because electrical conductivity depends on temperature, the smart algorithm adjusts the readings to 25°C, making the measurements more accurate and comparable.
Technical characteristics and autonomy
The device is made of solid ABS-It's a plastic that's resistant to household pollution, and it's very small, and it's easy to carry it in your pocket or your bag, and it's only about 30 grams in weight, making it almost weightless in your hand.
Power is supplied by a single battery, the CR2032, which comes with the Low Power technology, which allows one battery to last 6-12 months of active use, and the battery charge indicator is displayed in the Mi Home app, warning you to replace it in advance.
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Extend the life of the battery by turning off the appliance immediately after use. Automatic shutdown occurs after 30 seconds, but it is better not to rely on the timer.
The operating temperature range is between 0 and 50 degrees Celsius, it has spray protection, but it is not designed for prolonged exposure to water, and it has an accuracy of ±2% of the full range, which is a great indicator for a household class.
Device care and maintenance
To keep the measurements accurate, the electrodes must be kept clean, and over time they can become plaqueed with stiffening salts, cleaned with a soft cloth soaked in a weak solution of citric acid or vinegar, and then thoroughly washed with clean water.
It is recommended to store the tester in a dry place, be sure to wear a protective cap. Dust and moisture in the battery compartment can lead to oxidation of the contacts and failure of the device. Regularly check the status of the battery compartment.
⚠️ Warning: Never use abrasive cleaning products or hard brushes to clean the sensor. Scratches on the electrodes will lead to irreversible distortion of conduction readings.
If you notice that the readings are unstable or the device is no longer on, first replace the battery, and in 90% of cases, the problem lies in the dead battery, not in the breakdown of the electronics.