Your home water supply is likely one of your most used and useful utilities. This water can be used for cooking, cleaning, showering, drinking, and washing your hands. You will even need it when you are washing your car or filling up a small swimming pool during the summertime. Whatever the case may be, because this water is so essential to your everyday needs, there’s no reason to assume that it wouldn’t be safe to use or consume. Unfortunately, the water supply isn’t always safe. Here are a few red flags that could signify poor water quality in your home.
Murky or Cloudy Water
Have you noticed that your water appears to be murky or even cloudy? Usually, the cloudiness will dissipate after you run your tap for a few minutes. However, if the issue doesn’t seem to be clearing up, you could have a bigger problem on your hands. Prolonged murkiness could be a sign that your water contains an excessive amount of minerals or other contaminants.
In some cases, the murkier the water, the higher the risk for gastrointestinal diseases. Even if you never experience any physical symptoms, cloudy water may cause other issues. This is especially true if the cloudiness is caused by hard water. Hard water has been known to cause buildup in pipes and appliances, which can eventually clog your system and decrease the lifespan of your appliances. Hard water can also cause calcium to accumulate on and around your plumbing fixtures, causing them to look dirty and unsightly.
Although it could be tempting to diagnose the issue on your own, it’s difficult to measure the true cause and extent of the murkiness just by looking at it. Instead, let a professional test your water to ensure that your water supply is safe.
Discoloration
Good quality tap water should be clear. Even if it starts out turbid or slightly discolored, the issue should clear up after a few minutes. If the water remains discolored, this could signify increased levels of iron. Too much iron can make your water appear reddish-brown or even yellow in some cases. If your water has more of a black tint, this could indicate that it contains high levels of both iron and manganese. These unusual discolorations and high iron levels could be the result of corroded pipes, a corroded water heater, or mineral buildup. Rain-washed chemical pollutants could also be a potential culprit.
Slightly discolored water and controlled levels of iron are not usually harmful. In fact, your body needs a certain amount of iron to function properly. On the other hand, uncontrolled iron levels can lead to a variety of health issues including:
- Diabetes
- Nausea
- Liver damage
- Hemochromatosis
- Heart damage
- Stomach issues
Bitter-Tasting Water
The drinking water in your home should not have a notable taste. If your water has a noticeably bitter or metallic taste, there’s a high chance that it is severely contaminated, and you should stop using it immediately. The bitter taste can be attributed to a wide range of contaminants including:
- Copper
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Industrial chemicals
- Pesticides
- Medications
It’s clear to see why pesticides and industrial chemicals are harmful to ingest. However, even things such as zinc can be damaging when ingested at uncontrolled levels. For instance, consuming too much zinc in your drinking water can cause everything from jaundice and joint paint to coughing and low blood pressure.
Our expert technicians are equipped to identify the cause and provide a solution. If you believe that the problem stems from the local water supply, you may be able to contact your local municipality or health department to get a better explanation.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be both annoying and inconvenient. This common issue can affect everything from your toilets and dishwashers to your showerheads and any other plumbing fixtures. Here are some of the most common causes of low water pressure.
- Debris buildup
- Plumbing leaks
- Water supplier issues
- Issues with the water shutoff valve
Dirt, solidified oil, and food particles are just some of the objects that can cause debris buildup. Minerals can also build up over time, creating less space for the water to move through the pipes. Plumbing leaks, on the other hand, cause some of the water to flow out of the pipes before it ever reaches your home.
Along with water pipe issues, your supplier may be experiencing water pressure problems, which can result in low pressure on your end. Check with your neighbors to see if they may be having the same issues. If so, you may need to contact your water supplier for further information. Your water shutoff valve could be another culprit. A fully opened valve provides the correct amount of water pressure. When the valve is not fully open, the pressure can suddenly drop.
Blue-Green Stains in Your Showers, Tubs, or Sinks
Do you notice blue-green stains in your sinks, showers, or bathtubs? If so, your water supply likely contains elevated amounts of copper. High levels of copper are usually caused by corroded water fixtures, plumbing, and faucets. Consuming too much copper can cause a variety of health issues, including anemia, digestion issues, liver damage, or kidney damage.
Why You Need a Plumber
With the increase in DIY tutorials and self-help guides, trying to solve some of these water quality issues on your own could be tempting. However, there are several reasons why hiring a professional plumber is your best option.
Plumbers spend years studying and learning before officially receiving their licenses. Their skill level continues to increase as they work in the field. It’s much better to rely on the expertise of a professional than to spend hours or even days trying to figure things out on your own. Plumbers are also more aware of the hazards that come along with certain plumbing issues. Exposure to hazardous materials, electrical hazards, and flammable products are just a few of the things plumbers have to consistently look out for. If you aren’t aware of these potential dangers, you could put yourself at risk.
Additionally, professionals are equipped with the tools necessary to get the job done. Some of these tools are specialized and can be quite expensive, but they are also very effective. Lastly, when you try to solve plumbing problems with quick or temporary fixes, it could cost you more in the end. In some cases, temporary fixes may intensify the issue, causing even more damage than before.
At Fusion Plumbing & Air, we are dedicated to providing you with top-notch services. We offer a wide range of services, including air conditioner replacements, furnace repair, gas line installations, water filtration products, and a range of commercial services. You can have peace of mind when we enter your home to provide our services because we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned water quality red flags or need any other plumbing, heating, or cooling service, give us a call today! We can help resolve your issues and ensure the quality of your home water supply.
