Simple Ways A Plumber Can Improve The Water Quality In Your Home | Myrtle Beach, SC
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Many homeowners nowadays are starting to ponder about the type of minerals and chemicals that may be found in their drinking water. Some people may not feel that their drinking water may be up to par, and unless you get the water tested or inspected by a plumber, you really won’t know what is inside it.
A lot of different things can affect the quality of your water. If your plumbing is too old, dirt and other contaminants can accumulate inside the plumbing and get into the water supply. If your plumbing is made of a material that can rust, rust can get into the water supply as the plumbing ages. This is why it’s so important that you get your plumbing system inspected annually by a plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Fortunately, there are some simple things that you can do to improve the water quality in your home. We’ll explore some of these options below.
#1. Use Cold Water Whenever Possible
This isn’t common knowledge to many homeowners, but the cold water and hot water supply are separate. Cold water often comes from the main water line while hot water comes from a water heating tank that’s somewhere in your home. Some homes may have the hot water come directly from the main water supply line if they have a tankless water heater installed; however, this isn’t usually the case.
If you are concerned about contaminants, you should try to use cold water as much as possible. This is because hot water can easily dissolve contaminants. It may also contain metals, sediment, and even bacteria since it comes from the water heater. If you don’t get the water heater flushed and cleaned by a plumber regularly, you’ll need to be warier of contaminants coming from the hot water supply.
So, what does this mean for you? If you plan on getting a glass of water from the sink, drink cold water rather than hot or warm water.
#2. Install a Water Filter
Another easy thing that you can do is install a water filter in your home. Depending on the type of water filter that you’d like, you might need to ask a professional to do the job for you. Speaking with a professional is also a good idea if you’re not sure what type of water filter you need or what the different brands and models are able to offer. Some water filters will only remove dirt and soil while others have the ability to also get rid of microbial activity.
There are many different types of water filters. Some water filters are installed at the plumbing appliance or the fixture, like the faucet. These water filters only affect that particular appliance or fixture. On the other hand, you can also purchase a central water filter that would be installed where the main water line from the city connects with the plumbing in your home. These water filters are much more difficult to install, and you’ll likely need the help of a professional.
#3. Flush More Frequently
By that, we don’t mean that you should flush your toilet more frequently. Rather, we’re saying that you should run the cold water taps for several minutes before using the water. In this situation, the main concern is that the contaminant from the water comes from the fact that the water has pooled and sat idly in the plumbing for a long period of time. By running your tap before using the water, you’ll get rid of any contaminants that may have collected in the pooled water. Instead, you’ll be using freshwater that’s coming from the water supply. It allows freshwater from the water supplier to enter household pipes.
In general, this isn’t something that you really need to do all the time. However, if you’ve gone on a trip for a month and have just returned home, it won’t hurt to flush the water before using it. If there are contaminants in the water, you might even notice that the water coming from your pipe may be a different color in the beginning. After flushing the water for several minutes, the water will become clear once again.
#4. Replace Old Plumbing
Last but not least, if you have the budget for it, you should consider replacing old plumbing in your home with new ones. Everything has a lifespan, and different materials will need to be replaced after various lengths of time. For example, copper pipes can usually last anywhere from 20 to 50 years depending on how often you maintained them. As the plumbing gets older, it’ll become weaker and it will also collect more contaminants.
You should also consider replacing your pipes if they are made from galvanized steel as they may contain lead. This may not always be the case, and whether your pipes are safe or not will depend on various factors. If you’re unsure about your pipes, call a plumber and have them inspect the plumbing system. They’ll be able to provide you with more information on what to do next.
Call Us If You Need a Plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC
Homeowners who are really concerned about the quality of their drinking water should really consider speaking with a plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC. A good plumber can not only test the water quality in order to determine whether there are any unwanted contaminants inside, but they can also inspect the plumbing to provide you with more insight as to whether there is anything that you are wary of. For example, the plumber can use a video camera to look at the condition of the plumbing inside. This will let you know whether there is any gunk that needs to be cleaned out or whether the plumbing is worn down and needs to be replaced.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach has a lot of experience in dealing with all types of plumbing issues. Our plumbers are not only trained on how to deal with a diverse array of situations but they are also licensed and insured. Call us at 843.894.0905 for more information on the various types of plumbing services that we offer.