
6 Common Water Quality Issues, and How a Plumber Can Fix Them
A common debate among many people is that water has no taste, or that each bottled water manufacturer’s product has a different taste. Even tap water can vary from home to home.
Well, when it comes to plumbing, water quality can be an issue. While this article will not settle the debate any time soon, should you come across something that is not right with your water, then it is time to call a plumber in Toronto, no questions asked.
1. Bad smells and a funny taste
Water should not have a smell. So, if you find a particularly offensive odour coming from the water in your home, this is a sign that some foreign elements have entered your plumbing system, and that’s what you are smelling.
If there is no smell, but the water still leaves a bad taste in your mouth, then this is also a sign of something being present that shouldn’t be.
Rotten egg odours, metallic tastes, or even an earthy taste are all indications that something has gone wrong in your plumbing system. For people who live in rural areas, an iron taste can mean that your iron filter needs replacing, and the filtration system requires maintenance.
From broken pipes to a blockage causing water to back up into the system, these are all problems a Toronto plumber needs to look at.
2. Chlorine levels and your water
Chlorine is often used to treat large volumes of water, killing off bacteria and germs, and providing us with clean and safe drinking water.
While chlorine is maintained at safe levels, should you find that your drinking water tastes more like swimming pool water, this can be a sign that the chlorine has reacted with a biological component and needs to be investigated.
In the short term, this won’t be harmful, but if left for too long, you could experience minor health issues. Testing your water by a professional is a surefire way of knowing what’s happening.
3. Cloudy and murky water
Once properly treated and deemed safe, water should be clear. However, if you pour a glass of water and, while holding it up to the light, you find that you can barely see through it, then there is a problem.
Water should be clear and translucent. Contaminants can build up and create murky water, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria and lead to various health issues. This could be a result of broken or corroded pipes, poor maintenance, and even tree roots breaking their way into the underground pipes.
A plumber in Toronto understands the importance of healthy, clear, and clean drinking water. Therefore, any signs of cloudiness in your water should be addressed immediately.
4. Stained clothing and appliances
When you run a bath or take a shower, you naturally assume that you will come out cleaner than before you went in. The same goes when you wash your clothes and dishes.
Any staining on clothing, around the bathtub, or inside your dishwasher means that you have a water quality issue. Typically, this is due to a build-up of minerals such as iron, sulphate, and manganese. Such a build-up can lead to staining of your skin, hair, and nails.
There should be nothing in the water to leave stains and marks, so if you see them, that means some foreign elements have entered your plumbing system.
5. Dry skin issues
As strange as it sounds, water can be hard or soft. Water with a higher concentration of calcium and magnesium is considered hard, whereas lower levels of these elements will make the water softer.
The harder the water, the more this will affect your skin. Each time you shower or take a bath, calcium deposits will build up on your skin and cause dryness. No amount of moisturizer will solve this problem.
If you experience this issue, it may be time to invest in a water system that will help you remove any excess calcium deposits before they contact your skin. Your local plumber in Toronto can recommend the best system for your water type.
6. Limescale deposits
Another issue related to the hardness or softness of your water is limescale deposits. All water will leave some trace, but if you find that there is a lot of build-up around your taps and shower head after just a few days of cleaning them, then there is a problem.
When left untreated, this limescale build-up will prevent your shower from working properly, and leave you with a slow drip. The same problem will occur with the faucets in the bathroom, kitchen, and basement.
Regularly removing limescale deposits will help to reduce the risk of such issues. However, if this happens frequently, then a plumber needs to be consulted to investigate the root of the problem.
The Importance of a Professional Plumber
There is more to plumbing than just unclogging a drain or fixing a leaking pipe. Plumbers undergo years of training and education to identify all causes of plumbing problems and fix them quickly and efficiently.
Water treatments are ever-changing, and there are many different types of systems that you can add to your home’s existing plumbing to help reduce these issues from occurring. From tankless heaters to additional filters, your plumber will know all the latest technological advancements, how to install them, and what is the best option for you.
With water being one of the fundamental factors for sustaining life, your local plumber in Toronto will take all such concerns seriously and fix the issue swiftly.
Contact Brothers Plumbing Today
If you experience any of the issues mentioned above, or even something we did not cover, then don’t hesitate to call Brothers Plumbing immediately for expert help and fast attendance.
With our emergency services available 24/7, as well as routine and maintenance options, there are no plumbing issues that we cannot handle. Call us at 1-800-741-8471 or visit us online today to see how we can help you.