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Have you ever had water from your faucet that smelled like bleach? That smell is actually a combination of a variety of chemicals used to kill microorganisms and bacteria in the water. Tap water can also contain pesticides, hormones, toxic metal salts, lead, protozoa, bacteria, and microbes. Some of these things can come from the pipes.

Chemicals in Tap Water                                                      

To provide “safe” drinking water for the public, most water supplies within the United States are treated with chlorine, fluoride and arsenic.

• Chlorine – This is the bleach scent that makes your drinking water smell like pool water. It is used in water to kill specific types of bacteria. Once chlorine is in your body it bonds with other compounds which triggers the production of free radicals. As you may have heard, free radicals cause serious damage to the cells in your body.
• Fluoride – Fluoride is actually one of the most toxic substances known to man. This is a scary fact when you realize that almost all toothpaste, including children’s brands, contain fluoride. Unfortunately, fluoride can also be found in baby formula and bottled water, as well as tap water. The government allows the addition of fluoride in tap water even though it is known to be more toxic than lead and as poisonous as arsenic.
• Arsenic – According to the International Academy of Research on Cancer, arsenic is a Category I carcinogen cancer causing toxic heavy metal.

There are more than 80 contaminants in tap water throughout the United States. If you think about it deeply, you will realize that most people drink 8 glasses of water per day or more. This means people are consuming large amounts of toxic chemicals that are known for causing a variety of health issues.

This information often causes homeowners and those who drink water from the tap to become fearful. Obviously, it’s not healthy for human beings to drink tap water. In addition, some bottled drinking water has chemical as well. Be aware of false labeling on water bottles. The best option is to invest in a high quality water filter. You can find a variety of different designs and types on the market today.

Yes. There really are chemicals in tap water. While most chemicals used in tap water is meant to protect the public from bacteria and other harmful substances, the chemicals themselves are also unhealthy for people. Choose your drinking water wisely and be aware of what you put in your body to help lessen your risk of illnesses that stem from chemicals in drinking water.

How to Test Water Pressure – Mokher Plumbing

It has happened to almost every homeowner at some point. You or a family member is taking a shower and has shampoo and soap all over them and suddenly right as it’s time to rinse off, the water pressure drops and ruins the entire shower. At the other extreme, the water pressure can be too strong causing you to feel beat up by the water. This aggravating situation is often reported by many families in almost every neighborhood. Learn to test your water pressure in your home with these easy steps.

• Purchase a Water Pressure Gauge Kit – Local hardware stores carry residential water pressure gauge kits. The generally come with adapters that fit on water outlets and residential hose bibs. Read the directions carefully because not all gauge kits are designed the same.
• Select an Outlet to Test – If you use a well to supply water for your home you will want to choose a water outlet that is located near the pressure tank of the well. If your home receives water from a municipal water utility you will want select a water outlet closest to the water meter.
• Turn Off Appliances – Remember to turn the dishwasher, refrigerator and other appliances that use water during the test. This will allow for an accurate reading.
• Attach the Gauge – Carefully follow the instructions for your specific water pressure gauge and attach it to the water outlet.
• Open the Valve – Open the water valve fully.
• Read the Results – Read the gauge. Most will provide a reading below 50 psi or above 75 psi if you have a faulty pressure reducing valve.
• Repeat – Turn off the water valve, wait a few minutes then repeat the test. This helps provide an accurate reading in case something went wrong the first time.

This process may be easy for some homeowners while others may feel overwhelmed. If you have just done the test and you find that there could be something wrong with your water pressure, you should contact a professional for further assistance. If you are the type of homeowner who gets overwhelmed doing tests and DIY projects, contacting a licensed professional is recommended.

As you know, water pressure is highly important to a home. Imagine trying to wash the dishes or take a shower in water that trickles out. It takes a lot of patience and time that most don’t have in their schedule. Keep your residential water pressure at its best by taking care of the situation immediately and contacting a professional when needed.