Worried about your water quality? Here’s how to improve it

31 August 2023

From lead pipes to limescale, here are some of the common problems that can affect your water supply and how to fix them.

We’re lucky in Wales when it comes to water. We generally have a plentiful supply, and regulatory standards ensure that it comes out of our taps safe to drink. However, we’ve all had the occasional problem with funny coloured water or a strange taste, so it’s important to know what to do when trouble strikes. On top of sudden water quality emergencies, some people simply want to improve their water by removing chlorine or making hard water softer. As it’s National Water Quality Month we thought we’d give you some tips that will solve all your water quality problems.

1. Don’t like chlorine? Let your drinking water sit a while: Chlorine is routinely added to tap water at source to disinfect the water, but many people don’t like the way it affects the taste of the water, or worry about the chemical by-products formed when it reacts with organic matter in the water. If you’re put off by chlorine, simply letting your tap water sit for a while can help reduce chlorine levels.
2. Use a water filter: Another way to remove chlorine, along with many other impurities, is to use a water filter. You can either install a water filter system at your tap or use a water jug with a built-in filter.
3. Boil your water: Boiling water for a few minutes can help kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This is not usually necessary for tap water in the UK, but could prove useful in an emergency. If there is a problem with your water supply, always check what guidance your supplier is giving about whether you can boil and drink it.
4. Test your water: If your tap water looks or smells odd, you can locate your water supplier’s details here (for most people in Wales it will be Welsh Water) and arrange for them to test a sample of the water. You’ll be able to get the results free of charge.
5. Be mindful of household chemicals: Store household chemicals properly to prevent them from contaminating your water supply. Always follow local regulations when you want to dispose of hazardous chemicals.
6. Get rid of lead-based plumbing materials: If your home was built before 1970, it may have lead pipes. Lead can leach into your drinking water and pose health risks so it’s worth checking whether your home is affected. Your water supplier should be able to test water at your kitchen tap and, if they find lead, they will advise you on what to do. A short-term measure to reduce any lead is to run the tap for a while whenever the water has been standing in the pipework for any length of time.
7. Stay Informed: Stay informed about the quality of your local water supply. Welsh Water has advice on how to tackle common issues such as strange smelling or discoloured water, and has a postcode checker so you can check the water hardness and quality in your area. You’ll find it all here.
8. Consider a whole-house water filtration system: If you have specific concerns about water quality, such as hard water or high levels of certain contaminants, you may want to invest in a whole-house water filtration system. These systems can provide comprehensive water treatment for your entire home.

When to call a plumber

A plumber can play a crucial role in improving your drinking water quality in several ways:

1. Installation and maintenance of water filtration systems: If you decide to invest in a whole-house solution, your plumber can fit your new system and maintain it to ensure it’s working effectively.
2. Water softening: If your water is hard (contains excessive minerals like calcium and magnesium), a plumber can install a water softener. Softening water has multiple benefits: it can improve its taste and prevent mineral build-up (limescale) in your appliances and plumbing system.
3. Pipe inspection and repairs: Old or corroded pipes can leach contaminants into your water supply. If you’re concerned about this, ask a plumber to inspect your plumbing system for leaks, corrosion, or other issues. They can then repair or replace pipes as needed.
4. Cross-connection control: Your plumber can install backflow prevention devices to protect your drinking water from contamination caused by backflow events, where non-drinking water gets into your drinking water supply.
5. Boiler maintenance: Regular maintenance of your boiler by a Gas Safe engineer can prevent the build-up of sediments, rust, and other contaminants in your hot water supply, making sure it stays clean and safe to use.
6. Fixing leaks: Leaks in your plumbing can cause contaminants to get into your water supply. Your plumber can quickly identify and repair leaks to prevent further contamination.
7. Emergency response: In water emergencies, such as burst pipes or a contaminated water supply, a speedy response from a plumber can minimise the impact on your drinking water quality.
8. Upgrading plumbing fixtures: If you’ve got lead pipes, your plumber can help you choose and install lead-free replacements.

Need an expert? At ADS we can offer a speedy and comprehensive plumbing service. Get in touch today to find out more.