According to a survey conducted by Aquasana, 91% of Americans filter their water.
This number has increased by 25% since 2020. And chances are you’re a proud owner of a water filtration system too!
Sometimes, your local water supply might not have the cleanest water. For example, the water coming to your home may be contaminated with sediments and bacteria. Because of this, a good filtration system is crucial to ensure that you and your family always get a clean water supply.
But whole house water filtration systems are complex mechanisms and sometimes they will need repairs. The problem is that it can be difficult to know whether or not your system needs repair if you don’t know what to look for.
So let’s take a look at some telltale signs that your water filtration system desperately needs repairs.
Signs that your whole house water filtration system needs repair
Here are some common signs that there’s something wrong with your filtration system:
1. Change in Water Quality
One of the most common signs that there’s something not right with your water filtration system is the water quality. If your filtration system isn’t filtering the water properly, you might notice that your drinking water has a strange taste or it gives off a bad odor.
This could mean that the water is contaminated by bacteria, like E.Coli, and sometimes these bacteria may be harmful and can cause medical conditions such as diarrhea and vomiting.
2. Signs of Sediments
If your whole house water filtration system is faulty, you might notice tiny particles floating in the water. Drinking water with sediment and other visible contaminants can be very harmful, so you should get your filtration system checked immediately.
Also, these sediments can deposit along your pipes as time goes on and eventually cause blockages.
3. Strange Noises
Water filtration systems don’t usually make much noise, so if your system starts making odd sounds, this could mean there’s something wrong with it. These noises could happen due to problems with the filtration system’s internal mechanisms or they could be a sign that something is clogging the pipes.
Additionally, strange noises could mean that the filtration system is working harder than it should be, leading to bigger problems down the line.
4. Growth of Mold
Mold is never a good sign. According to the National Institute of Health, about 3-10% of people in the world have mold allergies. These growths usually appear as black or brown fuzzy growths anywhere there is excess moisture.
If you start noticing mold growing near your water filter, you should get your water filtration system checked. Chances are that the pipes of your water filtration system are damaged and leaking water into your walls—this could also cause structural damage if left untreated for too long.
Also, the mold could contaminate your water supply and this could lead to medical problems and may also trigger allergies in some people.
However, mold growth could indicate other plumbing problems like broken pipes that aren’t a part of your filtration system or could be the result of water leaks from faulty roofing. It might not always mean there’s an issue with your water filtration system.
5. Increased Electricity Bills
As mentioned earlier, a faulty whole-house water filtration system might start working harder than it should. This can lead to it using more energy and getting higher-than-average electricity bills.
If you’re getting unusually high electricity bills, it could mean there’s something wrong with your water filtration system. But problems with other household appliances could cause high electricity bills, so take it with a grain of salt.
6. Health Problems
If you or your family members start to feel sick after drinking or bathing in water from your home’s water supply, this can be a surefire sign that the water is contaminated. If this starts to happen, get your home’s water supply tested immediately and also call in a professional to take a look at your water filtration system to see if it’s what’s causing the problem.
What to do until a professional arrives
If your water filtration system needs repair, you should call a professional. Here’s what you should do until help arrives:
1. Shut Off the Water Supply
Look for the shut-off valve for your home’s water supply and stop the water flow. This will prevent any further damage to your water filtration system.
2. Relieve the Water Pressure
Open faucets around your home to relieve the water pressure so that the plumbers will have an easier time with the repairs. Let the water flow out until it becomes a small trickle.
3. Use Bottled Water
Until the filtration system gets fixed, don’t try to drink the water in your home. Meanwhile, drink only bottled water or try to pass the water through a drinking water filter if you have one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions about house filtration systems:
1. What contaminants can a whole house water filtration system remove?
Common contaminants include chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
2. Can a water filtration system remove hard water minerals?
Some systems include water-softening features to remove hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium.
3. How long does a water filtration system last?
With proper maintenance, these systems can last for about 10 years or more.
Give your whole house water filtration system the care it needs
Maintaining a water filtration system is crucial for keeping your system running at its full potential and giving your home a constant supply of clean water. If you feel there’s something not quite right with your water filtration system, get in touch with Voyager Plumbing, your reliable plumbing company that offers services for water filtration in San Diego today.
