Common Problems A Water Test Can Detect
Not happy about your home’s water quality? Many issues can impact the taste, smell, and color of your water, as well as its safety. We have compiled a list of the top 5 most common water quality problems and the solutions.
#1. Water Quality Problem: Limescale or Calcium Buildup
Have you noticed a grayish-white film on your home’s faucets, sinks, tubs, or dishes? You may also notice that your laundry feels stiff and your water heater fails frequently.
Common Cause
These are all symptoms of hard water due to high amounts of dissolved calcium or magnesium. These symptoms usually occur when water’s calcium or magnesium content exceeds 120 ppm (parts per million) or 7 grains per gallon.
Possible Solutions
The best solution is to install an ion exchange water softener.
#2. Water Quality Problem: Iron-Stained Water
When you fill a cup with water from the sink, does it have a brownish, orangish, or reddish tint and taste metallic? You may have rust-colored water stains in your sinks, tubs, and toilets as well or on your white clothes.
Common Cause
These are symptoms that your water has a high dissolved iron content. This is a common problem in homes with well water. These problems often occur if the iron level in your water is above 0.3 ppm.
Possible Solutions
If the iron concentration in your water is low to moderate, installing a water softener may solve the problem. If your water has a high concentration of iron, an oxidizing filter may be the best solution. It’s wise to consult a water treatment expert. The pH level of your water may also need to be adjusted.
#3. Water Quality Problem: Iron Bacteria
Have you noticed an oily film on the surface of your water? Or a rusty colored film in your sinks, toilets, and tubs? If you have these problems, your water may have a musty odor.
Common Cause
These are signs that iron bacteria are thriving in your well water. Even a small amount
of iron bacteria can cause these issues.
Possible Solutions
The best solution is to speak with a water treatment specialist. They may recommend using a combination of chlorine shock and a carbon filter or an ultraviolet (UV) water filter to kill the bacteria and ensure your water is safe to drink.
#4. Water Quality Problem: Dirty or Cloudy Water
When you fill up a cup of water, does it look dirty or clouded? Does your water have a metallic taste? If your answer is yes to either question, look closely to see the color of the specks or sediments in your water.
Common Causes
Turbid or cloudy water could mean your water has a high concentration of dissolved manganese or suspended sediment. If your water has black specks in it and a metallic taste, it most likely has dissolved manganese content above 0.05 ppm. If the sediment in your water looks brownish, it is most likely silt, clay, or dirt.
Possible Solutions
The best solution is to have your water tested and consult a water treatment specialist. If manganese is the problem, they may recommend a water softener or oxidizing filter. If your water’s filled with sediment, silt, or clay, they may recommend a whole home water filtration system with a carbon filter or a multi-media filtration system.
#5. Water Quality Problem: Rotten Egg Odor
Does your water smell like rotten eggs? Do you also notice black or greasy stains in your sinks, toilets, or bathtub?
Common Causes
A few culprits can cause these symptoms: hydrogen sulfide, sulfate, or bacteria. Having your water tested will be the best way to determine the source of the problem.
Possible Solutions
The best solution will depend on your water test or analysis results. For example, a UV filter may be the best solution if bacteria are causing the problem. On the other hand, if sulfates are impacting your water quality, a water treatment specialist might recommend a reverse osmosis water filter. Don’t see your water problem on this list?
Then, contact Tri-Florida Water at (863) 965-1439 to schedule a FREE in-home water analysis!
Limescale, iron stains, iron bacteria, turbid water, and water smelling like rotten eggs are the top water quality issues we come across, especially in homes with well water. Even if your water quality problem isn’t on this list, we can help! Our water treatment specialists have helped residents throughout Polk County, Florida resolve challenging water quality issues and enjoy cleaner, healthier, better-tasting water.