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Why is my tap water cloudy?

In General Plumbing News and AdvicePosted
plumber in Mornington Peninsula

Why is my tap water cloudy?

Have you recently noticed a change in the colour of your water? Does it look discoloured, white or cloudy? Don’t panic! There’s a perfectly good explanation. Cloudy tap water is a common occurrence that many people experience around the world. It actually has nothing to do with the quality of your water, and more to do with changes in your pipes that can affect the water. Whilst it may look strange or off-putting, there is no real danger to you. You can actually continue to drink the water without issue. Get some advice from a local plumber on the Mornington Peninsula, as we discuss why tap water can turn cloudy, and what you can do to fix the problem.

What causes cloudy tap water?

Discoloured or cloudy water is generally due to a change within your water pipes. A rapid increase in the rate or direction of the water flow is usually the culprit. This could happen for a number of reasons. The water pressure within the pipes could suddenly change. This causes it to flow faster and potentially change the direction of the flow. This can then cause the water to stir up sediment in the pipes, leaving it suspended in the water. Eventually it will slow down and settles to the bottom once again. The sediment will give the water a cloudy appearance, however it is still completely safe to drink. This sediment is comprised of small amounts of rust and minerals which collect in the pipes. Whilst it may sound off-putting, water that contains sediment is totally harmless and drinkable because of how minute the amounts of sediment are.

Spring and summer water usage

Cloudy water can be common in spring and summer time, when water usage increases for most households. The increase in water usage leads to increased water flow through the pipes. This stirs up the sediment that has settled in the pipes over autumn and winter, turning the water cloudy.

general plumber in Mount Martha

How to fix cloudy tap water

Head to your nearest tap and run the water for 2-3 minutes. Be sure to collect the water so that it doesn’t go to waste! Usually, the sediment will have cleared after a few minutes and your water should return to its normal, transparent state. If the problem persists for an extended period of time, you may have to call in an expert to flush out the water mains. As a general plumber in Mount Martha, HRA Plumbing do not have access to flush the water mains. If you live locally, you should contact South-East Water on 13 16 94. If you live outside of South-East Melbourne, research the government body that is responsible for your water supply and contact them instead.

What causes white tap water?

If you notice that your water is more white than cloudy, this is most likely a result of air becoming trapped inside pressurised water pipes. This pressurised air results in thousands of tiny air bubbles. These bubbles can make the water appear white or milky in colour. Air can enter your water system when repairs are made to your network of pipes. If maintenance has been carried out, or a leak in another pipe has been repaired, this can cause air to become trapped. It may also occur if a pocket of air somehow becomes trapped inside your home network of pipes.

How to fix white tap water

Pour yourself a glass of water from the tap. If you allow it to stand for 2-3 minutes, you should notice that the water becomes clear. This is because the water is now in the open and is exposed. This allows the air to escape. Of course, the water only contains an increased amount of air, making it completely safe for consumption. The bubbles should rise from the bottom of the glass to the top, quickly clearing the water. After a few hours, the water in your network of pipes should also become clear again. This will make the water clear as it comes out of the tap once again.

HRA Plumbing – Your licensed plumber in Mornington

Cloudy, white, or discoloured water is never usually a major issue as it does not affect the quality of your water. If you give it some time, the water will generally revert back to being clear within a short space of time. For any other plumbing issues around your home or business, you can contact our experienced team of plumbers on the Mornington Peninsula. With over 15 years of experience, HRA Plumbing are prepared and ready to tackle any plumbing issues you may have. From leaking pipes to blocked drains on the Mornington Peninsula, we’re here to get your plumbing fixed in no time. Visit our contact page here to get in touch with a licensed plumbing contractor in Mornington.