Cloudy Tap Water: Signs of Pipe Damage

Is the tap water in your home looking a little cloudy? While sometimes this is a harmless issue with an easy fix, such as air getting trapped in your pipes, cloudy tap water can indicate signs of pipe damage which requires pipe repair by a professional.

As a homeowner, you should be inspecting all elements of your home periodically to watch for potential changes that may affect your pipes. Here are just a few of the reasons your water may be cloudy and why it can be damaging to your pipes.

Hard Water

One of the most common reasons for cloudy water in your home is due to hard water. Calcium, magnesium, and other minerals are the causes of the cloudy tap water. When combined, these minerals can also clog your pipes and other appliances, including your dishwasher and water heater.

Certain types of pipe material can withstand hard water a little better than others, but hard water buildup will eventually cause clogs or become completely blocked. If you live in an area with hard water, be sure to keep an eye on your pipes!

Sediment From Your Water Heater

Another common issue that causes cloudy tap water is sediment from your water heater. Over time, sediment can build up on the bottom of your water heater, which can naturally flow through your pipes and make your water appear cloudy.

Unlike some other reasons for the cloudiness, if sediment is present in your water heater, the cloudiness will not go away until the water heater is drained completely. Sediment includes things like sand and rust, which can erode the pipes throughout your home and require pipe repair.

The longer you allow the sediment to build up in your water heater, the more damage it will cause over time to not only your pipes, but your water heater as well.

If you are looking for pipe repair in Cheltenham, don’t let another day go by without calling our team at Reliable Plumbing.

Methane Gas

While fairly uncommon, but not impossible, methane gas can work its way into your tap water without you ever knowing there’s a problem. When paired with other gases found in sewer gas, it can cause corrosion to your pipes.

Methane itself can be hard to detect because it is odorless and colorless. If you start to notice decreased water pressure, a new leak, or cloudy tap water, it’s possible that you are experiencing water pipe issues due to corrosion!

Schedule Pipe and Plumbing Maintenance Today

Just like you schedule preventive maintenance for other areas of your home, don’t forget to have your pipes and plumbing looked at, too! Without regular maintenance, you may not realize you’re having water pipe issues.

If you begin to notice cloudy water or other signs of pipe damage, make sure to give our team at Reliable Plumbing a call as soon as possible.

When it comes to pipe repair in Cheltenham, we’ve provided over 20 years of service to the Greater Philadelphia area. Contact us today to get started!