You might notice that your soap does not lather right. Or maybe a strange metallic taste ruins your morning cup of coffee. These little annoyances are clues that your water treatment system needs attention. Having clean and clear water is vital for your health and the longevity of your plumbing. Unfortunately, many homeowners live with poor water quality because they think the fixes are too expensive. Fortunately, many common household issues are easy to spot and even easier to correct once you know what you are looking at.

Battling the Hard Water Headache

Hard water, a frequent headache for homeowners, shows up as white, crusty buildup on your faucets and showerheads. Minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, dissolve in the water and make it difficult for soaps to work. Hard water also leaves spots on your clean dishes. If you find that your skin feels itchy or your hair seems dull after a shower, you are likely dealing with high mineral levels. The best way to fix this is by installing a water softener that swaps the minerals for salt.

Dealing With a Rotten Egg Smell

Few things are more off-putting than approaching a kitchen sink that smells like rotten eggs. This sulfur smell is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide gas or certain types of bacteria living in your well or water heater. The unpleasant smell is typically a sign that your water needs more oxygen or a better filtration system. You can usually banish the bad smell by installing an iron filter or an aeration system that strips the gas out of the water before it reaches your faucet. Sometimes, simply flushing your water heater can remove the bacteria buildup that is causing the odor.

Clearing Up Cloudy or Dirty Water

If your water is brown or cloudy, you may have iron or sediment floating in your pipes. Nearby construction and heavy rainstorms are typical culprits. You can keep this sediment from staining your clothes or ruining dishes and appliances by installing a whole-house sediment filter. Remember to change the filter cartridge every few months so that the equipment continues to trap sediment and keep your water clear.

Overcoming the Sharp Taste of Chlorine or Metal

Sometimes, your water can taste like you are drinking from a swimming pool. This happens because municipalities add chlorine to the water supply to kill bacteria. Too much of it can make water unpleasant to drink. A carbon filter can work wonders by absorbing the chemicals and improving the flavor instantly.

If your water tastes like old pennies, you may have old copper pipes in your home that are beginning to break down. A reverse osmosis system under your sink can pull out those heavy metals and provide you with high-quality water for drinking and cooking.

Do not settle for poor-quality water. Consult with a professional to see which solutions are right for your household. If you live in Levittown, PA or a surrounding area and need water treatment services, make your first call to McHales.