Why You Have Cloudy Tap Water

In a perfect world, the water that flows from your home’s sinks would always be safe to drink, cook with, and take a bath in. However, municipally treated water, hard water issues, and questionable water quality are becoming more of an issue than ever.

Don’t freak out if you use tap water and it appears hazy. Since there is air trapped in the pipes, it is very typical for tap water to appear like this right away after you turn on the faucet. When you open a faucet, the air is disturbed, which can temporarily cause the water to seem hazy or cloudy before returning to normal. Therefore, what may at first appear to be a pollution issue is only the byproduct of disturbed air.

Here are a few reasons why your tap water is cloudy. 

Cold Temperatures 

Your water’s cloudiness may be caused by the very cold outdoor conditions. Low temperatures won’t be the problem in late spring or late summer, of course, but they might be in late autumn and early winter. Compared to warm water, cold water holds more air.

This is because extremely cold temperatures increase air’s solubility. Your cloudy tap water will always clear up as it heats if low temps are the culprit. If, however, you open the faucet and your hot water is cloudy, another issue exists.

Hard Water 

Hard water is the most typical culprit behind air bubbles or aerated water for clouding. You can find high quantities of magnesium, calcium, and other minerals in hard water. It doesn’t taste as crisp and fresh as many would like, and it can leave a light gray film on sinks, bathtubs, and other fixtures.

Hard water can also cause your skin to become dry, cracked, and itchy after bathing and showering. Even brittle hair, hair loss, and other health and aesthetic issues can arise from prolonged contact. Installing a water softener will result in cleaner fixtures, better-tasting water, and healthier skin and hair.

Air in Your Pipes

Water lines are vulnerable to fluctuations in atmospheric pressure since they are underground. When the weather changes abruptly to become windier or stormier, air will be forced into your water system until the situation returns to normal.

It appears that there is air in your water because when you turn on the faucet, this air is disturbed and forced back through your tap.

Sediment Build Up

Sediment or calcium carbonate can be a frequent cause of milky-looking water. Water heaters bottom silt and minerals can cause water to seem cloudy and become unsafe for consumption.

This is one problem that will keep your water constantly looking murky.  No matter how long you leave tap water remaining in a glass or other container, its appearance will remain clouded and opaque.

Your Home has Recently Undergone Renovations or Repairs

There can be leftover debris that makes its way to your tap as you use the water. This can be the case if someone has recently worked on your pipes or installed something new. This material may cause the water to seem cloudy, giving the impression that something is amiss with your plumbing. 

Water Softener or Water Filter?

Water softeners stop mineral deposits and hard water stains on or in plumbing equipment like shower heads. Filters produce cleaner water that is better for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Many homeowners decide to install both whole-house water filters and water softeners. This is in order to benefit from the widest range of advantages available.

If too much sediment or hard water is the root of your cloudy tap water issue, a water softener can solve it. Water softeners do produce water with a better taste, but they don’t actually clean or filter it. You should install a real water filter instead if you’re dissatisfied with the quality of the municipally treated water in your town.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, there are several reasons that could be the reason behind why you have cloudy tap water. If you have cloudy tap water or have worry that your cloudy tap water is harmful, you can call a professional to test your water.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing or drain cleaning help. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. 

We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.