Although nearly every homeowner can benefit from filtering and/or softening their tap water, water treatment systems are still not “standard” appliances like dishwashers and washing machines that can be found in almost every home. But the truth is that a water treatment system can solve many problems in your home that you might not have even known were the result of poor water quality. Today we’re going to help you learn how you might benefit from treating your home’s water by talking about 10 signs that your home needs a water treatment system!

10 signs that your home needs a water treatment system

1. Your water tastes bad. You know what good water tastes like. If the water that comes out of your taps tastes strange, it’s because there are contaminants inside of it that are altering its taste. You should be especially suspicious of water that taste like chlorine, metal, grass or dirt.
2. Your water smells bad. Pure water is not supposed to give off a particular smell. Sulfur, chlorine, algae, copper, iron and lead are just a few known contaminants that can make your water smell bad, and they should be removed by a treatment system.
3. Your water is not completely clear. Pour some tap water into a clear glass and take a good look at it. Do you notice anything floating around in it? Does the water have a tint of brown, red or yellow? If your water is clean, it should be completely clear and free of any “floaties.” Otherwise, contaminants are almost certainly present.
4. You find limescale on your plumbing fixtures. Limescale is one of the most recognizable signs that your home has hard water. If you see the white, crusty substance building up on your faucets, sinks, tubs and other plumbing fixtures, you should take it as a sign that your home will benefit from a water softener.
5. There are stains on your dishes, clothes and surfaces. Your dishwasher and washing machine are supposed to make your dishes and clothes cleaner, not add stains to them. But if your home has poor water quality, contaminants can stain anything you put in those appliances. Certain water contaminants can also stain surfaces that come into frequent contact with water like toilet bowls and bathtubs.
6. Family members have unexplained illnesses. Although some water contaminants cause purely aesthetic problems, others can actually affect the health of you and your family. These health effects can range from frequent colds, flus or feelings of nausea to more chronic and serious illnesses. If anyone in your family is sick for unexplained reasons, your water might be to blame.
7. Your skin and hair are dry after showering. Certain water contaminants like chlorine and hardness minerals can dry out your skin and hair, especially after showering or washing your hands. Don’t just assume your body is naturally dry; there may be contaminants that are causing the issue behind the scenes.
8. You’re having frequent plumbing problems. Plumbing problems can occur for many different reasons, but poor water quality makes them much more likely. Some water contaminants can lead to drain clogs while others can corrode your pipes and cause them to burst.
9. You received a poor water quality report from the city. If you get your water from the city, you should receive a water quality report every year. If that report shows high levels of any particular contaminants, it’s likely that your home’s tap water is affected.
10. You had your water tested and found high contaminant levels. The absolute best way to know if you need a water treatment system is to have your water tested by a professional water quality analyst. EPA Water offers free water quality tests that will show you what specific contaminants are in the water that comes out of your taps and at what levels those contaminants occur.

If you have any questions about the signs that your home needs a water treatment system, or if you’d like a water system serviced or installed in your home, contact EPA Water Consultants, your water softener and water filtration system dealer in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We provide service all over Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including towns like Lansdale, Chalfont and New Hope, PA.

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