It's National Water Quality Month! What can you do to improve your water quality?
July 28, 2022
August is National Water Quality Month! How is the water in your home? Does it taste good, or does it have a weird smell? Do you see water marks on your fixtures or build-up around your showerhead? Even if the water from your tap looks clear, it could be tainted with bacteria, metals, minerals, and other contaminants. A.J. Perri understands that every family deserves clean water that tastes good. Read on to learn more about how to check and improve the quality of your home's water supply quality.
Test your water
Are you concerned about scaly residues or clothes that never seem clean? Cloudy or discolored water? Pesticides from nearby agricultural areas? A home water test can put your fears at rest or identify the offending culprits. Water test kits can be purchased online or at the hardware store. Or, you can search for a state-certified laboratory by calling the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting their website. Depending on the test results, you can either employ some DIY work to improve your home's water quality or work with a plumber like A.J. Perri to address your concerns.
Take simple steps to improve your home's water quality
You want the best water for your home and your family. Fortunately, you can take several smaller steps to ensure that the water you use for drinking, cooking, and cleaning is as clear and clean as possible.
Install a water softener. You've probably heard about hard water and how it can affect your water's taste and ability to leave your clothes clean and your fixtures sparkling. Simply put, hard water is the number of minerals – primarily calcium and magnesium –dissolved in your water. These minerals may not be harmful but can cause soap scum or unsightly spots on your glassware. A.J. Perri recommends the Novosoft 485HE Series water softener to remove these minerals and keep your water clean. A water softener may also help your plumbing last longer.
Consider a water filter. Instead of spending money on bottled drinking water, consider an inexpensive water filter that attaches to your tap or a pitcher-style filter you can fill and keep in your refrigerator. These devices include filters to remove various contaminants in your water. Make sure to replace the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Flush your taps before you use water for drinking or cooking. It's a good idea to let the cold water run for a couple of minutes before you start using it for drinking or cooking. Water can sit in your pipes for a while, where it may develop a funny taste. Are you concerned about wasting water? Use the “flush” time to fill a pitcher for watering indoor and outdoor plants.
Start with cold water for cooking. Don't try to save a couple of minutes by using hot water to fill a pot for boiling pasta. Hot water can dissolve sediments and contaminants built up in the water heater.
Drain your water heater annually. Water heater maintenance can save you money and keep your system running efficiently. Call A.J. Perri to schedule a water heater check. Our routine maintenance check includes draining your water heater and removing any sediment or minerals that tend to accumulate over the year.
Maintain your home's plumbing. Older pipes or plumbing fixtures can contain lead. Iron buildup can discolor your home's water and leave your clothes (and hair) a lovely shade of orange. If you want to repair, update or maintain your plumbing, A.J. Perri is your New Jersey expert!
Water is essential to life, and good water helps keep your home sparkling. If you're concerned about your home's water quality, if your clothes aren't as clean as you'd like, or if your dishes have spots, reach out to A.J. Perri via phone or contact us online. We'll help you find a crystal-clear solution to your water problems.