Maintaining safe, clean water in your home is an essential part of ensuring your family’s continued good health. Water is a vital resource that we rely on for cooking, drinking, cleaning, and bathing. Exposure to poor water quality leads to a wide range of issues, including financial and health problems that require prompt attention.
Contaminants like bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and minerals present in our water supply can cause illnesses and other health issues for you and your family with repeated exposure to them. Substandard water quality can also damage plumbing fixtures and appliances, which leads to the need for repair and possible replacement. Taking proactive steps to maintain good water quality in your house will safeguard the health and well-being of your family as well as protect your property and investment.
Signs of Poor Water Quality in Your Home
Noticing several signs of poor indoor quality will allow you to correct plumbing deficiencies and proactively manage your water supply to protect your family. Some of the more common signs that something is wrong with the quality of your water include:
Discolored Water
If you notice a yellow, brown, or reddish tint to your water when turning on taps and showerheads, this may be indicative of the presence of sediment, rust, and other contaminants in your water supply. Large amounts of sediment can affect your health if ingested.
Foul Odors
Unusual or foul smells coming from your plumbing, such as sulfur and rotten egg smells, indicate the presence of bacteria and other contaminants present in your system. Many times, these unpleasant smells are going to be accompanied by unpleasant tastes that make cooking and drinking very unpleasant.
Stains
Stains on sinks, toilets, and shower walls indicate high levels of iron and other minerals in your water. Ingesting high levels of minerals can have potential health consequences such as:
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Kidney stones
- Increased risk for chronic diseases
Cleaning Up Your Water
Taking steps to clean and fix your home’s water quality will not only protect your plumbing system but proactively protect and manage your health as well. If you suspect you may have issues with your home’s water quality, take these simple steps to evaluate and correct the issue.
Install Water Filters on Faucets
Water filters can remove harmful contaminants from your drinking water. Filters can be localized to a tap or shower, or you can install whole-house filters that address your water supply from the main water line. Removal of heavy sediment and other particulates will keep your plumbing more efficient and clean up water samples that you and your family use for daily activities.
Maintain Plumbing Fixtures
Maintaining plumbing fixtures plays a crucial role in improving the quality of your water. Leaking pipes and fixtures introduce contaminants into your water supply, like bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. Pipes that are corroded also release harmful chemicals and metals into your water supply. Sediment buildup reduces water flow and compromises your plumbing in ways that affect your entire system. Keeping your plumbing in good shape naturally improves the quality of your water, regardless of how you choose to use it.
Drain and Maintain Your Water Heater
Over time, sediment can build up in your water heater, which reduces its efficiency and affects the quality of your hot water. Draining your water tank regularly will help to remove harmful substances and improve the quality of your water.
Bacteria can also grow in stagnant water, including the water in your water heater. Draining helps to remove potentially dangerous substances that could have an impact on your health.
Hot water naturally breaks down components in your water heater that are released into your system. Some of these elements affect your plumbing and your water supply. By paying attention to your water heater and performing preventative maintenance, you will improve the water quality in your home.
Replace Outdated Plumbing
Maintaining and replacing outdated plumbing has a significant impact on your home’s water quality. Over time, pipes that develop leaks and cracks will allow contaminants from the surrounding environment to enter your water supply. Older plumbing fixtures, such as lead pipes, have the potential to leach harmful contaminants into your water. By replacing outdated and substandard materials with new, safe plumbing, you prevent contamination, backflow, and other issues that can cause health problems for you and your loved ones.
Check Your Water Softener
Checking your water softener regularly will reduce mineral levels that cause hard water issues in your house. The resin tank in a water softener can become a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly maintained. Checking your water softener regularly will ensure that it’s functioning properly and yielding you the benefits of improved water quality, taste, and protection for your whole plumbing system.
Maintain Your Septic System
Maintaining your septic or sewer system is critical for protecting your home’s water quality. A septic system that is not maintained properly will lead to backups and leaks that contaminate both groundwater and surface water.
Inspection and regular maintenance of your septic system can help you to identify potential issues before they become larger problems. Components of your septic system such as your tank, drain field, and other fixtures that function well will protect other aspects of your plumbing that deliver fresh, clean water to faucets and tubs in your house.
Dispose of Household Chemicals Properly
Carelessly flushing or disposing of household chemicals introduces them to your treatment system or septic system. If chemicals are not properly dealt with, they pass through your system and enter nearby streams, rivers, and lakes. They make a significant impact on the water in your area, eventually circling back and compromising your home’s water quality. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for household chemicals, disposing of them in a way that promotes environmental responsibility.
Get a Water Quality Inspection
Testing your water quality is important because it helps to identify potential contaminants in your water supply that could be harmful to your plumbing and to your health. Even if water appears clear and odorless, you could still be at risk of harmful substances that have long-term effects. By addressing plumbing and environmental issues revealed through testing, you will provide the best quality water for you and your loved ones.
The quality of your water and plumbing system has a significant impact on your quality of life. Carefully maintaining and evaluating your water system will ensure the integrity of your system.
Quality Service, Exceptional Outcomes
Cooper’s Water has been proudly serving valued clients in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas since 1980. We provide services related to plumbing repair, water treatment systems, water softener and water heater services, backflow testing, and water quality assessment services. Your home comfort and convenience are our top priorities! Contact us today to see how we can improve your water quality and provide a healthier environment for you and your family members.
