Signs There is Something Wrong with Your Tap Water

Although municipally-sourced tap water in New Jersey is typically fairly safe to drink, you should still rely on your own judgment. Even the most thoroughly filtered and treated tap water may smell strange to you or seem dirty for a number of reasons. Because of broken pipes in your home, your water could even get tainted after it's been purified. 

Why is the water in my tap white? What gives my water a metallic taste? It's simple to become overly concerned about your drinking water, and before you know it, you're too terrified to turn on the faucet at all. The easiest approach to avoid that uncomfortable sensation is to accurately evaluate your water. We'll assist you in the beginning. Here are four simple tests you may use to determine whether your tap water is contaminated.

Foggy Appearance

A properly treated source of tap water should always appear clear. Use caution if your water is cloudy or appears to be "milky" from your tap. Instead, wait a few minutes and see whether the cloudiness goes away. If it ultimately clears, the cloudiness you observed was probably caused by a harmless build-up of trapped air. Air bubbles are contained within pressurized water. The air escapes into the water as the pressure is released by your faucet's flow of water.

Water that is cloudy may also indicate that your tap water is excessively "hard." Calcium and magnesium are two heavy minerals found in hard water. Although these minerals aren't necessarily harmful, they make your water cloudy. If the water from your water softener appears hazy, it probably isn't operating properly. Cloudy water may also be a sign of corrosion, sand, or debris in the pipes that carry your water. You should have an expert inspect your pipes if you suspect that might be the case, especially if you have older plumbing.

Metallic Taste

One of the most frequent issues affecting household water supply is this one. The issue could even make your water appear rusty or discolored if it is bad enough. Unsurprisingly, the reason your water tastes metallic is most likely because it contains metal! Particularly, it's likely that deposits of iron, zinc, or manganese bled into your water. Nothing prevents these particles from getting into your water because metallic deposits typically seep into it after it has already been treated.

It's conceivable that your water heater is the problem if only your hot water has a metallic odor. To get rid of sediment that can be the source of the stench, flush your water heater. Your water supply pipes may be introducing rust or corrosion into your water if all of it tastes metallic. Water can shear off microscopic flakes as it passes through rusted pipes. Quickly have a professional inspect and clean and inspect your supply pipes ASAP. We'll be able to identify the issue and provide a solution.

Unusual Scent

Water from a treated tap should never smell. If it does, something that shouldn't be in your water is probably there. produce different weird smells by numerous water pollutants. The same minerals that give your water a metallic flavor may also give it a metallic odor. Local water supplies that have algae blooms might leave a persistent musty or moldy odor. The smell of rotten eggs might be produced by bacteria in your water heater. A surplus of water-softener salt renders previously softened water abruptly salty.

You can determine the best course of action to take once you determine what the fragrance of your water is. You should flush your water heater if, for example, the water has a metallic or sulfuric odor. Try turning down your water softener if your water has a salty odor. It could be more challenging to get rid of a musty smell on your own. Ask your neighbors if the water quality in your neighborhood is a problem, or search online for any comments said anything about algae by your water provider. You might also give your faucets a good cleaning. Of course, if in doubt, call your neighborhood smell-good plumber to find the source of the issue.

Scum & Residue

There shouldn't ever be any residue or stains from tap water. There is a problem if your tap water leaves behind chalky residue or stains your sinks or bathtubs. These stains reveal the presence of iron or copper residue in your water. You can have rusted, clogged, or corroded water supply pipes.

Chalky Remains

Calcium and magnesium are the main components of any grit that your tap water may leave behind. Your water is too hard, which is evident by this. 

Checking your water softener should be your first step if your tap water is leaving stains or gunk behind. Your supply pipes are most likely the source of the issue if your softener is operating properly. Naturally, supply pipes rust or corrode over time, particularly if your water is harsh. Consider having your pipes replaced to provide a long-lasting solution.

For All Your Water Issues in New Jersey

This is not a comprehensive list of all potential issues with your tap water. If your issue isn't included here, it doesn't necessarily follow that you don't have one. Don't freak out, but also don't dismiss your suspicions. 

Give BJC Clifton Plumbers a call for prompt, trustworthy responses to any water-related inquiries. Our specialists can diagnose the issue with your water and recommend the least invasive solution. You shouldn't ever have to question if your water is safe to drink. Give us a call, and we'll assuage your concerns.