From habits to hardware, there are multiple ways to improve water quality in your home. With a few changes, you can ensure your water is cleaner, safer, and even better tasting. Here are a few tips to get the best quality of water possible.
Install a Water Filter
The most effective way to improve water quality in your home is to install a water filter. There are a few different filtration systems to choose from. By law, all water filters must be installed by a licensed plumber.
Kitchen Filters
Improve water quality in the kitchen by having a simple filtration system installed under the bench. This will make your drinking/cooking water much healthier. It’ll probably taste better too!
Shower Filters
You can improve the water quality of your showers with a filter fitted into the shower head. Some homeowners have even reported that their shower filter has resulted in healthier hair and smoother skin.
Whole House Filters
If you want to improve water quality absolutely everywhere, a whole house filtration could be for you. Instead of being installed in specific points, it is plumbed in at the mains point of entry to your home. This means that you can be assured that you are drinking, cooking, cleaning and bathing with the best quality water.
Flush Your Taps
Most of New Zealand’s drinking water has acidic qualities. This means that heavy metals such as lead can slightly dissolve into the water over time. For best water quality, it is recommended to flush out around a glassful of water from your taps every morning before you drink anything.
This is especially relevant if you have been away for a long time, as the water has had much more time to collect contaminants. If your house has been empty for over a week, run the taps for around two minutes before drinking.
Note that the Ministry of Health believes that the health risks from heavy metals in drinking water are very low. Therefore, the purpose of flushing your taps is primarily to improve water quality, rather than mitigate health problems.
Use Cold Water
Avoid using hot water from the tap for drinking or cooking. This is because the heated water can actually dissolve chemicals contained in water pipes themselves. On the other hand, cold water isolates nasty bacteria, improving the quality of your water.
Boil Your Water
Boiling your water helps to remove dangerous contaminants, making it safe to drink. If you suspect that your water has been subject to contamination, always boil it first. It can be the case that a local community will order everyone to boil their water if contamination is suspected.
Keep Your Plumbing Maintained
Older pipes have a higher risk of corrosion, which can lead to lead contamination. By keeping your plumbing in good working order, you reduce the chances of lead in your water.
If you live in an older home, have a professional come out and check the pipes throughout your house. If your water begins to taste off, or does not look clear, call a plumber right away.
Talk To An Experienced Plumber
If you have any questions about how to improve water quality in your home, contact the team at JT Plumbing. Our plumbers have well over 100 years of plumbing experience between them, so they’ll be able to provide the right advice for your home.
