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Residential Water Systems
Common Water Problems
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For more information, or to speak with an Atlas representative, please contact us online or call us at (800) 215-9966.
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Home >> Residential Water Systems >> Common Problems
WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT
Atlas Watersystems performs water quality assessments for any job. If you are experiencing any of the problems listed below please Call 800-539-1100 or contact us online for more information.
| Cause | Problem | Description | Typical Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | Red/Brown stains in sinks, tub, dishwasher, laundry. Metallic taste. | A naturally occurring mineral. Shows up in two forms; Dissolved (ferrous) and in solution or precipitated (ferric) particulate iron. | Ion Exchange, Oxidation, Filtration |
| Manganese | Brownish-black staining in dishwasher & other plumbing fixtures. | Also a naturally occurring mineral. Will react with chlorine bleach to intensify staining. | Ion Exchange, Oxidation, Filtration |
| Corrosion (Low pH) | Green/Blue stains in sinks and other fixtures. Shortened life for plumbing, water heaters, etc. | Low pH usually caused by excessive carbonic acid. pH is a measure of the acid or alkaline content of water. 7.0 is considered neutral. Low pH can cause pinhole leaks in copper piping, requiring replacement. | Acid Neutralization, Corrosion Inhibitor, Aeration |
| Hardness | White Scale on pipes and fixtures. Difficult to make soapsuds. Hot water heaters and other appliances failing in less than their expected useful life. | Dissolved calcium and magnesium. Excessive hardness is undesirable because it causes scale build-up in pipes and puts stress on water using equipment. This can significantly reduce the useful life of water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines and other fixtures and appliances | Water Softener / Ion Exchange |
| Hydrogen Sulfide | Rotten Egg smell. Silver tarnishes easily. | Dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas, can also be caused by iron or sulfide reducing bacteria | Oxidation, Filtration, Carbon Adsorption, Aeration |
| Tastes & Odors | Fishy, musty, or oily smell and taste. | Volatile organic substances, usually, but not always, harmless | Sediment Filtration, Activated Carbon |
| Turbidity | Water appears cloudy. Faucet screens may clog frequently. | Suspended solids may hamper disinfection efforts. | Sediment Filtration, Coagulation, Filtration, Activated Carbon |
| Radon | Impossible to detect without appropriate laboratory tests. | Typically originates in deep wells that tap radon contaminated groundwater. Releases into air when water is turned on in showers, faucets, etc. Can be serious health threat. | Aeration. Carbon may be used at low levels, but is not considered a good long term solution. |
| Arsenic (AS) | Impossible to detect without appropriate laboratory tests. | Occurs naturally through rock decomposition or from industrial uses. Mostly found as As III or as V. Can be serious health threat. | Depending on the form, As III or As V. Removal techniques include precipitation, ion exchange, reverse osmosis. |
| Salt Water Intrusion | Salty taste, heavy corrosion & salty build-up. | Usually shows up in wells dug near marshy or coastal areas. | Reverse Osmosis at the point of entry into the home. |
