You turn on the faucet and fill a glass, only to notice that the water looks hazy or white instead of clear. If you’ve been asking, “Why is my tap water cloudy?” MN Plumbing & Home Services has a few possible answers. In this guide, we will explain when the color of your tap water indicates that you need plumbing services, and what a professional can do to get it clear again.
What Causes Cloudy Tap Water?
If you are wondering, “Why is my tap water cloudy?” the answer may depend on the following factors.
Water Pressure Causing Air Bubbles
The most common reason for cloudy water is aeration. When the water pressure runs high, it can push tiny air bubbles through the plumbing system. Those bubbles scatter light, which may give the water a milky or white appearance.
This type of cloudiness usually clears from the bottom up. Simply let the water sit in a glass for a few seconds.
Cold Weather That Holds Gases
Temperature plays a bigger role in water clarity than most people realize. Cold water can hold more dissolved gases than warm water, so a drop in outdoor temperatures during the winter months can make your tap water look cloudier than usual.
This is a normal, harmless reaction to colder conditions, and it usually resolves on its own as the water warms up. If your hot water looks cloudy, however, the cause is likely something else.
Sediment Buildup in Your Water Heater
If you are running a bath or a sink and wondering, “Why is my tap water cloudy ?” your heater could be the problem. Over time, minerals and debris may settle at the bottom of the tank. This sediment buildup gets stirred into the water as it heats and then moves through your pipes.
Unlike aeration, this type of cloudiness will not clear up while sitting in a glass. Flushing your water heater regularly helps remove this buildup and keeps your system running efficiently.
How To Solve Cloudy Water Problems
Knowing the potential causes of cloudy water can give homeowners a clearer starting point when asking about plumbing concerns. The signs mentioned above may help narrow down the cause and determine how your plumber solves the problem.
If the cloudiness clears in seconds, your plumber may suggest turning down the water pressure to prevent air bubbles in the pipes. Hard water and other supply-related water quality issues can also leave tap water looking dull or slightly discolored. If the water heater has been flushed and your system pressure is controlled, your plumber may suggest testing for a water-quality issue.
Call MN Plumbing & Home Services for Solutions to Your Cloudy Tap Water
If you are still asking, “Why is my tap water cloudy?” you might want to call a plumber. MN Plumbing & Home Services’s guide to water filtration might be enough to explain your next steps or help you determine whether your home’s water supply needs closer inspection. Call us at (952) 522-2231 to schedule an inspection in the Twin Cities Metro.