It can be alarming when you turn your faucet on and the water doesn’t look right. One common issue with tap water is a cloudy appearance. There are several different reasons why your water looks cloudy. Some are harmless, but others could be a sign of a serious problem. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to call a plumber. Andersen Plumbing and Heating can help identify any issues and provide professional maintenance services.
1. Trapped Air in Your Pipes
If your glass of water looks cloudy at first, it could be because of air bubbles. Aeration is the most common cause of cloudy tap water. When air gets trapped in the pipes, it can put microbubbles in your tap water, giving it a cloudy appearance. This is often the case if there is a burst pipe nearby or repair work is taking place. Let your glass of water sit for a minute and the bubbles should dissipate shortly if this is the culprit.
2. Undissolved Particles
Another possible reason why your water looks cloudy is because of particles. This could be dirt, sand, silt, rock, or other sediments. While some of these particles are harmless, others could be extremely dangerous to your health. For example, parasites, bacteria, metals, and other particulates can cause serious illnesses. Compared to air bubbles, particles won’t go away as your water sits. Water filtration can help, but you should contact a plumber such as Andersen Plumbing and Heating to rule out larger issues.
3. Water Hardness
Hard water can also cause your water to look murky. When hard water heats up, it forms limescale. The chalky white substance can accumulate around sink drains, on showerheads, in tea kettles, and on other hot surfaces. You may find a glass of water looking chalky, which is harmless but can be unappetizing. There are solutions for softening your water that can help eliminate this problem.
Andersen Plumbing and Heating can help you with hard water treatments, sump pumps, water heaters, drain cleaning, sewer repairs, and much more in Aurora, IL, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for plumbing and HVAC installation, maintenance, repairs, and replacements to ensure your home is running the way it should.
