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The plumbing in your home provides water for everything, from showers to washing dishes and clothes. Plus, drinking water is good for your health. With all the benefits of water, you want to make sure that your plumbing is in the best shape possible to deliver it, especially if you have an older building, either commercial or residential.
In San Marcos, plumbing companies provide the means to determine if your plumbing is in the best shape to deliver your water. Since California is continually focused on managing water quality, it is important to do your part by caring for your home’s water system.
How does the tap water quality affect your plumbing and its ability to deliver water throughout your home?
Hard Water Can Negatively Impact Your Plumbing
While the quality of your plumbing can impact your tap water, there is also the impact of the hardness of your water on your plumbing. Hard water contains a high number of minerals and is measured in grains. Using a water softener can be a great way to reduce the concentration of those minerals, which include magnesium and calcium.
If you have hard water, which is defined at more than 1 grain of minerals per gallon, then you are going to find that your plumbing has mineral buildup inside your piping. As those minerals collect within your pipes, then your water flow is restricted. Plus, those minerals can cause turbulence in your water, creating abrasion that can wear away at metal pipes.
Hard Water Impacts Your Water Heater
Water heaters are a key part of your plumbing system. Hard water flowing through this part of the system gets warmed and the higher temperature means more minerals are left behind in your water heater. Therefore, the mineral buildup is more apparent in your water heater than it is in your cold-water pipes. Using a water softener can help to reduce the amount of mineral buildup within your water heater.
Understand that a water softener can reduce the damage of mineral buildup, but if you have a septic system, recognize that the increased amount of salt can upset the bacteria balance within your septic system.
The Quality of Your Plumbing
The truth is that when you have quality tap water, it may not negatively impact your plumbing. However, if you do not take care of your household plumbing, then you are putting the quality of your tap water at risk. One of the most important things to do is make sure that your plumbing is regularly checked for any leaks or older plumbing options.
For instance, galvanized plumbing with copper pipes should be replaced to reduce your lead exposure risk. Having your plumbing checked can help you to determine if you have potential lead sources, which you should replace.
What to Look for If Your Water Looks or Smells Different
If you are having problems with discoloring in your water, a funny smell, or reduced water pressure, then it is important to have your plumbing evaluated. Corrosion can cause blockages throughout your pipes, which can negatively impact your water pressure. Plus, water flowing past corrosion might impact the color and smell of your tap water.
Another thing to look for is leaks in the exterior of your pipes. Water pressure can be negatively impacted when you are consistently losing water due to one leak or several.
If you are on well water and notice changes to the color or smell of your water, then you should have your well tested for contaminants. Your test may come back clean, but that just means you need to do a complete investigation of your plumbing to find any leaks or other sources of contamination. One place where that contamination can occur is at the pump and well casing, especially if there are cracks or leaks.
A test of your well water might also bring a chemical imbalance to light, but that imbalance may be able to be treated. Do not try to treat your water on your own but work with a professional to determine if treatment will work. Water filtration systems can also be used to improve the taste and remove impurities. Some filtration systems are made to be used on the whole house, allowing you to filter all the water used in your home, including showers, laundry, and drinking water. There are multiple options available to address your water issues, although it is best to work with an experienced and licensed plumber.
Our team of knowledgeable plumbers and technicians can assist you in determining the health of your plumbing system in San Marcos, CA. Contact us today for a free estimate from our San Marcos plumbing company.
Proactive Plumbing has provided dependable plumbing services, installations and repair for more than 15 years. We service Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido and other areas of San Diego County.