As we’ve learned from our primary school years, water is considered to be one of the most important substances and is essential for men, animals, and even plants to survive. Without water, it is safe to say that there won’t be any life on earth. From drinking, planting, and cleaning, water will always be needed, pretty much on everything.
The water supply we get comes from different resources depending on where we live. Some towns or communities collect their water supplies directly from lakes or nearby rivers. Others get it from springs; farm properties source their water from bores, wells, and even rain tanks. However, the most commonly used source is a special collection area called catchment, where surface water such as rain or hail is collected when they fall. The water is then stored in a natural or artificial barrier, which we commonly know as reservoirs or dams. Catchment and reservoirs are usually far from the community or towns to keep the water from being polluted.
Regardless of which source your water is coming from, the water must undergo analysis to ensure that it is safe to drink and for other household needs. Public water facilities filter and treat the water with water treatment chemicals to remove impurities and make sure that water is potable. Now that the water supply has been treated and made safe to use, it will now flow to your tap through the pipes that go underground. Of course, during the distribution process and your current plumbing system, some factors can potentially contaminate your water, affecting its overall quality. But fret not as we have listed Five Plumbing Projects to Ameliorate Water Quality in Your Home. Try these projects and be assured that the quality of your water supply remains free of any impurities as it flows to your tap.
ALWAYS DO FLUSHING
You know those days when you’ve been away, and you come home, go straight to your kitchen and turn on your tap to wash hands, the water seems to be cloudy or brownish colour? This is because when water is not used for several hours to a longer period, the water sits in your sewer pipes and can begin to accumulate materials or dirt from the pipe walls and eventually to decrease the quality of your water supply. This can also happen even if you leave your water unused for a few hours.
To ensure you rid the brownish colour and potential particles that go with your water, it is highly recommended to perform flushing. Simply run cold water taps for at least two minutes or so before using water for cooking and even drinking. Now, if you are worried about water wastage, you can perform flushing by doing some household tasks like watering, turning on your garden sprinkler, car washing, laundry, and even toilet maintenance. In this way, you are riding the unwanted contaminants in your water, and at the same time, you are getting some other things done without wasting your water.
KEEP YOUR FAUCET STRAINERS CLEAN AT ALL TIMES
Most people do not realize that faucets usually come with a filter. This helps filter sediments and metals collected in the aerator screen, which can be found at the tip. It is best to make it a practice to check your aerator’s condition and immediately replace it as soon as it shows signs of over-usage. It is recommended to replace your tap aerators annually.
Remember, your pipes can be older than you think, and you do not have visibility about the pipe walls. Expect that there are contaminants present that can flow along with your water. Keeping your aerator screen clean and functional will help make sure that you are getting a good water quality, especially drinking and cooking.
REPLACE OLD AND DAMAGED HOUSEHOLD PLUMBING THAT CAN BE A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF LEAD
If your property was built sometime in the 1960s through the 1980s, chances are you have galvanized pipes lying underneath the ground. It was a popular and effective means of water transport and was a great alternative to lead pipes. Of course, with galvanized pipes, you can expect naturally occurring impure zinc, so it is safe to assume that these pipes may also have been contaminated with lead and other impurities. The best way to get rid of these things is to replace your galvanized pipes with copper pipes or opt for pipe relining instead and install lead-free plumbing fixtures. Once the replacement process is complete, do not forget to perform project number 1, which is flushing!
ANNUALLY DRAIN YOUR WATER HEATER
Consider bacteria, metals, and other sediments that can build up in your water heater tank. If this happens, water quality is definitely expected to decline. So if you want to keep providing your household best quality water, make sure to drain those water heater tanks at least once a year.
REPLACE FILTER CARTRIDGES
As you noticed, our plumbing system, particularly taps, involve filters. They are used to ensure that in every stage of water transportation, the unwanted sediments, lead, or any potential contaminants are filtered to ensure water potability by replacing your filter cartridges. The process will vary depending on the make and model of your filter cartridge, so best to check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper installation of the replacement cartridge.
Every household must be mindful of the condition of their plumbing system to obtain the best water quality possible. Of course, for large plumbing projects like pipe relining, and seriously clogged or blocked drain cleaning and sewer pipe problems, it is best to tap on the experts.
I’m part of the team at Revolution Pipe Relining a Pipe Relining Company based in Sydney that specialise in Sewer Pipe Relining, Stormwater Relining, Blocked Drains and Drain Camera Inspections.
We have a highly experienced team of reliners with top of the line equipment that is capable of any drain relining job, no matter how big or small.
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