4 Signs There’s Something Wrong With Your Tap Water

May 24, 2023 Off By Miguel Hoffman

The tap water in New Jersey that comes from municipal sources is typically very safe to drink, but you should still rely on your own judgment. Even the most thoroughly filtered and treated tap water may smell strange to you or appear to be dirty for a number of reasons. Due to broken pipes in your home, your water could even get contaminated after it’s been purified. 

Why is the water in my faucet white? Why does my water have a metallic taste? It’s simple to become overly concerned about your drinking water, and before you know it, you’re too frightened to turn on the faucet at all. The easiest approach to avoid that unpleasant sensation is to accurately evaluate your water. We’ll support your beginning. These are four simple tests you may use to determine whether your tap water is contaminated.

Your water appears to be cloudy.

When tap water has been adequately treated, it should always appear clear. Avoid using water that seems hazy or has a “milky” taste. Instead, wait a few minutes to see if the cloudiness goes away. If it ultimately clears, the cloudiness you observed was most likely caused by a harmless build-up of trapped air. Air bubbles are contained within pressurized water. The air escapes into the water as the pressure is released as the water runs from your faucet.

Cloudy water may also indicate that your tap water is too “hard.” Heavy minerals like calcium and magnesium can be found in hard water. Although these minerals aren’t particularly harmful, they cause your water to be cloudy. If your water softener produces hazy water, it probably isn’t operating properly. Cloudy water may also indicate that your water’s pipelines contain rust, sand, or debris. You should have an expert inspect your pipes if you suspect that might be the case, especially if your plumbing is older.

Your water tastes metallic.

One of the most frequent issues affecting home water supply is this one. Your water could even seem rusty or discolored if the issue is serious enough. Unsurprisingly, the reason your water tastes metallic is most likely because it contains metal. Particularly, deposits of iron, zinc, or manganese possibly leached into your water. Nothing prevents these particles from getting to you since metallic deposits typically seep into your water after it has already been cleaned.

It’s conceivable that your water heater is the problem if only your hot water smells metallic. To get rid of sediment that can be the source of the odor, flush your water heater. Your water supply pipes may be leaking rust or corrosion into your water if all of your water tastes metallic. Water can shear off little flakes as it passes through rusted pipes. Hire a professional as soon as possible to clean and examine your supply pipes. We’ll be able to identify the issue and figure out a solution.

Your Water Has a Bad Smell

Tap water that has been treated shouldn’t ever smell. If it does, there is probably something in your water that shouldn’t be there. Weird odors are produced by many water pollutants. Your water may also smell metallic due to the same minerals that give it a metallic flavor. A lasting musty or moldy odor may be caused by algae blooms in the local water supply. A revolting rotten egg odor might be produced by bacteria in your water heater. Water softened with too much salt quickly tastes salty.

You can determine the most effective solution to the issue once you determine what the scent of your water is. You should flush your water heater if, for instance, the water has a metallic or sulfuric odor. Try turning down your water softener if the water has a salty odor. It could be more challenging to eliminate a musty odor on your own. Ask your neighbors if the water quality in your neighborhood is a problem, or search online for said anything about algae by your water provider. You might also give your taps a good cleaning. Naturally, if in doubt, call your neighborhood smell-good plumber to find the source of the issue.

Your Water Leaves Scum or Stains Behind

Any kind of residue or discoloration should never be left behind by tap water. Something is amiss with your tap water if it leaves behind chalky residue or stains your sinks or bathtubs. 

Water Stains That Are Brown or Orange-ish

These stains are evidence that iron or copper residue has dissolved into your water. Your water supply pipes may have rusted, blocked, or corroded.

Chalky Water Residue

Calcium and magnesium make up the possible grit in your tap water. It indicates that your water is overly hard. 

Check your water softener first if your tap water is leaving stains or gunk behind. Your supply pipes are most likely the issue if your softener is operating properly. Naturally, supply pipes rust or corrode over time, especially if your water is harsh. To permanently solve the issue, think about replacing your pipes.

For All Your Los Angeles Water Issues

This is not a complete list of all potential issues with your tap water. If your issue is not included here, it does not necessarily follow that you do not have an issue. While you shouldn’t worry, you also shouldn’t discount your doubts. 

Call CBJ Passaic Plumbers for prompt, trustworthy responses to any water-related queries. Our professionals can diagnose the issue with your water and recommend the least invasive solution. Never have to question whether your water is safe to drink. Give us a call, and we’ll allay your concerns.