How to Improve Water Quality In Your Home
Whether you use public water or well water, you may experience problems with the quality of the water in your home. These problems can be as simple as staining the sinks or rubs, or they can be dangerous enough to make your family sick. As a homeowner, it is essential that you identify and fix any water quality issues that may exist. This will protect both the value of your property and the health of your family. The first step is to identify the type of problem you are experiencing so you can successfully remedy the situation. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Treating hard water is the most common problem faced by homeowners. Hard water has high concentrations of minerals, usually calcium and magnesium, that make getting a good lather from soap impossible. This lack of suds in your washing machine can leave clothes looking gray and dingy. It leaves soap scum rings in tubs and sinks, and a white build-up in the pipes, faucets, shower heads and coffee pots. While hard water is not harmful to humans, it may damage machinery and build up in pipes over time.
The least expensive solution to a hard water problem is to install a common water softener. It removes the minerals from the water, which allows soap to lather as it should and may save your plumbing from damage. Be aware that water softeners add sodium to the water, but according to MayoClinic.com, it's a small amount and usually not enough to worry about. If you're concerned, talk to your doctor about it.
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The problem of rust in the water can also be solved using a water softener. Rust stains appear around the drains of your sinks and rub, in the toilet and on your clothes. The water itself may even have a reddish color. You will need to attach a oxidizing filter or chlorination feeder and an activated carbon filter to the water softener. There are also types of salt that remove rust when added to the water softener.
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If you see green stains around the drains, the water may have a low pH level, which means it's acidic. Over time, this water will corrode the pipes in the walls. Fix this problem by installing a neutralizing particle filter. If the problem continues, you may need to install a continuous feeder with an alkaline solution. Have a qualified plumber inspect the pipes to make sure the corrosion has not gone too far.
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Hydrogen sulfide in the water makes it smell like rotten eggs. This water may appear black, often leaves silverware tarnished, can corrode metal pipes and may damage appliances. Install an oxidizing filter. If the problem persists, you may have to install a chlorination feeder system, a particle filter and an activated carbon filter. Have a professional plumber do a complete inspection of the pipes in your home.
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If your water has a yellow or brownish color and an unpleasant taste, the problem may be the presence of algae or other organic material in the water supply. And, if your well water has a cloudy appearance, the problem is silt, mud or sand in the water. Both these problems can be fixed by installing a particle filter. If the problem is bad, you may need to install a continuous feeder that adds a chlorine solution to the water. An activated carbon filter will remove any odors in the water.
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The water quality problem most feared by homeowners is bacterial contamination. Disease-producing bacteria in the water supply can lead to diarrhea, dysentery, nausea and hepatitis. The source of the contamination must be determined before the water can be properly treated. Your local health department can advise you where you must bring a sample to be tested. Chose a laboratory that is properly certified to test drinking water. If you use well water, test your water supply at least once a year.
Consult with a water quality expert to discuss ways to fix this problem. In some cases, chlorination can kill the bacteria. There are also ultraviolet water purification lamps, or UV lights, that can kill the bacteria in the water.
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References
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