It goes without saying that clean and readily available water is vital for public health, whether it is used for drinking, cooking, cleaning, or recreational purposes. The quality of water running through the pipes at your home will contribute to the health of all household members. The color and taste of water are affected by many things that happen on your property or city, and this can cause significant problems for those who depend on tap water only for domestic use. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to improve the quality of your drinking water at home. In the following guide, we have highlighted a few tips that will help you make sure that your drinking water is both healthy and clean.
1. Check the Pipes
If you live in the city, there’s a bigger chance that any problems you find in your drinking water come from the property you live on. Some cities like Flint, Michigan, were reported to have contaminated water. So, if you live in the city and notice any discoloration or change in the taste of the water you drink, check your pipes first. If your pipes are corroded, they might be partially blocked, which causes the water pressure to change. Additionally, check the exterior of your pipes for any leakage, as this might be another problem that you’ll have to deal with. To fix these problems effectively, it’s best to hire a professional to avoid damaging your plumbing.
2. Test Well Water
If you rely on well water for drinking, the first thing you need to do is get the water tested for contaminants. If there are no contaminants present in the water, check for leaks or a chemical imbalance in the drinking water. Many water treatments help in reversing chemical disruptions that affect the quality of the water. To check for leaks, take a close look at the pumps and well casing to detect any cracks. Any detected problems in that area will cause the drinking water to become dirty and contaminated with sediment. Hire a professional if needed; these problems are hard to fix without the right tools and experience.
3. Install Whole-house Filters
These will filter all the running water in your house, including the water you use to shower and do laundry. These whole house filters are installed on the main water supply line to filter all the water coming into your property. To install whole-house filters, you will need to enlist the help of a professional, so make sure you contact an experienced plumber.
4. Invest in a Water Filtration System
Traditional water filtration systems are cheaper than whole-house filters and can be used to filter city or well water running through your pipes. The system will remove any impurities in your drinking water and enhance its taste. Most homeowners prefer water filtration systems simply because they are the safest way to get rid of all water impurities without spending a fortune. You will need a professional plumber for the installation only for certain water filtration systems, but the real challenge is finding the right filtration system for your home, so make sure to do your research and check out customer reviews online before making a purchase.
5. Consider Reverse Osmosis Systems
These are installed on water faucets. Reverse osmosis systems purify the water through several filtering membranes that remove bacteria, sediments, and pollutants, letting out clean and safe drinking water. During this process, the system allows oxygen and other naturally occurring minerals to remain in the water, maintaining its natural taste. Like any filtration system, reverse osmosis needs to be installed by professionals; however, the filters must be replaced regularly by the property owners.
6. Distillers Are a Good Alternative
Distillers are heating systems that heat drinking water, turning it into steam then condensing this steam to create pure drinking water. The water produced by distillers is clean of all impurities and minerals. It’s not hard for people to install these systems without the help of professionals; they are very simple to install and don’t require any complex instructions.
Most of the time, any water-related problems originate in the pipes. The first thing to do when you detect any issues with your water is to look for cracks or leaks in your pipes and call an experienced plumber if required. Fixing pipe failures is not a simple task for the average homeowner, so it’s always best to hire a specialist. It’s also recommended that you insect the water pipes every once in a while to ensure that the water going through your home is pure from any corrosion.
