The Typical Causes of Discolored Tap Water

How To Assess & Diagnose What’s Causing Cloudy Water

It’s impossible to understate the importance of having access to clean drinking water. One of the last issues any homeowner wants to deal with is low-quality tap water. It’s wise to be concerned about the safety risks involved with unsafe water. After all, water is necessary for drinking, eating, bathing, and maintaining appliances, and nobody wants to bathe or consume water that might harm themselves and their family.

Some common side effects of poor water quality include:

• Skin conditions
• Higher risks of cancer
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Reproductive/fertility issues
• Neurological disorders
• Diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and dysentery
• Other health issues

If discolored or cloudy water is coming out of your kitchen and shower faucets, you’ve come to the right place. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Southeast Georgia is ready to help you troubleshoot and resolve the situation. Our reliable plumbing specialists have the tools, experience, and expertise to ease any concerns you may have about your tap water. Our top priority is to assuage any fears and health issues surrounding discolored tap water.

Check for Air Bubbles

If your water is cloudy but gradually clears within minutes after pouring means you’re likely dealing with air bubbles. Air bubbles usually arise when air gets trapped in pipes. Needing to escape, it will release via your faucets.

Common causes of air bubbles include increased water pressure or recent plumbing work. Fortunately, air bubbles should not cause significant alarm. Containing nothing more than pressurized air, bubbles are harmless and should disappear over time.

Be On the Lookout for Hard Water

Does your tap water remain cloudy and leave visible white spots on dishes/appliances? If so, it likely contains dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Water with high concentrations of minerals is also known as hard water. There are certain regions that have particularly high traces of minerals in the local water supply. These minerals usually result from rainwater collecting minerals from the ground before it enters the local water source or aquifer.

Some key downsides of hard water include:

• Increased mineral residue and scale build-up on dishes
• Skin irritations, dry hair, and rashes
• Reduced lifespan for water appliances
• Higher water-heating costs due to less energy-efficiency
• Clogged toilets and pipes

Water with dissolved minerals can also stain clothing, corrode appliances, and damage plumbing fixtures. Drinking hard water might even taste slightly off for more sensitive palates.

Sedimentary Water

Water with floating particles that won’t settle at the bottom is likely filled with sediment. High concentrations of water sediment primarily result from contaminants getting into the municipal water supply.

Sediment levels are calculated by total suspended solids (TSS), which measures:

• Clay
• Iron
• Algae
• Natural sediment
• Silt
• Manganese
• Safety Concerns

High levels of TSS can increase the likelihood of algae and bacteria in your water. The good news is a professional can test your water for impurities. If the test results reveal high levels of water sediment, don’t panic. Sediment can be quickly and affordably cleared with a water filter.

Treating Cloudy & Discolored Water

There are many ways to eliminate minerals, pollutants, sediment, bacteria, fluoride, and other contaminants from tap water. Some popular options include:

• Water softeners
• Reverse-osmosis systems
• Whole-house water filters
• UV lights to kill bacteria

Boiling water is another solution if you lack access to a water filter. This method won’t remove minerals and sediment, but it will at least eliminate bacteria, which is very important if the water is used for drinking or cooking.

Trusted Plumbing Services At Your Call

Are you looking for a plumbing specialist to inspect and test your water quality? Are you ready to install a water softener or whole-house water filter? Whatever you need, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Southeast Georgia is your local solution. Our plumbers have the technologies and skills necessary to investigate your discolored water and implement effective solutions. We will go above and beyond to ensure your water is safe and drinkable again in no time!

Call us anytime to learn more about our plumbing services! We offer state-of-the-art repairs, proactive maintenance solutions, and cost-effective replacement options!