Water is required to sustain life on earth and to maintain comfort and convenience at home. However, have you've ever stopped to wonder what to do if your tap water is discolored, odorous, or foul tasting? Here are some common water problems you may encounter at home, and what to do about them.
Hard Water
Problem: Hard water has a much higher mineral content than soft water, which is a result of having passed through calcium and magnesium-rich deposits. The effects can include:
Lime scale accumulation in pipes.
Spotting on dishes.
Filming on showers tubs.
Dingy, scratchy clothing.
Solution: A home water softener with an ion-exchanging technology can channel water through a softener containing a sodium-based solution. Note that due to the high sodium content, this water may not be suitable for drinking or for use on lawns or houseplants.
Bad Odor and Taste
Problem: Various organic materials or sulfates can cause your water to taste moldy, fishy or musty.
Solution: You can run your water through an activated-carbon filter to solve most issues, while more extreme cases may require an oxidizing filter. If neither solution works, professional intervention may be required.
Bacterial Contamination
Problem: One of the most dangerous water problems may involve the coliform bacteria, a family of bacteria with such strains as E. Coli. While most are harmless, others can cause illness, particularly in those with weakened immune systems.
Solution: If you suspect bacterial contamination, consult a professional to determine the source of the issue and to implement an effective method of disinfection.
Sediment
Problem: Materials such as clay, rust or dirt may become suspended in your water supply.
Solution: A sediment filter may be your best option for this problem and can be found at most hardware or plumbing stores.
Lead
Problem: More common in older homes, lead can be found in the solder once used to seal copper piping, which is extremely hard to detect.
Solution: Have your water professionally tested, implementing solutions, such as:
A reverse osmosis system.
A carbon block filtration.
A water softening system.
For more information on these solutions and other dangerous water problems, call the experts at Air Assurance in Broken Arrow today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock”