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Ever noticed cloudy or milky water in your glass and wondered if it’s safe to drink?
Cloudy tap water can be concerning, but it’s not always a sign of danger. Often, it’s a sign of harmless air bubbles, but in some cases, it may point to a deeper plumbing problem.
In this blog, we’ll help you identify the cause of cloudy water and when it’s time to call in a trusted plumber in Beaumaris.
Cloudy tap water can happen for different reasons, and there are several ways to fix it.
The cause of the cloudiness will help determine the right solution. Below, we explain the common causes and how to deal with them.
If you notice the next time you fill a glass up with tap water that it has a milky or cloudy look to it, let it sit for a few minutes to see if the water clears.
If it does, that’s a telltale sign of tiny air bubbles in the water, so it offers no concern. The bubbles should rise to the top of the glass and eventually disappear. It will taste the same as regular water and is completely harmless.
Sometimes, work undertaken by your water supplier on your main supply can result in air being caught in the pipes. Was there planned maintenance work occurring in your suburb? Then that’s the likely cause of air “build-up” in your pipes and, therefore, the cause of that cloudy appearance.
Common water quality problems can include water that has both a different appearance and a different taste.
Cloudy tap water that doesn’t clear up (like above) – that is also paired with an odd taste – might indicate a deeper problem, in particular, corroding copper pipes.
Cloudy tap water combined with an abnormal taste can be an issue either isolated to your property’s plumbing system or a further widespread problem in your community or neighbourhood.
If your pipes are old, corroded, or faulty, it’s worth learning more about the types of piping and their risks.
Contact your local plumber to inspect your plumbing system and provide a solution.
Similar to the above, a gritty texture can indicate corrosion of pipes. While you mightn’t be able to see individual particles in your water, there’s no mistaking that unpleasant, gritty feeling on your palate. This gritty texture might also be met with an odd taste.
If this happens, your pipes may need flushing, especially if they haven’t been used frequently. If the problem persists, older pipes might need to be replaced.
Find out more about the risks of burst pipes and what to do while waiting for your emergency plumber.
This can go one of two ways:
1) An isolated problem in your home’s plumbing system
2) A more widespread problem from a water supplier
If it’s the former, you’ll need a local plumber like Watermaster to come and inspect the problem, diagnose it, and devise the solution.
If a matter spreads beyond your property, your local water supplier should be contacted immediately.
Other causes of discoloured tap water include:
If your water appears discoloured after long periods of disuse, check if your pipes produce unusual noises or vibrations. Noisy pipes could indicate hidden issues. Learn more about what causes noisy pipes.
An abnormal water condition like cloudy-looking water is usually no cause for concern (especially if, as we mentioned above, the water tends to clear up after just a few minutes). Still, anything beyond that might require further investigation.
While they might not necessarily pose a threat to your health, discoloured water or water with unexplained particles should not be consumed until the appropriate investigation and testing has taken place.
If the problem is severe or keeps returning, it’s time to take action. Contact your water supplier if the issue seems widespread.
However, if the problem is isolated to your home’s plumbing system, Watermaster Plumbing will help you in Beaumaris and the surrounding suburbs.
Our expert plumbers will diagnose the cause and provide the right solution to keep your water clean and safe.
Don’t wait—contact us today for a fast inspection and peace of mind. Call us now on 1300 737 476 or submit an enquiry to schedule an appointment!
Watermaster Plumbing is a local plumber in Sandringham servicing Bayside homes and businesses. We’re setting a new standard in plumbing with licensed, friendly, and highly experienced professionals delivering a range of residential and commercial plumbing solutions.
