The Chemicals in Our Water

• Copper

There are two ways copper finds its way into your water supply—pipe corrosion and runoff from agriculture and industry. The most effective way to remove copper from your tap water is to have a professional plumbing service install a water filtration system. If you have corroded pipes in your home, consider replacing them to prevent water contamination.

• Lead

The major sources of lead in drinking water include lead plumbing and erosion of natural deposits. If your home was built before 1986, you might have lead pipes that can leach lead into the water as they corrode. Lead is absolutely toxic. In fact, there’s no known safe level of lead exposure. It’s a serious public health concern, especially for children, as it affects brain development, damages body organs, and affects pregnant women. If you live in a home built in the 1980s, reach out to a plumbing repair service for pipe replacement. Installing new pipes will not only eliminate the risk of lead contamination, but it will also increase the value of your home.

• Nitrate

Nitrate usually finds its way into groundwater sources through runoff from agriculture, industrial waste, and failing septic systems. High levels of nitrate in drinking water can cause a wide range of health problems, including nausea, headaches, heart problems, and abdominal cramps. A water softener system can help you remove nitrate and other contaminants from your tap water.

• Chlorine

Chlorine is added to drinking water as a disinfectant, but it shouldn’t exceed 4 milligrams per liter (mg/L). If chlorine exceeds the safe level, it can cause adverse health effects, including skin irritation, respiratory issues, and diarrhea. Some of the ways you can remove excess chlorine from drinking water include natural evaporation, boiling, and activated carbon filtration. If you need help with purifying your drinking water, seek help from a professional plumbing service. Experienced plumbers can help you install efficient water filters, test your water, replace corroded pipes, and provide you with professional recommendations.

• Mercury

Mercury is one of the harmful chemicals that may be found in unfiltered drinking water. Some of the natural sources of mercury include erosion, volcanic eruptions, and the weathering of rocks. Human activities such as mining operations and improper disposal of mercury-containing products are also major culprits behind mercury contamination. Mercury exposure can have a wide range of negative effects on the body, including tremors, kidney damage, skin rashes, digestive issues, and many more. Reverse-osmosis systems and activated carbon filters can effectively remove mercury from drinking water.

Need Plumbing Help? Contact Rooter Man Plumbing

If you’re looking for skilled and experienced plumbers to help you with your plumbing needs, reach out to Rooter Man Plumbing. We’ve been offering quality and guaranteed plumbing services for more than 40 years. Whether you’re in need of water testing, pipe replacement, water line repair, or water filtration installation, we’re here to help.