Many households in the Rockies and Southwest drink water from their tap. They are lucky to have mountain spring water. However, in other areas like the deep south, the water does not taste good and many people use filters on their refrigerators or drink bottled water. No matter which you use, you will notice when running tap water in your kitchen sink if it is cloudy. How to fix cloudy tap water? There are 6 ways. Get rid of the bubbles, soften the water, test the water if you have a well, use a sediment filter, get rid of methane gas and turn off the water if there is a sewer smell.
Water is important for our survival as humans and we need to make sure we are drinking from a clean source. Taking a look at various signs can help do just that!
Let’s take a look at the 6 ways to fix cloudy tap water:
1. Get Rid of the Bubbles
Bubbles will show up in the water because of the air that is in the water lines. The built-up pressure will cause the tiny air bubbles to appear and the color of the water may be a milky shade. Sometimes this is because of high-temperature fluctuations so insulating the pipes might be your next step. You won’t be putting blankets on the pipes, but instead fiberglass or pipe sleeves. Not sure what to do? Contact a professional.
How to fix: Put water in a glass and set it on the counter for a few minutes. If the tiny air bubbles disappear, then it was likely to air in the lines and the water is safe to drink. Most likely, you just hvae to run the water enough to remove all the air bubbles. If it only happens in hot water, then there is an issue with the water heater. We will talk a little later about water heater maintenance.
2. Soften the Water to Fix Cloudy Tap Water
Sometimes the water will be cloudy if you have hard water. However, the first place you may notice this is staining on your dishes or clothes.
How to fix: Install water softeners under your sink. Be aware that they are high in sodium so if this is a problem, then boiling water can get rid of the hard water problem. If it is an issue in the whole house with hard water, then you will need a system that is made for the house.
3. Test the Water if You Have a Well
A well lasts about 30-50 years and needs maintenance at least once a year. Always make sure that the well cap is on tight as this will keep out insects and animals. Additionally, if you notice the water changes in taste or color, have it tested right away by a professional. This is because wells are not treated for contaminants like the municipal water systems so you have to be extra careful with well water.
You can have contaminated water if you have a well or city water so getting it tested is important.
How to fix: You may need to invest in a reverse osmosis unit. This filters water through a series of membranes and these systems catch up to 99 percent of contaminants. These contaminants include chemicals like pesticides and chlorine. Unfortunately, it is not cheap starting at $300 and goes up from there. Check out the video below about how this works.
4. Use a Sediment Filter to Fix Cloudy Tap Water
Sediment is seen in most tap water but in low concentrations. It is normal to see a few small rocks, soil, and stone. However, if the levels are higher, your water can be cloudy.
How to fix: If you have city water, you can fix this by adding a sediment filter to your faucet. This will fix the cloudy tap water and improve the taste.
5. Get Rid of Methane Gas If it is in Your Tap Water
Methane gas in your tap water is rare but does happen.
If you live in rural areas, it is possible for there to be methane gas in the water. This is seen in rural systems or when the well is next to oil or gas lines.
How do you find out if there is methane gas in the water? First, take an empty gallon jug and fill it halfway. Then, put the top on it. After an hour, remove the top and light a match at the top. If a flame sparks, then there is methane in the water. If it does not, you are clear.
How to fix: A professional will need to install an aerator on the water line for you. Additionally, this is a good thing as the methane is non-toxic but does need to be taken care of as it is a fire hazard.
6. Turn Off the Water if There is a Sewer Smell
A strong sewer smell can mean that there is bacteria growing in the drain.
How to fix this: pour half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar in the drain. This will get rid of the smell if this is the issue.
However, if the water tastes metallic or comes out smelling fishy, then turn off the water and drink bottled water. You will want to do this until you have the water tested.
Additional Areas to Check
1. If you are finding that the water is cloudy or murky after 24 hours, you may need to contact a professional to check for a water leak in the pipes or underground. Additionally, if you also notice low water pressure, leaks underneath the sink, or water forming in the yard, this will signal there is an issue. Are the pipes in your yard made of PVC? If yes, you can replace them!
2. Check your water bill. If the water bill is higher than normal and your activities have not changed, there could be a water leak. Lastly, locating and reading the water meter will be helpful to find out if there is a leak somewhere in the home or the yard.
3. Water heater maintenance – there are a few things to keep an eye on with the water heater. These will help you notice when there may be an issue. They are: flushing the water heater, adjusting the temperature and resetting the unit, and turning the gas water heater off and on to name a few.
When to Call a Professional
- Water is not clearing up
- Discoloring of water or it smells
- You suspect there is a leak
- Your water needs testing
- You are not sure what to do
Conclusion
It is very important to make sure that our tap water stays clean and safe to drink. Paying attention to what it looks like and smells like is important. The good thing is any issues can usually be fixed easily, but make It a priority. Call Waypoint Property Inspection to inspect your home in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and surrounding areas.
