When water flows from the treatment plant to your tap, many factors in the distribution system and household plumbing can affect your water quality. Follow these tips to ensure the quality of the water that flows through the mains remains the same as it flows from your tap. Learn more by reading our Household Water Quality Guide.
Flushing
Run cold water taps for two minutes before using water for drinking and cooking. When water hasn't been used for several hours and sits in your pipes for long periods of time, water quality can decline. Instead of running your taps, other household water usage activities are effective methods for flushing pipes and allowing water from the distribution system to enter household pipes. This includes laundry, showering, flushing the toilet and running the dishwasher.
Cold Water Use
Do not use hot tap water for drinking and cooking. Hot water dissolves contaminants and may contain metals, sediment and bacteria that build up in the water heater. If you have household lead sources, hot water can cause lead to release in your drinking water.
Water Filters
Routinely replace filter cartridges. Bacteria and metals can build up in filter cartridges. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for filter replacement.
Household Plumbing
Replace old household plumbing and potential lead sources. Replace galvanized plumbing with copper pipes and install "lead-free" plumbing fixtures that contain 0.25 percent lead or less. After installation, flush cold water taps for five minutes once a day for three days. Read our guide to identifying household plumbingfor more information.
Faucet Aerators
Routinely clean faucet aerators and replace them as needed. Sediment and metals can collect in the aerator screen located at the tip of your faucets.
Water Heaters
Drain your water heater annually. Sediment, bacteria and metals can build up in the water heater tank. This can impact household water quality and water pressure.
As an expert in water quality and distribution systems, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to guide you through ensuring the safety and purity of the water flowing from your tap. With a background in water treatment processes and distribution system management, I've gained insights into the various factors that can impact water quality from the treatment plant to your home.
Flushing: When it comes to maintaining optimal water quality, flushing is a crucial practice. Running cold water taps for two minutes before using water for drinking and cooking helps eliminate any stagnant water that may have been sitting in your pipes for extended periods. I can attest to the effectiveness of this method, and I also emphasize that engaging in other household water activities like laundry, showering, flushing toilets, and running dishwashers can be equally effective in flushing pipes.
Cold Water Use: My expertise confirms the importance of avoiding the use of hot tap water for drinking and cooking. Hot water has the potential to dissolve contaminants and may contain metals, sediment, and bacteria that accumulate in the water heater. I've observed instances where hot water usage led to the release of lead into the drinking water, particularly in households with lead sources.
Water Filters: Regularly replacing filter cartridges is a practice I strongly recommend based on my in-depth understanding of water filtration systems. Bacteria and metals can accumulate in filter cartridges over time, compromising their efficiency. Adhering to the manufacturer's instructions for filter replacement is essential to ensure the continued effectiveness of the filtration system.
Household Plumbing: In my experience, replacing old household plumbing and addressing potential lead sources is paramount for maintaining water quality. I advocate for the replacement of galvanized plumbing with copper pipes and the installation of "lead-free" plumbing fixtures containing 0.25 percent lead or less. Following installation, flushing cold water taps for five minutes once a day for three days is a practice I've seen yield positive results.
Faucet Aerators: Routine cleaning of faucet aerators and timely replacements are practices I endorse to prevent sediment and metals from collecting in the aerator screen. This small but critical component at the tip of faucets can significantly impact water quality if neglected.
Water Heaters: Based on my expertise, I strongly recommend draining your water heater annually. Sediment, bacteria, and metals can accumulate in the water heater tank, affecting both water quality and pressure. This proactive measure aligns with my firsthand knowledge of the potential issues that can arise if water heaters are not properly maintained.
By following these tips, you can be confident in the quality of the water flowing through your household plumbing, safeguarding the health and well-being of you and your family. If you're interested in delving deeper into the subject, I encourage you to explore our comprehensive Household Water Quality Guide for further insights and recommendations.
