Water quality is as important as the water we need to drink. If the quality of our water is not good, we will not drink it, and thus become dehydrated. With the colder seasons approaching, you should be prepared for anything that could potentially affect your home. You’ve probably made sure that your heating system is working properly with an annual inspection. You’ve probably stocked up on the fall and winter essentials, like rakes, leaf blowers, shovels, and snow blowers. You may have taken every precaution that you can think of, but there is one that often slips a homeowner’s mind: protecting your water quality.
You routinely have your heating system serviced, why should your drain system be any different? Pipes, tanks, and even wells are all susceptible to wear and tear damage, or contamination. In order to protect your water quality, proper maintenance and inspection should be performed. There are plenty of preventative steps you can take to avoid a malfunction, but a professional will be required for certain circumstances. Here are ways that you can protect your water quality during the upcoming fall and winter seasons:
Routine Maintenance
Just like every other functioning system in your home, your drain system requires routine maintenance. If you have noticed a change in your water quality, you should contact a professional to assess the situation. A change can be present in a variety of forms, but no problem is too small to cause concern. Because we use water every day, for drinking, cooking, bathing, and cleaning, it should never be taken for granted.
If you notice a change, call a plumber immediately. They will either tell you that there isn’t a cause for concern or tell you how they can fix the problem for you. Either way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your pipes are functioning well and the water quality in your home is the best that it can be.
Recognize Signs of a Problem with Water Quality
Here are some signs that could indicate a problem with your water quality:
Pressure: if your water pressure is lower than normal, it could mean that there’s a break or blockage somewhere. Pipes are more vulnerable in the colder months; tree roots can grow invasively or pipes can freeze and crack. If the pressure noticeably decreases, call a professional to check it out.
Color: Cloudy or discolored water could be a sign of contamination. Rust from pipes or mineral deposits can cause this, and it should be tested immediately.
Odor: Your water should never smell. If it does, it could be a sign that something is wrong with your drain or sewer system.
Clogs: If a clog is slowing down or backing up your system completely, it can affect your water quality. Depending on the severity of the blockage, it may need to be removed by a plumber.
Replace pipes if necessary
In the event of a break, or if your pipes are old and have suffered wear and tear over the years, you may want to consider re-piping. Bad pipes will not only cause you to waste money through your monthly electricity bills, but they can negatively impact your water quality. Old pipes can rust, introducing it into your system. Cracks can introduce outside contaminates as well. Replacing your pipes will give you cleaner and healthier water in your home, and prevent disasters that could cause costly water damage.
Testing Your Water
There are several ways to test the water quality in your home. Of course, there’s the “smell test” and “taste test” both of which are obvious. If something tastes or smells off, it probably is. If you use well water in your home, you should be extra cautious about the quality of your water this fall. The EPA, or the Environmental Protection Agency, provides a list of ways in which your water can be compromised, and how to test for contaminants. Filters are also beneficial in protecting your water quality, they can be installed in your faucets. You can even get smaller, portable filtering devices that fit right into your refrigerator.
Now that you know how important it is to maintain and protect your water quality, you should take action. Fall and winter seasons often put extra stress on the pipes and drain systems in and around your house, leaving additional room for error. Make sure your pipes are in good shape, and that it’s warm enough in your house so they don’t freeze. Be observant of your water, no matter what you’re using it for. Don’t hesitate to contact a local professional with any questions or concerns.
Call Essig Plumbing & Heating today to learn more about the importance of water quality!
