Clean Water, Common Water Problems, Drinking Water, Water Contaminants, Water Filters, Water Filtration System

What Are the Most Common Tap Water Problems?

what makes hard water hard - glass filling up with water at faucet

Tap water issues can affect the way your water works in your home. Untreated issues can lead to poor water pressure, a shorter lifespan for your appliances, and cause damage to your pipes. Some common water problems can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs if left untreated. If you are experiencing any of the common water problems listed below, it’s important to get them taken care of as soon as possible.

Common Water Problems

Hard Water is a common water problem caused by a build-up in your pipes. The hardness of water is determined by how much calcium and magnesium it contains. There are several ways to tell if you have hard water:

  • Spots on your glasses and silverware when they come out of the dishwasher.
  • Mineral stains on your clothes left behind after washing them in the washing machine.
  • Feeling a film-like texture on your hands after watching them, requiring you to have to wash longer.
  • Lower water pressure throughout your home.

Bad-smelling or tasting water is also another common water problem. Your water should be both tasteless and odorless, but if it’s not, there may be contaminants in your water that are causing the bad taste or smell.

Do under-sink filters need separate faucets

Common Water Contaminants

Even though city water is filtered and processed before it goes to our homes, that doesn’t mean that our water is free from contaminants. City water only goes through a basic filtering process, and unfortunately, that process isn’t enough to remove most contaminants from the water supply. The contaminants in each person’s water may vary in levels, but the following are common in most homes:

  • Arsenic
  • Chlorine
  • Fluoride
  • Heavy Metals such as mercury, copper, lead, cadmium, aluminum, and chromium
  • Herbicides and pesticides
  • Nitrates
  • Radon
  • Diethyl Phthalate
  • Bacteria

What Kind of Damage Can Hard Water Cause?

Hard water is a common water problem that affects your plumbing, appliances, and even your health. Untreated hard water can cause long-term damage to your pipes that can cost you thousands in repairs. It leads to low water pressure, which means that your appliances have to work harder and will deteriorate more quickly.

Hard water can even affect your skin, hair, and general health. Hard water leaves a film-like texture on our hair and skin, which means that we aren’t getting as clean as we could be. When hard water is treated, and you shower with clean water, you’ll notice that your hair and skin are softer, more moisturized, and less brittle.

How Do I Fix My Tap Common Tap Water Problems?

The easiest way to fix tap water problems is to find a home water filtration system that works for you. While one person may only need a water softener, someone else may want a water refiner. There are many great solutions to ensure you have the best quality water you can have in your home.

If you aren’t sure what’s in your water, EcoWater offers a free home water test to determine which home water filtration system will best suit your needs.