Common Water Problems
Water quality can no longer be taken for granted. And its quality varies from place to place and even house to house. A variety of factors can affect how your water tastes, smells, feels and works in and around your home. Well water quality, possible contamination, an aging water distribution system, violations of federal drinking water standards and a home's plumbing are examples of things that can affect a home's water supply. Some water problems may not be as obvious as others. Below, we’ve listed the water problems we commonly see in Columbus, Marysville, Westerville, Ashley, Dublin, Newark, Grove City, Lancaster, Powell, Reynoldsburg, Pataskala, Hilliard, Chillicothe and Athens, Ohio. But we need to test your water to determine if water treatment is necessary and which option is right for you.
Hard Water
Hard water contains dissolved calcium, magnesium and in many cases, iron. Most homes have hard water, whether it is supplied by a private well or a municipality. In many cases, homeowners don't realize they have hard water or the constant and expensive harm it causes.
Dry skin and hair, bathtub rings, spots on glass, silverware and fixtures, dull, dingy clothing, disappointing performance and a shortened life expectancy of water-using appliances are all problems frequently caused by hard water.
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Iron and Manganese
Water is a natural solvent and given the needed time and conditions, it will dissolve anything it comes in contact with. That's why, depending on where you live, your water can contain iron or manganese which can cause rusty-orange or black staining. You'll see the stains on clothes, fixtures, sinks, tubs, water-using appliances and toilets.
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Tastes and Odors
In its pristine state, water is colorless, tasteless and odorless. So, if your water tastes or smells funny, you owe it to yourself to find out why.
Earthy or musty taste and odor
These types of complaints are generally the result of compounds released due to decayed vegetation and are typically associated with different forms of algae. While not toxic, they are nontheless unpleasant and can be offensive at very low concentrations.
"Rotten Egg" smell
Another common source of smelly water is hydrogen sulfide (sulfur). Hydrogen sulfide is a corrosive gas which has the characteristic odor of rotten eggs. If present in high enough concentrations, it can leave an unpleasant odor on hair and clothing. It can also accelerate corrosion of metal parts in appliances.
Metallic taste
As the name implies, a metallic taste to your water indicates the presence of metals such as iron, copper, manganese or zinc. Iron and manganese are often naturally occurring and are predominately found in ground water. Copper and zinc can come from an aging water distribution system or the corrosion of copper plumbing and brass fittings.
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Chlorine Taste or Smell
Since the 1850's, chlorine has been used as a disinfectant to kill harmful bacteria in water itself or the pipes that transport it. Although it has helped end a number of major threats to public health and is essential at the treatment plant and in the water distribution system, it is no longer necessary once the water reaches your home.
Though chlorine is vital for stopping the spread of disease, its benefits come at a price. Chlorine tastes and smells bad. It dries skin and hair, fades clothes (bleach is made of chlorine), and can dry out the rubber seals in appliances, shortening their lives.
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