Between cooking, cleaning, bathing, and drinking, you use water in your home on a daily basis. That means if it’s of poor quality, it can impact the health of your family and cause other issues around your home. Fortunately, there are ways to combat this issue, including filtration systems and water softeners. Below are four of the most common signs that your home needs this type of water treatment.

How To Tell If Your Home Needs Water Treatment

1. Dark Stains on Toilets, Tubs, & Clothes

Water contaminants can leave unsightly stains on tubs, sinks, toilets, and even your clothes. Often, this is caused by a buildup of mineral deposits, rust, or dirt in your water, and it should be checked immediately. Water that leaves discolorations on your clothes or fixtures isn’t recommended for human consumption, as there’s no way to identify the cause of the stain unless you hire a professional to test the water. Some contaminants, such as heavy minerals, pesticide-loaded dirt, or rust, can cause skin irritation or an upset stomach if you ingest or come into contact with them.

2. An Unusual Smell or Taste

If your water smells or tastes weird, it’s a sign that something is wrong. From having too much hydrogen sulfide gas in it to containing high levels of salt, an unpleasant taste or odor can signal a number of issues, such as leaks in your system or an issue with your pump or filters. Water that tastes and smells bad isn’t ideal for cooking or washing with, either. Beyond not knowing what you’re ingesting or putting on your skin, it can alter the taste of food or leave traces of the contaminant and odor on your body, clothing, or dishes.

3. Buildup & Discoloration

High mineral content is often a problem with well water systems, as the water gets naturally imbued with minerals from the earth. This can cause a buildup of powdery, rough, or hard substances on your taps as the deposits collect on them. Not only does this mar their appearance, but it can also block the flow of water. In addition, buildup or high contamination levels can result in discolored water coming from the taps, which may or may not clear up as you run it, depending on the issue.

4. Malfunctioning or Poorly Functioning Appliances

Water that’s high in minerals or dirt will have a gritty consistency, which grinds against the moving parts of appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers. When this happens, they have to work harder than usual, leading to excessive wear and premature failure or breakdown. They’ll also struggle to get items as clean as they should, as the water will leave stains, residue, or a foul odor behind.

For an expert evaluation of your water quality and customized water treatment solutions, contact the plumbing experts at Northern Water Treatment in Hennepin County, MN. Backed by skilled technicians and more than 50 years in business, they offer high-quality plumbing and water treatment services, from sump pump installation to a large selection of water softeners. Dedicated to exceeding expectations, they’ll deliver efficient, affordable, and reliable work completed by licensed professionals. Learn more about their services online, or call (763) 274-1476 to schedule your water evaluation today.