It is easy to take safe drinking water for granted. We all assume that the water coming from the tap is pure and clean. However, there seem to be more and more stories surfacing about communities just like ours that are facing severe issues with their water supply. Residents are discovering health issues or other problems related to the quality of their water. But there are many reasons beyond your health to keep a close eye on the water quality in your home and the surrounding community.
Know The pH Level
Most people assume that water is not acidic or alkaline. But that is not true. The EPA recommends that your water supply be maintained between 6.5 and 8.5 on the pH scale. The range has been determined to provide the most desirable taste and smell. However, water slightly outside this range is not considered dangerous to your health. But once the water has a basic or acidic taste and smell, most people stop drinking it, leading to many health issues.
Look For Contaminants
Water with a bad taste and odor can be due to high alkalinity, but there are also more concerning reasons for water to taste and smell bad. High mineral content is the leading reason for odd-tasting water. You might be shocked to learn that over 80% of all homes in the United States have hard water due to the excessive mineral content. Fortunately, consumers have several options to deal with hard water to protect their homes and health. The more concerning contaminants, which are also rarer, include lead, fuel, or other chemicals that have been dumped illegally and are contaminating the groundwater.
What It Means For Your Home’s Plumbing
Just like some contaminated water is bad for your health, mineral-laden water is harmful to all of your water lines and plumbing fixtures. It can even damage appliances that use water like your clothes washer, dishwasher, and the water dispenser on your fridge. The minerals in the hard water build up inside the water lines and fixtures, slowly destroying them. Installing a water softener is the best way to protect your home, plumbing fixtures and have pleasant water to drink.
When To Seek A Professional Water Test
If you have noticed a change in the taste or smell of your water supply, it is time to get it checked out. You could also be tipped off to contamination if you see tiny flecks or particulates floating in a glass of tap water. In addition, if your water is no longer crystal clear, there could be a severe issue. Water should never come out of the tap with a yellow, tan, or brown color.
Testing Your Water
All municipal water suppliers are required to have their water tested and provide the results to consumers. However, if you notice a sudden drop in your home’s water quality, it is best to take matters into your own hands. Call a professional plumbing company to schedule an in-home water test.
When you call (912) 236-3333, a Thompson and Thompson water purity expert will meet with you, test your home’s water, and explain the test results to you. In some cases, the issue is related to poor water in the area. Other times, our experts discover that your home’s old water lines are to blame for the flakes and contamination. Or you might have hard water that can be corrected with a water softener. Our experts will help you decide if you are comfortable with the purity of your water or if water purification or softening, or other solutions will benefit you and your loved ones.
