6 Signs Your Plumbing Is Contaminating Your Water Supply

Whether you are using the city's water service or a private well, old and corroding pipes in your home can compromise the purity of your water. Contamination from lead is a particular concern in homes with aging plumbing systems. Prolonged exposure to lead can have adverse effects such as neurological damage and reproductive issues.

Detecting water contamination early will help ensure that you can act promptly to avoid potentially dangerous and costly health concerns. Here are six signs to help you identify plumbing-related water contamination in your home.

1. Discoloration

Orange- or brown-colored water is usually the first sign of contamination. Excessive manganese and iron can discolor your water, but rusty pipes can also change the color of the water coming through your faucets.

A point-of-use filter can alleviate the problem, but if your water does not clear out, you should contact your plumbing provider. They will evaluate your pipes and recommend the best water treatment solution.

Whitish or foamy water could also be a sign of trouble. Municipal water is not filtered and may contain minerals that give water a cloudy appearance. If the whitish, cloudy, and foamy appearance does not eventually vanish, it could be due to a bacterial infestation. Ask your plumbing provider to test your water to rule out contamination.

2. Signs of Visible Corrosion

Another sign that your water supply may be contaminated is the corrosion of your pipes. Your plumbing system will go through a lot of wear and tear throughout the years, and over time your pipes may become damaged. Corrosion can lead to particles entering your water supply as well as additional problems that can lead to a faulty or unsafe plumbing system.

Be sure to routinely check your pipes to the best of your abilities and trust a professional plumber to conduct extensive inspections so that you can stay ahead of any damaged pipes or plumbing system malfunctions.

When it comes to the safety of your plumbing and pipes, trust the trained eyes of a professional plumber so that you enjoy a safe and clean supply of water.

3. Unusual Smell

Strange-smelling water is never a good sign. The small amount of chlorine added to city water to eliminate harmful microorganisms is not dangerous. However, excessive chlorine not only makes your water smell like a swimming pool but also affects the taste of your drink and causes intestinal problems.

The presence of sulfur can make your water smell like rotten eggs. Large amounts of this mineral can also predispose you to health issues. A water filter can help to eliminate chlorine and sulfur and, in turn, alleviate the unpleasant odor.

Before the smells begin to overtake your home, be sure to connect with a plumbing professional to determine the root cause of any unusual smells and provide you with a quick and affordable solution.

4. Scale Deposits

Scale buildup on cutlery, glassware, sinks, tiles, and tubs is characteristic of hard water, which is caused by excessive magnesium and calcium content. While hard water is not harmful to your health, it can cause all sorts of problems in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry.

Scale build-up can also clog and reduce the energy efficiency of pipes, water heater, boiler, and other appliances in your home. You can remedy scale deposits by treating all the water in the house instead of placing filters in individual faucets.

5. Pressure Loss

Slow-running water in the faucets is a telltale sign of a plumbing problem. Over time, scale, debris, and rust can clog the plumbing pipes leading to low water pressure. Pressure loss is not just a mere inconvenience — it also presents serious health risks.

A drastic drop in water pressure can allow chemical and microbial contaminants to infiltrate your home's water system through damaged and corroded pipes.

If the pressure problem does not resolve, call your plumbing provider to check the pipes. If the problem is with an aging plumbing system, the only solution is to replace it with a new PVC, stainless steel, or copper system.

6. Illness

In addition to the perceptible signs of contamination, if you and your family members contract a water-borne disease or E. coli, you need to check the quality of your water urgently. Ask a water treatment company to test your water to rule out the possibility of contamination. Also, have your plumber annually test your backflow device on your lawn irrigation or fire sprinkler system to avoid contaminated water from backflowing into drinking water.

Sometimes, you may be unaware of problems in your plumbing system until it is too late. Regular plumbing and maintenance and the installation of water filtration systems can help you combat contamination.

To keep your water clean and healthy, contact Jim Dhamer Plumbing and Sewer, Inc. at (630 964-2222. We look forward to speaking with you soon and providing you with a memorable customer service experience.