Household Guide: How to Plan for a Healthy New Year
The health and well-being of your family are of paramount importance to you. So, if you're like many other people, you've probably made resolutions to eat healthier and exercise more this year.
But what if we told you some hidden risks in your home could be undermining your efforts for healthier living? The water you use for cleaning, cooking, and to drink is a vital component of your healthy lifestyle. It can also be the source of some hidden health risks.
Is There Lead In Your Tap?
If you suspect you may have lead pipes in your plumbing system or if lead-based solder was used in its assembly, it's possible that small pieces of lead have come away from the pipe through prolonged wear and have traveled to the aerator on your tap. The presence of that heavy metal can result in lead poisoning.
You can easily get rid of trapped contaminants, as well as any buildup of calcium in your aerator by unscrewing it with a pair of pliers, disassembling its pieces, and cleaning them carefully with a brush. Soak the pieces in vinegar overnight to dissolve any mineral buildup that may be present.
Clogged Drains
If you have a sink or a bathtub in your home that takes an unusually long time to empty, chances are there’s a clog congesting your pipes. Clogs happen when dirt and grease sent down the drain accumulate inside the pipes. Hair and other solid matter get trapped in the sticky gunk further aggravating the situation.
Blockages of this sort can result in water pooling and becoming stagnant in certain sections. This is an invitation for bacteria to develop. The standing water can also cause unpleasant fumes and odors that can be irritants to any members of your family who suffer from allergies or respiratory ailments.
The very best in drain cleaning solutions is a process called hydrojetting. Your local plumber uses special equipment that sends pressurized water at high velocity into your drainpipes, scraping away any buildup and blasting through even the toughest clog.
How Safe Is Your Drinking Water?
Recent headlines about contaminated water in Flint Michigan have called into question the safety of drinking water pumped into our homes every day. You can rest assured that water quality is tested frequently by local treatment facilities. They should be available for your review if you're interested in reviewing them.
For added peace of mind, you can also have the water in your home tested independently. If your water supply comes from a well, doing this is that much more important. To find out how to get your water tested, contact your local health department.
If you want to make absolutely sure that you're drinking water is as pure as possible all the time, we suggest having a whole-home water filtration system installed. These devices effectively eliminate contaminants like lead, magnesium, zinc, and others that may be present in your water.
For more helpful tips on improving the health and safety of the water in your home, contact the friendly Sun Prairie, WI area experts at Oliver's Plumbing. Our phone number is 608-834-8767.
