Keep Your Water Clean
When you pour yourself a glass of water from your tap, you expect your water to be clear, clean, and free of unexpected smells. But, sometimes, you might fill your cup and find specks of debris floating around in your water. The problem could come from your municipal water supply or it could stem from a problem in your home’s plumbing. When it comes to your water, one of the healthiest things you ingest each day, it is important to know what is causing the debris to appear. Once you solve the mystery, it is rather easy to keep your water clean and fresh.
When you notice that your water has debris or silt, there are several things you can do to remove the problem and make your water clear again. Most of the problems can be solved on your own, unless you discover something major that requires hiring a plumber. At Scott English Plumbing, we are always willing to help solve a water mystery and take care of the problem, too.
Dirty Water from the Ground
If your water is dirty, it could actually come from the earth around your pipes. You could be seeing the result of a broken pipe in the main that runs from your municipality and the city might not know there is a problem. It can be helpful to contact your water supplier and let them know what is happening before the problem gets worse. If you use well water, the debris could be coming in through the well. Some people will flush the well by running their water for a long time. You might simply need a new filter in your faucet or you might need to let your water run for a while to get the system flushed, especially if you have a new well system.
Broken Carbon Filters
If you use a carbon filter in your water system, tiny pieces of debris could actually come from your filter. After a given time, the carbon filters break down and pieces get caught in the water supply. It is a good idea to record the date that your filter was installed so you can keep track of when you need to change it. This will keep your water clean. If your filter does not come with a replacement date, you can always check the manufacturer’s website to see when they suggest replacing or repairing the filter.
Minerals Unique to a Community
Different parts of the country have different minerals in the water. If you find floaters in your water, it could be iron, manganese, or other minerals unique to the community’s water supply. Fortunately, having minerals in the water is safe for people and animals that drink it. Unfortunately, the excess minerals can stain clothes, dishes, sinks, and tubs. Water with excessive minerals is called hard water, so homeowners will use water softeners or filters to keep the minerals from reaching the faucet.
Floating Rubber Pipes
Another possibility for the floating pieces in your water is the plumbing system itself. In some cases, rubber piping will break over time and the tiny pieces will end up in the water. If your water system has chlorine in it, rubber is more likely to break apart. Once the rubber starts to break down, the only way to fix the problem is to replace the hoses.
Rusty Pipes Break Down
The other possibility is that your pipes are beginning to rust. A little bit of rush is not a big deal, but it could be a sign that your plumbing system is ready for repair. If you have rust in your water, it could also come from the community water supply. Plumbers, like us, can tell you exactly where the problem stems.