Question 1

I have brown water in my toilet or sink.

Accepted Answer

First, verify that both the hot water and cold water are both discolored. If the hot water only is discolored, then the problem might be with rust in the hot water heater. After determining that the brown water is coming from the cold water tap also, it is still possible that there is rust in the plumbing fixtures or the piping, but it would typically manifest in only one sink or tub and not uniformly throughout the house (unless the rust is in the main water pipe from the well). However, it is to be noted that when a water supply has been shut off for a period of time, any rust in the systems is likely to be dislodged when the water supply is turned back on. This is true for wells and public supply water systems.

After rust in the household fixtures, there are three likely causes for well water to be brown or brownish, surface infiltration, well collapsing or water level dropping or iron (and/or manganese) in the water. Have your water tested to find the root of the problem

Question 2

I have a blue/green stain in my shower.

Accepted Answer

Water with a low pH can cause metals that come into contact with water to corrode. Low pH means that the water is acidic, and acidic water can be extremely corrosive. One of the more obvious symptoms of acidic water is blue-green stains.
 
Low levels of pH can most often be treated by installing a Neutralizer.

Question 3

My copper pipes are corroded and leaking.

Accepted Answer

Copper corrosion in home plumbing systems is a common phenomenon, which can have many causes.
 
Besides actual piping failure, the blue stains the oxidized copper leaves on sinks, tubs, and fixtures can identify copper corrosion.
 
Identify the source and severity of the problem by inspection of the piping system and getting an accurate water analysis especially if you are on well water.

Question 4

There are particles floating in my water.

Accepted Answer

Particles floating in a glass of water can be unpleasant, but these issues are usually not harmful to your health and are merely aesthetic.
 
White particles or cloudy water can be caused by organic materials picked up as the water flows through the ground, or inorganic particles, such as minerals, suspended in the water.
 
Brown sediment in water can appear when a well is recently dug, or could indicate a problem with the well. 
 
Solutions for particles in your water could include installing a Sand & Sediment filter, or possible raising the well pump a few feet from the bottom of the well.

Question 5

My dishes appear cloudy after washing them.

Accepted Answer

Have you done a load of dishes in the dishwasher, taken out the glasses, and noticed spots or film on them?  This is most likely the result of Hard Water.  The simple definition of water hardness is the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water. Hard water is high in dissolved minerals, both calcium and magnesium.
 
You may have felt the effects of hard water the last time you washed your hands or took a shower. Depending on the hardness of your water, after using soap to wash you may have felt like there was a film of residue left on your hands or body. In hard water, soap reacts with the calcium to form "soap scum". When using hard water, more soap or detergent is needed to get things clean, be it your hands, hair, or your laundry.
 
One solution to solving the issues with hard water is to install a water softner.  Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

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Symptoms and Conditions Q&A

I have brown water in my toilet or sink.

I have a blue/green stain in my shower.

My copper pipes are corroded and leaking.

There are particles floating in my water.

My dishes appear cloudy after washing them.

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