Well water is a critical part of life for those living off the city water supply. Maintaining your well extends the life of your well and ensures water is safe to drink. Over the years, wells encounter various issues, including mineral deposits, leaks, and contamination.
At Blue Heron, we manage well services across Bucks County and surrounding areas. We know a few things about well water problems and how to fix them. Here, we’ll discuss some of the most common well issues and what you can do to solve them.
Sulfur Smell in my Water
If your water starts smelling like rotten eggs, it’s likely a bacteria problem or a buildup of hydrogen sulfide. A water test will tell you whether bacteria or hydrogen sulfide is to blame. It’s important to define the problem to properly treat it.
Bacteria need to be treated with chlorine. Hydrogen sulfide might require a specialized filter and another purification process.
Weird Film on Dishes and Bathtub
If you notice a white filmy residue on your dishes or lining your sink or tub, it could be a well-water issue. The same white film may make clothing appear faded after washing or cause your hair and skin to feel dry and damaged. The culprit is hard water.
Hard water is simply too much calcium or magnesium in your water. The minerals build up over time, leaving the white residue behind. Hard water is more of an inconvenience than a major health issue, although it can affect skin and hair.
A water softener is the best remedy for hard water. Softeners remove the minerals from your water, clearing the water and that white residue.
Oily Water
Does your water have an oily look to it? There are a few reasons this could happen. The first is iron bacteria, another is pollution. Neither Is great for your health, and both should be treated professionally.
Well water should be tested as soon as you notice the oily film on the water. Don’t drink the water until you receive results from your test confirming it is safe to drink. An EPA-certified water test will tell you which course of action to take to treat the water.
If bacteria are the problem, a chlorine injection system will fix things. If pollution is the culprit, it may require a little more digging to determine where the pollution is getting into your well and why.
Orange Stains on my Sink
If you notice orange stains on your sink or toilet, it could be a case of high iron content in the water. Your water runs clear, so it can be hard to miss until you notice the orange buildup forming on white porcelain surfaces.
Scrubbing the orange away is a tough job. It stains badly and can be annoying to get rid of. A trick of the trade is vinegar or lemon juice. Add baking soda for a kick. This is a safe and natural way to scrub away stains without ruining the surface of your sink or toilet.
Scrubbing the stain away won’t keep it away. A chlorine injection system is often the answer to this problem. Talk to a professional about your options. A test of your water might find more than one problem. Treating these issues at the cause ensures they don’t come back.
Blue Stains in My Sink
Water can turn your white sink into every color of the rainbow if there’s a problem. The color of the stain indicates the problem in your well water. For a blue or green stain, it’s likely acidic water.
The pH balance of your water tells you if it’s alkaline or acidic. Too much of either isn’t good, but as a rule, you want it to be more alkaline than acidic. Acidic water happens for many reasons. For a well, the most likely cause is natural plant decomposition around the well. This might happen during rainy seasons.
A water test will tell you the pH balance of your well water. Based on the test strip, you can then determine how to treat it. A calcite neutralizer may be all you need. If levels are lower, under 4, a soda ash chemical feed pump might be required.
Regular testing ensures water is safe to drink. The best tests are those performed at an EPA-certified lab. You can also test at home with DIY test kits, but you should have the water inspected professionally once a year.
Call an Expert
Regular testing ensures water is safe to drink. The best tests are those performed at an EPA-certified lab. You can also test at home with DIY test kits, but you should have the water inspected professionally once a year.
If you live in Bucks County or surrounding areas and experience any of these problems, call Blue Heron today. Our team is equipped to handle any well water problem in town.