We all know that plumbing moves water. But did you know there are different types of water? Much of the water you receive isn’t exactly pure. In some cases, the quality of the water can affect your pipes, water heater, and water-using appliances. When it comes to your plumbing, there are different systems that handle water; the sanitary drainage system to remove wastewater, stormwater drainage, and potable water systems that let you use available water.
In this article, we will cover the types of water that you can encounter on a day-to-day basis.
Tap Water
The water that flows out of your sink faucets, is used in the dishwasher, and flushes a toilet is tap water. While it is generally safe to drink in the U.S., sometimes plastic particles, pesticides, and metals such as aluminum and lead end up in drinking water supplies. Another issue is hard water.Minerals such as calcium and magnesium can leave behind scaling that clogspipes, reduces the effectiveness of soap, and causes plumbing fixtures to wear out. Mineral scale can also build up in water heater tanks, causing your hot water heater to run less efficiently.
Minerals in your plumbing can also:
- Erode Metal: Acidic water can erode metal pipes, causing them to crack and leak. Alkaline water can cause issues as well, and may taste strange.
- Low Water Pressure: If your plumbing lines are blocked, the water pressure may be reduced and some appliances may not work.
- Increased Water Pressure: Pressure may increase depending on where the clog or blockage is, causing pipes, fittings, gaskets, and seals to wear out faster.
Mineral Water
Mineral water is derived from mineral springs. It contains calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. These can aid digestion and have other health benefits, despite the ability of some minerals to build up in your plumbing system. Mineral water is more costly than tap water.
Spring Water
Also called glacial water, it is bottled from the source where the water flows (or so many brands claim). You can find spring water in many stores and it’s relatively clean and toxin-free. It contains many of the minerals needed by our bodies as well. Potentially more expensive than tap water, spring water may be raw and unfiltered. The water often hasn’t been tested either; depending on the substances it contains, it can have health risks.
Distilled Water
When water is distilled, it is boiled and the steam is condensed back into liquid form. It helps get around the risks of drinking contaminated tap water. At the same time, there are no health benefits to drinking it because it contains no vitamins or minerals. Also, non-mineralized water can pull minerals from your teeth and other parts of your body that need them.
Sparkling Water
It goes by names like soda water or carbonated water. Infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure, sparkling water has no sugar or artificial sweeteners. It provides the fizzy texture many people prefer, but flavored varieties may have sweeteners. Some contain minerals that promote good health and that may be associated with plumbing issues. This means you can acquire them without the negative impacts on pipes and fixtures.
Well Water
Homeowners who live in areas where there are wells can get water straight from the ground. It is not treated the way municipal water supplies are. Well water is essentially raw and untreated. But you can take advantage of fresh water by testing for pH, nitrates, or bacteria. A filtration system can be installed to purify your well water supply. In some areas, the use of well water is highly regulated to protect people who choose to drink it.
Purified Water
Purified water has already been treated to remove bacteria, parasites, fungi, and other contaminants. It is a suitable option if you have a contaminated water source. In many countries, tap water is purified so even the water that pours from your sink faucets is safe. However, purification can remove fluoride and other beneficial substances. There are also special filtration systems that can purify water for your home.
Schedule Water Purifier/Softener Installation
Hays Heating, Cooling & Plumbing knows there are different types of water that may impact your home and health. If you are concerned about water quality, our licensed plumbers can provide a water purification system for your home or install a water softener. To get started or schedule an in-home evaluation, schedule service online or call 602-641-4473 today.
