Why The Water From Your Sink Looks Cloudy And When To Call A Plumber For Help
Posted on: 16 July 2020
It can be alarming when the water from your kitchen sink suddenly turns milky or cloudy. As frightening as it may look, the change in your water isn't always a dangerous thing. Here are reasons your water can turn cloudy and when you need to have your plumbing checked by a professional.
The Reasons Water Turns Cloudy
Examine the water as you fill a glass and then put the glass aside and watch how the water clears. This gives you a clue to the problem. If the water is milky or cloudy and it turns clear from the bottom up in a few minutes, the problem is probably air mixed with the water.
As the air bubbles rise to the top of the glass, the water clears. This type of cloudy water is usually safe to drink, but when the change happens suddenly, you may want to uncover the cause.
Debris in the line can also cause the water to look cloudy, but in this case, the water doesn't clear. When you let the water rest, debris settles to the bottom rather than vanish. The debris might be rust or hard water scale. The debris could indicate a problem with your water heater or plumbing pipes.
When To Call A Plumber For Help
Your water may be safe to drink when it has a hard water scale, but you may not feel comfortable drinking water with debris in it, so calling a plumber is a good idea. If your water develops a foul odor, color, or debris, call a plumber to uncover the cause and to determine if your water is safe to drink. You might need some repairs done on your plumbing, such as flushing the water heater, to get the water to clear up again.
Air can get in the plumbing due to pressure changes in the municipal water supply, so you may want to call the water office first and have them investigate before you call a plumber. If the problem persists, call a plumber and have them check your pipes.
The pressure might be too high and the plumber can correct this by adjusting the pressure reducing valve. Even if the water is safe to drink, you may not feel comfortable with the milky appearance due to the air mixed in the water. Your plumber might recommend installing an air elimination device as a permanent solution.
However, if the only problem with your water is air bubbles, and the plumber deems your water safe to drink, then no repairs should be necessary, but you'll have gained peace of mind from the plumber's visit that your water is safe.
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