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Everything Homeowners Need To Know About Water Quality

There have been many stories in the news recently about certain towns that have inferior water quality. You might not have paid too much attention to the information. After all, the water coming out of your faucet is clear and has no distinct bad taste. But what every homeowner needs to know is that there can be other issues that are less obvious but still present a serious risk to you and your loved one’s health.

Health Concerns Associated With Poor Water Quality

Here in the United States, we rarely even think about the quality of our drinking water. We assume that bad water is only found in other countries that do not have a high level of regulations to protect their citizens. But that is not always the case. Unfortunately, many areas of our country experience issues with the quality of their water supply. Low-quality drinking water can cause many serious health issues. According to the Center for Disease Control, some of the most common problems created by contaminated drinking water include:

  • e. coli– a bacterium that releases a potent toxin which causes diarrhea, intestinal cramping and in the most severe cases, life-threatening kidney failure
  • Giardiasis- a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites
  • Hepatitis A- a severe and contagious liver infection caused by a virus
  • Norovirus- a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea
  • Shigellosis- one of the most contagious diarrhea-causing bacterial infections

Also, inhaling droplets of contaminated water while bathing can result in Legionnaires’ disease and other acute respiratory issues that can become fatal.

What Is Good Quality Water?

The EPA has strict guidelines for quality water. But each state can and does create its own standards that can vary from those directives of the EPA. In general, the following are the widely accepted characteristics of good water:

  • No more than 250 mg/L of chloride
  • No more than 1 mg/L of copper
  • No more than 0.3 mg/L of iron
  • A pH between 6.5 and 8.5
  • No more than 250 mg/L of sulfate
  • No more than 500 mg/L of total dissolved solids, which includes all organic and inorganic substances

The Common Water Issues That We See Most Often

At Parobek Plumbing & Air Conditioning, we are here to assist you in getting to the root of any water issues that you might be experiencing in your home. Many of our calls related to water quality fall into the following categories:

  • HARD WATER – Water that has a high content of dissolved minerals is considered to be hard. And while hard water does not pose a serious health risk to you and your loved ones, it can create some minor issues such as dry skin and hair. But the biggest victims of hard water are your home’s water pipes and fixtures. The chalky white deposits will form on your faucets and inside your pipes. Over time, these minerals will create pressure problems and damage the pipes and fixtures to the point of leaking.
  • ACIDIC TASTE – A pH of 7 is neutral and is the reading of pure water. The EPA states that anything between 6.5 and 8.5 should be considered safe to drink. However, if your water is above 7, it can have a bitter taste. An acid neutralizing system can eliminate that taste and return your water closer to a seven reading. Water with a pH of less than seven can taste acidic. But that can be corrected by adding a water softener to your home.
  • FOUL TASTING/SMELLING WATER – A bad taste or smell to your water is a sign that there is a contamination of decaying organic material in the water. This problem can be due to contamination from old pipes, a contaminated water heater, or other sources. Depending on the cause and type of contamination, there can be a significant risk of health issues. A call to (512) 910-8123 as soon as you notice the problem is essential. A Parobek Plumbing & Air Conditioning licensed plumber will arrive quickly to sort out the issue with your water.

Never assume that if your water is coming from a city or a municipal source, that it is safe to drink. If you notice any odd taste, appearance or smell, call in the professionals immediately. The solution could be as simple as draining and cleaning your water heater. But you should never take a chance and risk the health of your loved ones. Call (512) 910-8123 for an appointment to determine that your water is safe for you and your family.

Get in touch with your local professionals today to schedule plumbing and HVAC service: 512-910-8123!

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Sean Fuentes
Sean Fuentes
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As a real estate agent I need trades that can respond fast with detailed estimates. Parobek exceeded both of the expectations I had for detail response time and estimates. I will use them again and will refer them to future clients.
Patti Boteler
Patti Boteler
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I called Parobek Plumbing and Air Conditioning late this morning because my clogged toilet wasn't unclogging with the methods that normally work. It was important because I only have one toilet and work from home. It's 3 o'clock and Daniel left about 20 minutes ago and I have my unclogged toilet working perfectly now.
Nora Sue Vinson
Nora Sue Vinson
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The worker looked for a plumbing leak and was very thorough, patient, and kind. He did not stop until I found the problem and took the time to explain it to me in detail. I would hire him again. Very good.
Jamie Jonston
Jamie Jonston
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Parobek was amazing! we woke up to low water pressure and bubbling water right outside the house. i called parobek and they squeezed me in same day! our technician was Phillip and his service was excellent. he was super professional and knowledgeable. he put us at ease and answered all of our questions. we were so impressed!
Kathy Svodoba
Kathy Svodoba
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Today's service was just a switch-out of a faucet. I'm very satisfied. Within the last week, I had a number of of jobs done, including installation of a reverse osmosis system. I have been exceedingly pleased. The service was prompt, professional and everyone was courteous and knowledgeable. Thanks.