A common concern that Brisbane plumbers run into is tap water that is cloudy or milky in colour. In a world of crystal-clear drinking water, it’s a fair concern. There are several reasons tap water is cloudy, harmless, and worrying. We’re here to clear up why your water is unclear. And we’ll provide some tips for dealing with milky tap water.
1 – Bubbles of Air
The biggest reason for cloudy water is tiny air bubbles. After repair works, air pockets become trapped in pipes. The air makes the water cloudy when you turn the tap on. To fix the problem, if it doesn’t pass on its own, run the garden tap for a few minutes. Otherwise, you may need to contact some Brisbane plumbers to flush the water main or install an air elimination valve. To be sure it is air in your water supply, get a glass, fill it with water, and let it sit for a few moments. If the water becomes clear, it’s most likely harmless air bubbles.
2 – High mineral content
High mineral content, a.k.a hard water, is water with large amounts of ions, such as calcium, magnesium and iron. Hard water causes scale build-up on plumbing fixtures. Calcium carbonate should not exceed 200 mg/L to minimise scale build-up and avoid making the tap water cloudy.
There are several ways to tell if your water is cloudy due to water hardness: mineral build-up on plumbing fixtures, white marks on washed glass dishware, stiff clothing after washing, or the water remains cloudy when left in a glass. The good news is that most drinking water on the east coast of Australia is soft water.
Nonetheless, if you are experiencing hard water causing cloudiness and mineral build-up, you’ll probably want it fixed. The best way to fix it is to install a filtration system or buy a water softener. Contact a licensed Brisbane plumber and ask for a whole-home reverse-osmosis filtration system. The filters remove minerals, prevent cloudiness, and remove harmful chemicals and bacteria.
3 – Total suspended solids (TSS)
High concentrations of nutrients, bacteria, pesticides, or metals in the water and high TSS can also cause tap water to appear cloudy. TSS are small solids floating in the water rather than sinking to the bottom. There are several types of solids: clay, iron, sediment, algae, etc. There is no guidance for what level of TSS is safe, but it can lead to the growth of bacteria.
You can check if TSS makes your water cloudy by running it through a standard filter. If it becomes clear after filtration, it is likely TSS. It is also probably TSS if construction or disturbances near your local water supply have recently occurred. A standard filter cartridge is usually enough to get rid of TSS. However, if the water is excessively cloudy, it may require multi-level media filtration. Either way, contact your local Brisbane plumber for help.
4 – Methane gas
Although probably less likely in Brisbane, methane is often found in healthy water. While rarer, it is also one of the more dangerous types of cloudy drinking water. If you have methane in your water, get it tested by a professional ASAP! Also, while awaiting professional help, ensure you properly ventilate the area when running a dishwasher or washing machine. Once again, a few signs indicate you have methane: white air bubbles in the water, you use well water, or the water sputters when running. Again, to solve this problem, get a professional to test the methane levels and follow their advice.
Are you experiencing cloudy water?
If you have cloudy water, are unsure what to do, or need a plumber to help, contact The Brisbane Plumber. We can help you with all your plumbing needs: cloudy water, hot water, emergency plumbing, drainage, etc. Our friendly team is on call 24 hours daily, every day of the year. For all your general and emergency plumbing needs, call The Brisbane Plumber on 1300 847 08
A common concern that Brisbane plumbers frequently encounter is tap water that appears cloudy or milky in colour. In a world where crystal-clear drinking water is the norm, it’s understandable that residents might feel apprehensive about such an occurrence. Tap water can become cloudy for several reasons, ranging from harmless natural phenomena to more problematic issues that require attention.
One of the most common and benign causes is the presence of tiny air bubbles, which often occur when cold water from underground pipes is exposed to warmer temperatures or changes in pressure. These bubbles typically clear up within minutes as the water settles. Another harmless reason could be the presence of dissolved minerals, which are common in areas with “hard” water.
However, in some cases, cloudy water might indicate a more severe problem, such as sediment build-up in pipes or a breach in the water main. To address this issue, try running the tap for a few minutes to see if the cloudiness clears. If the problem persists, consider installing a water filtration system or contacting a professional plumber to inspect your plumbing system thoroughly.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
The first step in fixing a dripping faucet is to turn off the water supply. This critical safety measure will prevent water from flowing while you work on the faucet. Look under the sink for the shut-off valves to turn off the water supply. Turn the water supply valve seat clockwise to close them and stop the water flow.
Step 2: Remove the Faucet Handle
There are four kinds of faucets: cartridge, compression, ceramic disk, and ball faucet type. A compression faucet relies on rubber washers to seal the valve seat, which can wear out and need to be replaced. With the other three types of faucets, the O-ring or neoprene seal causing the leak must be replaced.
The next step is to remove the handle. Depending on the type of faucet, the handle may be held in place with a set screw or a small cap. A ceramic disk faucet, for example, requires removing the escutcheon cap to access the disk cylinder. If there is a set screw, use an Allen wrench to remove it. If there is a cap, gently pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver. Once the set screw or cap is removed, you should be able to pull the handle off the faucet.
Step 3: Replace the O-Ring and Washer
The most common cause of a leaky cartridge faucet is a worn-out O-ring or seat washer. To replace these parts, first, remove the screw that holds the rubber washer and O-rings in place. Then, replace the old washer and O-ring with new ones. Be sure to take the old parts with you to the local hardware store to ensure that you get the right size replacements.
Step 4: Reassemble the Faucet
After you have replaced the O-ring and washer, reassemble the faucet by following the steps you took to disassemble it. Tighten the screw that holds the washer and O-ring in place and replace the faucet handles. Reach into the faucet body with needle-nose pliers and remove the rubber seats and springs. If your faucet has a decorative cap, snap it back into place.
Step 5: Turn on the Water Supply and Test the Faucet
The final step in fixing a leaky faucet is to turn on the water supply and test the faucet. Like with ball faucets and compression faucets, you should ensure the new parts are compatible with the tap.
Turn the shut-off valves back on and turn the handle to the on position. Check for leaks or drips. If the faucet is still leaking, you may need to replace it or the entire faucet.
While this is an example of how to fix the ideal leaky faucet, it is not the only way. Many leaks can be caused by several issues that may require the help of a professional.
If you need additional assistance fixing a leaky faucet, don’t hesitate to contact The Brisbane Plumbers. Our team of experienced plumbers can diagnose and repair any plumbing issue, big or small.
Conclusion
Fixing a leaky faucet is a simple task that can save you money on your water bill and prevent water waste. By following the five easy steps outlined in this tutorial, you can fix a leaky faucet in no time. Always turn off the water supply before working on a faucet, and take the old replacement parts to the hardware store to ensure that you get the fitting replacement kit. The Brisbane Plumbers are always here to help if you need additional assistance.