The 4 Signs There’s Something Wrong With Your Tap Water

Everyone deserves clean, clear, and safe tap water. But the water isn’t always as perfect as it should be when it reaches your faucet. A broken water pipe can allow contaminants to infiltrate your water and cause a wide range of issues. Similarly, rusty pipes can introduce harmful metals like iron and copper into the water supply. As a homeowner, it’s important to know when there’s something wrong with your tap water. This article by Neighborhood Plumbing outlines the common signs that indicate there may be an issue with your water supply.

Foul Odor

Clean tap water should be odorless. A musty smell usually indicates the presence of organic matter or bacterial growth. This can originate from within the plumbing system or water supply source. A chlorine-like smell in water can be an indication that your municipal water supplier is using chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water, which is safe in small amounts. However, a strong and unpleasant chlorine-like smell in water means there’s an imbalance or overuse of disinfectants. Call a professional plumber in Adams Township, PA to test your water and offer solutions. They may recommend installing a water filtration system at the point of entry.

Unusual Taste

Your tap water should ideally be tasteless. If it tastes metallic, earthy, musty, salty, or has any other noticeable and unpleasant flavor, it could indicate the presence of dissolved metals, organic matter, or chemical contaminants. While an unusual taste in tap water can seem harmless at first, it can cause health problems in the long run.

Discoloration

Tap water should be clear. If it’s discolored or contains visible particles or sediment, it suggests the presence of contaminants or impurities. There are times when this can be caused by temporary disturbances in the water supply. The water should clear up after running the tap for a few minutes. However, if the discoloration persists or returns frequently, you could be dealing with rusted water pipes, sediment buildup in the pipes, or a major water leak. Contact a local plumbing repair service for a thorough inspection and effective water line repair.

Changes in Water Pressure

The normal water pressure for a house is between 30 psi (pounds per square inch) and 80 psi. If the pressure drops below 30 psi or exceeds 80 psi, that’s a sign of a problem with your tap water. Low water pressure can be caused by clogged pipes, a major water leak, a faulty pressure regulator, corroded water lines, and other issues. A sudden and unexplained drop in your water pressure can make it difficult to wash dishes, take a shower, fill pots, and run appliances like washing machines or dishwashers.

High water pressure isn’t a good thing either. It can cause damage to your pipes and appliances over time. If your water pressure exceeds 80 psi, check if the water pressure regulator is in good working condition. In some cases, the regulator can fail or become misadjusted, and this can lead to excessive pressure throughout your home. Call a professional plumber to help you restore normal water pressure if you’re unable to fix the problem yourself.

Trust Neighborhood Plumbing When You Need Plumbing Repairs

Do you need comprehensive water testing? Have you noticed signs of damaged water pipes? Is it time to repipe your entire home? Contact the experts at Neighborhood Plumbing for effective and affordable plumbing repairs. Our team specializes in leak repair, hydro jetting, water filtration installation, leak detection, pipe insulation, repiping, and more. We are the trusted plumbers to call when you notice a problem with your tap water.