Simple Ways To Fix Cloudy Tap Water - Common Causes And Solutions

Cloudy tap water is a common problem in the UK. It can be extremely off-putting, especially when it comes to drinking it. Fortunately, most of these issues can be resolved with simple techniques at home. The simplest way is to let the cold tap closest to your inside stop tap (usually found either under your kitchen sink, stairs, or downstairs bathroom) run for two to three minutes.

However, this doesn’t always do the trick, so we are going to identify the potential causes of cloudy water and give our expert opinion on how to avoid or fix the issue.

Why Does it Happen?

Air Bubbles

In some cases, the cloudy water is caused by harmless air bubbles trapped inside the water and it will clear by itself gradually. This is more common in cold water, and it will clear itself naturally by letting it rest for a few minutes. If this is the cause, the air bubbles will rise from the bottom of the glass and eventually disperse.

Hard Water

Hard water contains higher concentrations of minerals like magnesium, calcium, or other dissolved minerals. This may lead to cloudiness in the water. You may often notice white deposits on your kitchen and bathroom taps. These may be due to hard water and may lead to cloudiness. When the water is cold, these minerals can trigger a cloudy nature in the water. A descaling agent or a water softener can reduce the mineral content in the water and help to resolve this problem.

Sediment build-up

Sediments from the water supply system or plumbing system like dirt, clay, or sand can accumulate in the tap water. This leaves cloudiness in the water and makes it unsuitable to use. You may see visible particles in the water from the iron or minerals blended up in the pipes, while other sediments may enter through leaks or cracks in the piping. You can tell if sediment is the cause as the cloudiness will not settle and your tap will continue to produce cloudy water until a proper solution has been implemented (we recommend consulting a plumber).

Microorganisms

There are several waterborne infections that can be contracted from bacteria ingested in drinking water, which could be the cause of your cloudy tap water! Bacteria can contaminate tap water from several sources, like rivers, lakes, or groundwater. Luckily, the water in the UK passes through treatment plants which reduces the chance of bacteria getting to your tap, but it is still a possibility. Bacteria can also enter water systems through leakages or broken pipes that deliver water into your home. Once bacteria enters the water system, they multiply quickly which can result in cloudy water.

How to Get Rid of Cloudy Tap Water?

Identify the real cause

Before attempting any repair procedures for the cloudy water, you need to identify the actual cause of the cloudiness. Common causes like trapped air bubbles can be identified easily at home. This can be confirmed by filling a clear glass with water and checking whether the cloudiness clears from the bottom up. Maintenance on the plumbing system may also cause trapped air, specifically when you turn off the water supply temporarily.

Air traps can also happen when your hot water pipes run too close to your cold water pipes. Testing the water in a laboratory is the most efficient way to find the reason for the cloudiness or to find if there are any other contaminants you haven’t noticed. This helps to find reasons like bacteria, high mineral content, sediments, or any other contamination.

Let it settle down

In most cases when the tap water suddenly turns cloudy, the reason will likely be harmless air bubbles. Let the water sit for a while and observe whether the air bubbles rise naturally from the bottom to the surface and clear up after a few minutes.

You can also clear air bubbles from your water supply by running the cold water tap closest to your internal stop tap at full flow. While the tap is running, turn the inner stop tap on and off about five or six times to release the air from the pipes. The steady water flow prevents air bubbles from getting trapped inside.

Install a water softener

If you have consistently cloudy water or hard water, consider installing a water softener for clear and pure water. A water softener or a descaling agent can effectively reduce the mineral content in the water which causes cloudiness. It is efficient in lessening the issues formed by using hard water continuously.

Flush the pipes

Regularly flush your plumbing system to avoid cloudiness caused by sediments in the pipes. Run cold water from the tap for several minutes to clear out any sediment particles accumulated in the pipes. Repeat the process periodically to prevent sediment buildup and clear out the water.

Use a sediment filter

Installing a sediment filter in your main water line would be much more effective in capturing the sediments or other particles in the water before it reaches your tap. Sediment filters are life savers where there are heavy sediment issues. This could be a permanent solution for sediments and can ensure clear water every day. It is better to consult a plumber for advice and installation assistance.

Insulate pipes

It is always better to be proactive rather than reactive, so even if your tap water is not cloudy, you should insulate your pipe system to prevent external bacteria or other microorganisms from entering. It can also protect you from other contaminants that might be mixed in the water on the way to your tap.

Disinfection

If you suspect any microbial contamination in the water, test your water in a certified laboratory as early as possible. Disinfection is important for any sort of microbial contamination in the water. Consult with your local water authority or a water quality expert for guidance on suitable disinfection measures. Boiling water for at least 4 minutes is an effective method to kill bacteria and other microorganisms in the water.

Regular monitoring and maintenance

After implementing any fixes on a cloudy water problem, establish a regular maintenance checkup. Build a routine to flush your pipes, check the water softener, and replace sediment filters where needed. Regular monitoring of all these can prevent future issues with cloudiness.

Is it Safe to Drink Cloudy Water?

It depends on the cause of the cloudiness of the water. If it is due to trapped air bubbles, generally it is safe to drink. If the cloudy water is due to minerals or other contaminants, it may create some minor gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea or bloating. Bacteria-infected water could also make you ill, but the symptoms can be more serious.

If you don’t know the exact reason for the cloudiness, it is safe not to drink it until tested and rectified. Installing a good water purification system, a water softener or both can resolve most of the contamination issues. If bacteria is detected in your water, it is best to choose a UV water purification system, but the simplest way is to boil your water for approximately 4 minutes.

Understanding the potential causes and implementing appropriate solutions can ensure your tap water remains safe for consumption. Systematically addressing the issue could easily help you fix it and enjoy the clear refreshing water anytime. Remember to consult with experts if needed and regularly monitor the water and related appliances for a healthy and better life.