Many of us don’t think twice about the quality of our water when we clean the dishes, wash our hands, or even fill a glass to drink. However, all of that can change when you suddenly notice that your tap water has a cloudy or milky appearance.
As a homeowner, you want to ensure your family’s safety at all times — including when they use the water in your bathrooms and kitchen. So if your water looks strange, your concern is well justified.
So, why is your tap water cloudy in the first place? Should you be worried about whether or not your water is safe to drink? Let’s discuss what causes tap water to be cloudy in more detail below.
Air Bubbles
The good news is that harmless air bubbles could be why your tap water is cloudy. These air bubbles can be caused by recent plumbing work, excessive water pressure, or trapped air in your pipes. You’ll know that you’re experiencing this common phenomenon if the water clears up after a few seconds.
Sure, this common cause of cloudy water is completely harmless, and your water is safe to drink. However, you may want to check your water pressure to make sure it isn’t higher than it should be. When your water pressure is too high, this can damage your plumbing and lead to higher water bills.
Hard Water
If your water has high levels of minerals, you may notice mineral buildup around your faucets and drains. This particular problem, which is referred to as “hard water,” can also be what causes tap water to be cloudy.
Are you unsure whether you’re dealing with hard water? Be on the lookout for stains on your dishware, itchy skin, and low water pressure coming from your faucets. These can all be signs that there are excessive amounts of minerals in your water. Fortunately, you can usually treat this problem with a water softener.
Total Suspended Solids
Along with excessive minerals, your water could have high levels of total suspended solids (TSS). These “solids” can come in many different forms, including iron, silt, and sediment. You’re more likely to encounter this issue if there’s recently been construction, drilling, or any other type of ground disturbance near your home.
In most cases, you can know if you’re dealing with TSS if your water clears up after it runs through a standard bag water filter. If you think this problem could be why your water is cloudy, and you don’t have a filter, investing in a water filtration system could be an excellent idea.
The extent of the cloudiness can influence the type of water filter you should install. So if you’re unsure which filter is right for you, don’t hesitate to call an expert. At Universal Home Experts, we can help you find the right Houston water filtration system for your needs.
Methane Gas
Although it’s super common, methane gas can also be what causes tap water to be cloudy. Methane gas is known to be naturally occurring in well water, so if you use a well, you definitely don’t want to rule out the possibility of this being the culprit. It’s also worth mentioning that methane can find its way into your water supply if you live in an area where fracking is known to happen frequently.
Water Heater Issues
Are you wondering why your tap water is cloudy — but only when using hot water? As you can probably imagine, this issue may have to do with your water heater. If you have a traditional water heater, sediment can settle at the bottom of the tank over time. Unfortunately, this sediment can mix with your water and give it a strange appearance.
It’s important for homeowners to flush their water heaters on a regular basis. Ideally, the tanks should be flushed twice a year. This way, you can avoid cloudy tap water. When you prevent minerals from building up inside the tank, you can also ensure your water heater runs as efficiently as possible.
Install a Water Filtration System Today
As you can see, there are several potential reasons why your tap water is cloudy. Sometimes, the issue can be as small as water bubbles. However, there are some instances where the discoloration of your water indicates a much larger problem with your plumbing system or water heater.
Now that you know what causes tap water to be cloudy, don’t let this strange issue disrupt your peace of mind. If you think you’re dealing with a water heater problem or hard water, call Universal Home Experts! We provide water heater services and install water filtration systems in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to request an appointment with our professional team, and let us help you achieve cleaner drinking water!
