There’s no doubt that water is one of the essentials of life and a home devoid of clean water can be considered unlivable.
This is why most homes make conscious efforts to have quality running water.
Water contaminants can range from suspended particles, biological to chemical pollutants.
However, not everyone knows they need to decontaminate their water. One of the effective ways of decontaminating water is using water filters.
So, if you can’t tell when you need a water filter, this article is for you.
Here Are 10 Signs You Need a Water Filter at Home.
1. Bad Taste:
Ideally, water should only have a refreshing taste. Bad-tasting water is one of the first detectable signs that a home needs a water filter.
Any deviation from the natural taste of water is supposed to have a bad taste.
It could be a result of contamination from chemicals such as heavy metals, chlorine, and even biological pollutants.
The high content of minerals is known to ‘harden’ water, giving it a metallic taste.
Biological pollutants like the remains of dead animals like rats can also find their way into the water storage facility.
Such pollutant gives an offensive taste. One of the most utilized benefits of filtered water is the removal of water contaminants that can cause a foul taste in the water.
2. Odd Smell:
It’s almost impossible to miss this sign. Smelly water calls for a serious investigation of the cause of the smell since good water naturally has no odor.
The presence of smell is strongly indicative of contamination.
For a home situated very close to a chemical plant or landfill, the chemical wastes can seep into the ground and contaminate the water supply if not properly discharged.
Rotten egg smell in water is associated with high sulfur content which is an irritant to the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system.
Biological contaminants like rotting animal matter and algae can also be the culprit.
Any funky smell emanating from water should never be disregarded as it can be a result of serious contaminations that can lead to life-threatening health complications.
3. Cloudy and Tinted Water:
Particulate matter can distort the clarity of the water. This is another visible indicator for the installation of a water filter.
A simple way of detecting this is by pouring water into a clean glass, then observing for any floating particle or tinge of varying colors.
If you see any, it’s an obvious sign that the water filtration system is deficient and a new water filter should be installed.
A new filter might just be the simple restorer of the crystal clearness water should have.
4. Your Home Is Old:
In the year 1986, the use of lead in water supply pipes was banned. Homes built before 1986 are likely to be in danger of lead contamination.
The plumbing fittings used then contained lead and it can get leached into the circulating water at high acidity.
Lead is a very toxic element that poses serious health risks even at low levels.
It’s known to accumulate in the body system over a long period causing neurological damage and mental retardation, especially in children.
Installation of water filters helps eliminate lead in the water supply of such old homes.
5. Water Supplied From Well:
Over recent years, well water has increasingly become unsafe.
This is because of organic chemicals, pesticides, industrial and domestic wastes, and seepage from underground septic tanks that can ooze into groundwater.
Water supplied from the well is also exposed to pathogenic microbes that slip into it through water run-offs.
So, if your water source is from a well, you may want to use a water filter.
Asides from the healthy spacing of wells from sources of contamination, using water filters help to remove contaminants that seep into well water thereby making the water safe for domestic use.
6. Slippery Water:
Soft water when rubbed in between the fingers feels slippery. This is because soft water contains a load of salt, mainly sodium.
In excess, sodium can be dangerous to the body. This is why you may need a water filter if your water is slippery.
The water filter can get rid of excess sodium and other accompanying impurities like fungi that may contribute to the sliminess.
7. Scale Buildup:
Limescales are white materials that accumulate with time due to the presence of hardness in water.
Soluble carbonates of calcium meshed with impurities at the right temperature can form a hard layer covering the inside of kitchen wares, toilets, and bathroom plumbing fixtures.
While the carbonates themselves may not be considered harmful, the impurities meshed in between them render water unsafe for use.
Constant accumulation of limescale is an indication that a water filter is required to trap the impurities and minimize scale formation.
8. Appliance Breakdown:
Hardwater can be corrosive, as such it can damage home appliances that are directly in contact with it.
Particulate impurities can also clog small spaces and filter systems of appliances like water pumps, washing machines, and dishwashers.
Consistent breakdown of such home appliances that are in direct contact with the water supply may just be a sign that impurities are contained in the water.
A safe means of removing and preventing the impurities from causing damage to the appliances is by using water filters.
9. Skin Rashes and Dry Skin After Bathing:
A cold bath is normally meant to be refreshing to the body.
However, water with high chlorine levels can cause dryness of the skin even after taking a cold shower.
Impurities can also complicate this feeling by causing deposits of dirt and other impure particles on the skin layer.
In addition, occasional skin rashes that occur as a result of itchy skin after bathing has been linked to the presence of some toxins and contaminants.
Sensitive skins usually suffer from such rashes. These contaminants and toxins can be effectively removed by investing in a suitable water filter.
10. Persistence of Specks of Dirt After Cleaning:
Another visible sign that your home probably needs a water filter is the continued existence of specks of dirt even on recently cleaned surfaces and household materials.
Clothes may start appearing dingy even after laundry and traces of particles can be seen on washed utensils.
Also, face towels used after bathing can trap the contaminants in water, making them dirtier than usual.
Conclusion
The overall health of a family is, to a large extent, dependent on how safe their water is.
Now, the question of how to tell if you need a water filter in your home has been answered.
It’s left to you to be deliberate about your family’s health, by choosing the right water filter today and keeping your water safe from contaminants.
