Does the water you drink and bathe with come from a city water main? If it does, and doesn’t come from a well, then you likely know that water supply goes through a treatment process before it reaches your home. The efficacy of these water treatment plans vary from city-to-city, though most are good enough to remove the majority of harmful materials from the water supply. It’s vital that you remember, however, that this water treatment process can never be 100% effective.
Your water has a long way to travel before it reaches your home. That said, there’s always a chance that some trace elements of contaminants such as lead or cyanide will make it into your home’s water supply. There is no “safe” level of exposure to these materials. If you want to add an extra layer of protection, you should consider the installation of a whole-house water treatment system.
To determine which system or which combination of systems will benefit you most, you’ll first want to have your water tested. And below, we’ve shared some signs that it’s time to call and make that water testing appointment.
Limescale Buildup
Homeowners throughout the country are met with the problem of hard water—that is, water with a high level of minerals in it, like magnesium, calcium, and iron. These minerals are harmless to ingest, but not so gentle on your plumbing system. Long-term exposure to hard water causes limescale to build up in the pipes and drain openings of your home.
Limescale isn’t necessarily a health threat either, but it can cause a number of problems for your home’s plumbing system. Systems with too much limescale buildup are significantly less efficient since they restrict the flow of water. In addition, if that limescale isn’t cleaned out effectively, it will harden and become difficult for even a professional plumber to remove without damaging the pipes.
So, how can you spot this limescale buildup? Keep an eye out for any white, chalky substances around your home’s faucets, or in your shower. This is limescale, and if you have it in those areas then you almost certainly have it inside your pipes, too.
Strange Tastes
There are a wide range of potentially harmful waterborne materials that can chance the taste of your water. Few people actually enjoy the taste of tap water, and it’s bound to have some sort of mild taste anyway, but if you notice a substantial change in the taste of your water—or if there’s a strong metallic taste—it’s wise to have a professional check on your water quality.
It’s better to be safe and ensure that your water is safe, rather than to risk exposure to something dangerous.
Discoloration
Often accompanied by the strange taste we mentioned above, water that’s discolored at all should be a major sign to you that you need water testing and a subsequent water treatment system installation. That said, though, discoloration could also be the sign of a problem with your plumbing system. For instance, if you notice a reddish-brown tinge to your hot water, then your water heater may be rusting.
No matter what, though, if you see discoloration, please don’t use your water until you’ve had a pro take a look.
Turn to Roadrunner Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration for trustworthy plumbers in Taos, NM. Contact us today!
