Have you ever turned on your tap and gotten surprised by cloudy water? If so, then you are not alone. Milky or cloudy water can occur in any home, and there are many reasons why it is happening. In some instances, cloudy water might result from air bubbles in your water, but in other cases, it may indicate a more serious problem with your home’s plumbing. Understanding the following causes of cloudy water is important for identifying any underlying issues and taking the necessary steps to address them.
1. Hard Water
One of the common reasons for cloudy water is hard water. Hard water has high levels of minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which can leave behind a cloudy or white residue in water or on surfaces. If your region has hard water, you might experience limescale accumulation in your appliances or pipes, which can, in turn, cause the water to look cloudy. Over time, the limescale buildup can also lead to plumbing problems like reduced water flow and clogged pipes.
If hard water is the reason for cloudy tap water in your home, you need to contact a plumbing expert to assess the situation. The professional may recommend installing a calcium treatment unit, a water filter containing polyphosphate scale inhibitors, or a water softener to remove minerals from your water.
2. Methane Gas
It’s rare to find methane gas in home water supplies. However, this gas might be the reason for cloudy water in some homes. Methane gas may be present in water supplies close to active fracking sites. Furthermore, the gas can get introduced through contaminated groundwater. Although this gas is extremely flammable, it quickly dissipates when it comes in contact with air as it rises on top of the water.
Methane contamination in water supplies may be the reason for cloudy water, especially if the tap water clears fast. If you suspect methane contamination, you can purchase a methane detector and test the surrounding air because methane levels in your water matter. It’s also advisable to contact the local authorities, and an expert will visit your home and test the water to ascertain the methane levels and provide appropriate solutions.
3. Sediment Buildup
Sediments like silt or sand can make your water look cloudy. Buildup may occur if construction work is happening nearby that’s stirring up sediment or if there’s an issue with your filtration system. Unlike methane gas, sediment buildup will leave your water with an unappealing and opaque look regardless of how long you allow the water to sit in a glass.
You can consider installing a sediment filter if sediment is the reason for cloudy tap water. Having an experienced plumber assess the situation is also important since sediment in your water may indicate other problems like old, corroded pipes or groundwater contamination.
4. Air Bubbles
Air bubbles can sometimes get trapped in your water supply, causing your water to look cloudy. This problem can occur if there is a disruption in your water supply, such as when there’s work being done on your area’s water lines or after a power outage. Furthermore, air can get trapped due to high water pressure.
Air bubbles in your water supply can cause your home’s faucets to sputter and even produce popping sounds whenever you turn them on. The good news is that air bubbles are harmless and often dissipate with time. However, if the issue persists, you should contact your water supplier or a plumbing expert to investigate the problem further. The plumber can install aerators on your faucets or flush the water main to fix the problem.
Rely on the Plumbing Experts!
If you are experiencing cloudy water in your home, it’s important to identify the culprit and take the necessary steps to address the problem to ensure your water is safe to drink. Whether you need to replace filters, install a water softener, or have your plumbing inspected, our team of plumbers at Loyalty Plumbing can help you find the right solution for the problem.
Our plumbing experts will test the water to determine the reasons for the cloudy water and provide appropriate solutions. We are also experts in tankless water heaters, leak detection, clogged drains, and rerouting & re-piping services in Las Vegas, NV and the surrounding areas. Call Loyalty Plumbing today to schedule your water treatment service appointment or order any other service on our list.
