Signs There is Something Wrong with Your Tap Water

Although drinking municipally produced tap water in New Jersey is generally highly safe, you should still use your best judgment. For a variety of reasons, even the most meticulously filtered and treated tap water may seem unclean to you or have an odd odor. Your water may become contaminated even after it has been treated as a result of faulty pipes in your home. 

My faucet's water is white; why is that? Why does the flavor of my water taste metallic? It's easy to worry too much about your drinking water, and before you know it, you're afraid to even open the faucet. Accurately assessing your water is the simplest way to avoid that unpleasant experience. We'll help you get started. You may perform these four easy tests to find out if your tap water is polluted.

Appears Cloudy

Tap water should always appear clear if it has been properly treated. Never use water that tastes "milky" or seems cloudy. Rather, give it a few minutes and check to see whether the cloudiness dissipates. If it eventually clears, the cloudiness you noticed was probably just some build-up trapped air. In pressured water, air bubbles are contained. When water flows from your faucet, air is released into the water as pressure is released.

Water that is cloudy may also be a sign that your tap water is excessively "hard." Hard water contains heavy minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals make your water hazy even though they aren't extremely hazardous. Your water softener is probably not working properly if it creates cloudy water. Cloudy water may also be a sign of corrosion, sand, or debris in your water's pipelines. If you think that might be the case, you should have a professional evaluate your pipes, especially if your plumbing is older.

Metallic Flavor

This is among the most typical problems with household water supplies. If the problem is severe enough, your water can even seem discolored or rusty. Unsurprisingly, the presence of metal in your water is the most likely explanation of the metallic taste. Iron, zinc, or manganese deposits in particular may have leached into your water. Since metallic deposits generally seep into your water after it has been cleaned, nothing prevents these particles from reaching you.

If only your hot water smells metallic, it's possible that your water heater is the problem. Flush your water heater to remove any sediment that may be the cause of the stench. If all of your water tastes metallic, your water supply pipes may be leaching rust or corrosion into your water. Rusted pipes can cause water to shear off little flakes. As soon as you can, have a professional clean and inspect your supply pipes. We'll be able to recognize the problem and come up with a fix.

Smells Awful

Treatment-grade tap water shouldn't ever smell. If it does, your water likely contains something that shouldn't be there. Many water contaminants produced different weird smells. The same minerals that give your water a metallic taste may also cause it to smell metallic. Algae blooms in the nearby water supply could be the source of a persistent musty or moldy smell. Bacteria in your water heater may cause a disgusting rotten egg odor. Too much salt is used to soften water, which rapidly tastes salty.

Once you know what the aroma of your water is, you can decide on the best course of action. For instance, you should flush your water heater if the water smells sulfurous or metallic. If the water smells salty, try turning your water softener down. It could be more difficult to get rid of a musty smell on your own. Check online for any comments made about algae by your water supplier or ask your neighbors whether the water quality in your community is a problem. You may also clean your taps thoroughly. Naturally, to identify the problem's root cause, contact your neighborhood smell-nice plumber if in doubt.

Appearance of Scum or Residue

Tap water should never leave behind any form of residue or discoloration. If your tap water leaves behind a chalky film or discolors your sinks or bathtubs, there is a problem.  These stains are proof that your water has dissolved iron or copper residue. Your water supply pipes could be corroded, corroded, or rusted.

Chalky Consistency

Your tap water may contain calcium and magnesium as grit. It's a sign that your water is too hard. 

If your tap water is leaving stains or gunk behind, start by checking your water softener. If your softener is working properly, the problem is most likely with your supply pipes. Supply pipes rust or corrode naturally over time, particularly if your water is hard. Consider having your pipes replaced to address the problem once and for all.

For All Your Plumbing Concerns in Union City

This is not a comprehensive list of all possible tap water problems. It does not necessarily follow that you do not have a problem if your problem is not included here. You shouldn't worry, but you also shouldn't ignore your uncertainties. 

For timely, dependable answers to any questions regarding water, contact CBJ Plumbing Union City NJ. Our experts can identify the problem with your water and suggest the least invasive fix. Never be uncertain about the safety of your water. Call us and we'll ease your worries.