What to Know about Your Tap Water

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your water supply. It is important for you to understand what happens when the water that you get from your municipal water source enters your home and comes out of the faucets. When you understand what happens on that journey, you will be better prepared to manage the water that enters your home so you can protect your body and your family members’ bodies from harmful pollutants that get pick up along the way.

Wait Before You Drink Your Water

You may have heard that it is best to let your tap water run for a little while before you fill your glass and take a drink. This is not an old wives’ tale. As your water moves through the pipes in your community and through your home, your water can pick up bacteria and unwanted germs. While that water has been sitting in your pipes before you turn on the tap, it can pick up bacteria from the inside of your faucet. When you let the water run, the bacteria runs out and down the drain.

Check Your Faucet Style

In most cases, the style of faucet determines how much bacteria growth occurs. Gooseneck faucets harbor bacteria in the highest point of the curved neck. In many kitchens with gooseneck faucets that dip down in the basin, bacteria actually comes up from the bottom of the sink and attaches to the faucet. Kitchen sink basins are some of the dirtiest places in any home, so if you do not regularly clean the basin, you could be drinking your old food particles as they bounce around and connect to the faucet. This occurs especially when homeowners run their disposals.

Clean Your Sink

It is important to keep the basin of the sink clean. It is also important to keep the drain and disposal clean. The best way to clean your sink basin and drain is with one quart of water combined with one teaspoon of bleach. Once you clean the drain and basin, it is equally important to clean the faucet, too. The manufacturer will have the best ideas to regular cleaning so you do not scratch the finish or damage the faucet in any way.

Rust in the Cold Climates

Another common problem with tap water is rust, especially in homes located in colder climates. One big problem with cold climates is that water main breaks from cold weather can create rust build up and release in many homes. When those water mains are repaired, rust is often loosened into the system and carried into homes.

What if Your Water Turns Brown?

If you notice that your water is brown when you first turn on the tap, you can usually diagnose a rust issue. While tap water with a slightly brownish hue does not look appealing, it is generally safe to drink brown water from the tap. In many cases, people who live the farthest from the water source might have the most rust, since the water has to travel the longest journey. If you are worried about drinking brown water, there is nothing wrong with boiling your water before you drink it. With a simple boiled water supply, you can get rid of brown, rusty water. Since many people are reluctant to drink water that is not clear, it is always a good idea to call a media outlet to see if there really is a problem with the water.

Call Us with Questions and Concerns

Once you start to see rust in your water, you should hire a plumber to investigate the problem. If could be due to the age of your water heater or it could be due to the age of your plumbing. Regardless of the seriousness of the problem, you are always better off getting help from a professional company. Call Scott English Plumbing.