The (EPA) which stands for Environmental Protection Agency, regulates the quality of drinking water in the United States through the Safe Drinking Water Act. However, there are still parts of the United States where residents face problems with their household water, such as contamination, hard water, or other issues, despite this regulation. It is the main reason why Gainsville in-home water filter system is a must!
Homeowners should have their water tested frequently and address any problems with their water provider or a water treatment expert.
Here are some common household water problems and their solutions:
1. Hard Water
Water with a high concentration of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, is hard water. Although it is safe to drink, hard water presents several issues around the house, including mineral buildup in pipes and appliances, diminished soap lather and cleaning efficiency, and increased detergent and soap usage.
Solutions:
- Water softeners: These machines filter out the minerals that cause hardness in the water. The most popular water softener is an ion exchange system, which produces softer water by removing calcium and magnesium ions and changes into sodium ions.
- Reverse osmosis systems: A reverse osmosis system uses a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities from the water, including minerals that cause hardness.
- Magnetic water treatment devices: These devices use magnetic fields to change the physical properties of the minerals in the water, making them less likely to cause scaling.
- Chelating agents: Chemicals called chelating agents can be added to water to bond with the hardness-causing minerals and prevent the minerals from precipitating out of the solution.
- Descaling agents: Mineral deposits caused by hard water may be removed from pipes and appliances using descaling solutions.
2. Chlorine Taste and Odor
While chlorine is an effective disinfectant used by many water treatment facilities to kill harmful bacteria and viruses in drinking water, it can also create an unpleasant taste and odor.
Solutions:
- Activated carbon filters: Activated carbon filters are widely used because of their efficiency in purifying water by removing chlorine and other contaminants. Carbon in these filters removes chlorine and other chemicals from the water as it passes through.
- Reverse osmosis systems: Semipermeable membranes filter contaminants like chlorine in reverse osmosis systems.
- Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection: Disinfecting water using ultraviolet (UV) light is one alternative to using chlorine for sanitization.
- Boiling: Boiling water for a few minutes can help reduce the amount of chlorine in the water, although this method is not practical for large amounts of water.
3. Cloudy Water
Cloudy water is not always harmful to drink. It can be aesthetically unappealing and may contain suspended particles that can clog pipes, damage appliances, or stain clothing. Additionally, if the cloudiness is caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria or algae, the water could pose a health risk to people and pets who consume it.
Solutions:
- Settling: A straightforward solution for cloudy water is to allow the water to pay in a container for a few hours. The suspended particles will settle to the bottom of the container, and the more transparent water can be poured off the top.
- Filtration: Filtration can be used to remove the suspended particles that are causing cloudiness. Different filters may be needed depending on the size and type of particles, such as sediment filters or activated carbon filters.
- Coagulation: Coagulation involves adding a chemical to the water to make the suspended particles clump together, making them easier to being filtered out.
4. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be a problem in household water because it can affect the usability and functionality of various fixtures and appliances that rely on adequate water pressure. Low water pressure can make it challenging to take a shower or bath, wash dishes or clothes, and cause issues with flushing toilets or running sprinkler systems. Many factors, including clogged pipes, a malfunctioning pressure regulator, or problems with the local water supply, may cause it.
Solutions:
- Check the pressure regulator: Household water pressure is managed by a valve known as a water pressure regulator. The low water pressure might be the result of a defective regulator. The pressure regulator should be checked and perhaps adjusted to fix the problem.
- Check for leaks: Low water pressure may result from plumbing leaks. Fix any leaks you find in the plumbing or fittings that are easily accessible.
- Clean faucet aerators: An aerator is a tiny device that fits onto the end of a faucet and controls the water flow. Because of silt or mineral accumulation, water pressure might decrease over time. The water pressure may be restored by cleaning or replacing the aerator.
- Install a water pressure booster pump: A water pressure booster pump can be installed to increase the water pressure in the house. It may be necessary if the low water pressure is due to the distance from the water source or the property’s elevation.
5. Rusty Water
Rusty water occurs when iron accumulation is in the water supply. It may happen if the water supply’s iron content is high or the water pipes and fixtures have rusted. Rusty water may cause long-term damage to lines and stains on clothes, dishes, and other household fixtures.
Solutions:
- Install a sediment filter: Sediment filters can remove particulate matter like sand, silt, and rust from the water supply. These filters are often placed at the entry point, such as where the water main enters the home.
Install an iron filter: Iron filters are designed to remove iron from the water supply. They remove the iron from the water by oxidizing and filtering it out. - Flush the plumbing system: Rust and other debris might build up in the pipes afterward. The water quality may be improved by flushing the system to eliminate this accumulation.
6. Water Hamer
A water hammer is a common household water problem when water flow is suddenly stopped or redirected in the plumbing system. It can cause a loud banging or rattling noise and damage pipes and fixtures over time.
Here are some solutions for water hammer:
- Install water hammer arrestors: Water hammer arrestors are devices installed in the plumbing system to absorb the shock of sudden water flow. These devices contain a piston or air chamber that compresses when water flow is stopped, reducing the force of the water hammer.
- Check and adjust water pressure: High water pressure can increase the risk of water hammer. Check the water pressure in your home and consider installing a pressure regulator if the pressure is too high.
- Install pipe insulation: Pipe insulation can help reduce the noise and vibration caused by water hammers. It can also help prevent pipes from freezing in cold weather.
- Install a pressure tank: A pressure tank can help regulate water pressure and reduce the risk of water hammer. The tank acts as a buffer between the water supply and the plumbing system, absorbing any sudden changes in water flow.
- Install flow control valves: Flow control valves can help regulate water flow and reduce the risk of sudden changes that can lead to water hammer.