Signs Your Tap Water Is Contaminated
It's been a tough time for those of us who depend on the water we drink, cook with, and bathe in. The news is filled with stories about water contamination and water-borne illnesses, and it's hard to know what to believe. A professional plumber can help you achieve clarity on the condition of your water supply. Whether you need repiping or pipe replacement services, or need a whole home water filter installation, the specialists at Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air can provide the right solution to meet your needs. We want to ensure that our local clients have access to fresh, healthy water, and it’s important that you achieve the same goal as well. In this article, we'll go through some of the most common signs that your home’s water might not be safe for use or consumption.
Discoloration
If your water has a strange tint to it, this can signal contamination. For example, yellow shades can indicate the presence of chromium-6, lead, iron, or manganese. Brown can often be a sign of bacterial growth or sewage. Blue or green-hued water might mean there’s an excess of copper. Long-term exposure to these materials can have harmful effects, so it’s important to know if there are high amounts in your water supply.
Cloudiness
You should drink water that is relatively clear. Water that is cloudy could be unsafe and may contain harmful pathogens or hazardous chemicals. Cloudiness can be caused by particles that can't be seen, floating, or dissolved in their liquid form. The type of cloudiness is determined by the presence of natural or man-made pollutants like algae, silt, bacteria, and soot.
Hard Water
Hard water contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, leaving residue on drinking glasses, sinks, and faucets. This residue can cause water to streak and not clean properly. Hard water also leaves limescale deposits on pipes and appliances.
Bad Smells
If your water smells like rotten eggs, then this is most likely caused by hydrogen sulfide. Continued exposure to this gas can cause dehydration and diarrhea. A strong chlorine smell is probably due to overuse of the chemical in your city water supply. Fishy smells can indicate barium or cadmium and should be dealt with immediately.
Metallic Taste
Overly salty or metallic-flavored water could signal a low pH, or it could also mean that your pipes have become rusted. A water test and pipe inspection should help identify the culprit. If plumbing damage is to blame, then a pipe replacement or repiping service can offer an effective solution.
Do You Need a Professional Plumbing Service for Your Home or Business?
We know that it can be hard to tell if your home is experiencing a problem with its water, but we encourage you to be proactive about taking action if you noticed any of the above-mentioned warning signs. A dependable plumber can help you identify potential issues with your system, while a water test can alert you to the presence of any harmful chemicals or minerals. At Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air, we proudly offer quality services for local property owners. If you’re suspicious of the quality of your water supply, give us a call. We provide inspections, water tests, whole home filtration system installation, and water softener installations. Our specialists can answer any questions you may have and can schedule an appointment for your next plumbing service.