Why is My Tap Water Cloudy?

Is Cloudy Water Safe to Drink?

If air bubbles are the only reason your water looks cloudy, it's safe to drink. But other causes might not be so harmless. For example, you do not want to drink if the cloudiness is due to particles like dirt, rust, or bacteria.

If your water also has a strange color (like yellow, brown, or green) or smells bad, it’s smart to stop drinking it immediately and contact a plumber in Sacramento, CA. Someone from Service Hero can inspect your system and tell you what’s happening.

Common Causes of Cloudy Tap Water

Here are some of the main reasons your tap water might be cloudy:

1. Trapped Air

This is the most common cause and usually clears up quickly. Fill a clear glass and watch it for a minute. If the cloudiness fades from the bottom up, it’s just air.

2. Hard Water

Water with many minerals, like calcium and magnesium, can sometimes look cloudy. This is called hard water. It’s not usually unsafe, but it can clog pipes and cause appliances to wear out faster. If this is a frequent issue, a plumbing repair service may suggest a water softener.

3. Sediment in the Pipes

If your home has older plumbing, rust and other particles might break loose and mix with water. This could mean it's time to replace some of your pipes or get a good system flush. A Service Hero professional visit can help determine what needs fixing.

4. Water Heater Problems

Sometimes your hot water looks cloudy, but your cold water doesn’t. That could mean there’s a buildup in your water heater. Call a plumber to check if your hot water smells like rotten eggs or is brownish.

5. Construction or Utility Work

If your water suddenly turns cloudy after road work or pipe repairs in your area, it might be from dirt or air getting into the system. Usually, this clears up in a few hours. If not, Service Hero can check your home’s plumbing to ensure everything runs smoothly.

What Should You Do About It?

If your water looks cloudy for just a few seconds and clears up, it’s probably just air and nothing to worry about. But if it stays cloudy, smells weird, or has particles floating in it, it’s time to act.

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Fill a glass with water and watch it for 1 minute.
• If it clears up from the bottom, it’s air bubbles.
• Don't drink if it stays cloudy or has a strong smell.
• Try using a water filter or boiling the water as a short-term fix.
• Contact a plumbing repair service to inspect the issue.

The folks at Service Hero have helped many people like you with cloudy water problems. Whether it’s a simple fix or a bigger issue, they’ll ensure your water is safe and clear.

How to Prevent Cloudy Water

To help avoid cloudy water in the future, here are a few easy tips:

• Flush your pipes monthly by running cold water from all faucets for about 5 minutes.
• Install a basic sediment filter to catch dirt and rust.
• A professional plumber checks your plumbing once a year, especially if you live in an older home.
• Don’t ignore small signs like dripping faucets or changes in water pressure.

Regular maintenance goes a long way, and calling in a pro like someone from Service Hero can prevent bigger problems.

Let a Pro Help

Cloudy water might seem small, but it can point to bigger issues hiding in your pipes. Don’t wait until something goes wrong. If your tap water looks off or you just want peace of mind, it’s time to seek help. The team at Service Hero is ready to inspect your system, explain what’s going on, and fix it correctly.

Clean water matters. If you’re worried, call a plumber today and let Service Hero bring clarity back to your tap.