When you turn on the tap, you expect clean, safe water—whether it’s for drinking, cooking, or bathing. But what if we told you that even “clean-looking” tap water could be hiding contaminants that affect your health, your plumbing, and your appliances?
Welcome to this week’s Tech Tip Tuesday, where we’re shining a light on what might really be lurking in your water—and why now is the perfect time to test it. Our team cares about the safety and well-being of your family. That’s why we’re encouraging every homeowner to take a closer look at what’s flowing through their pipes.
Your Tap Water Might Look Fine—But That’s Not the Whole Story
Most tap water in the U.S. goes through a municipal filtration process before it reaches your home. However, that doesn’t mean it’s free from impurities. In fact, water can pick up contaminants from aging infrastructure, outdated plumbing, and even environmental runoff before it reaches your glass.
Here are just a few common substances that might be hiding in your tap water:
- Chlorine – Used to disinfect water, but may cause skin irritation or unpleasant tastes
- Lead – Often found in older pipes or solder joints, especially in homes built before 1986
- Pesticides and Herbicides – Runoff from agriculture can end up in groundwater
- Hard Water Minerals (Calcium & Magnesium) – Cause buildup in pipes, reduce appliance lifespan
- PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”) – Man-made chemicals found in many industrial and household products
Just because water looks clear doesn’t mean it’s clean. Some of the most dangerous contaminants are invisible to the naked eye—and tasteless, too.
Why Water Testing Matters
If you’ve ever noticed a strange odor, cloudy appearance, or buildup on your faucets, those are red flags that something may be wrong with your water quality. But even without visible symptoms, routine testing is the only way to know for sure.
Aside from testing your home’s water with our team, you can also do a search online to learn more about general water quality in our area. Enter your ZIP code and find out what contaminants are common in your area. It’s a smart first step in understanding what your family is exposed to every day.
What You Can Do About It
We offer comprehensive water filtration and treatment solutions designed to fit your home’s needs. Whether you’re dealing with hard water, foul odors, or potential chemical contamination, we’ll help you choose the right system—such as:
- Whole-home water filtration systems
- Under-sink reverse osmosis systems
- Water softeners to combat hard water damage
These systems remove harmful substances, improve the taste of your water, and protect your plumbing and appliances from long-term damage.
Share What You’re Seeing – Client Photos & Videos Welcome!
Have you noticed cloudy water, staining on fixtures, or residue on your dishes? We want to hear from you! Send us your photos or videos showing your water concerns and we’ll feature a few in upcoming Tech Tip Tuesday posts. It’s a great way to spread awareness and get personalized insight from our plumbing professionals.
Don’t Wait—Get Your Water Tested Today
If you’re unsure what’s coming out of your taps, it’s time to find out. We’re here to help you understand more about water testing and treatment options. Our licensed plumbers are here to help you understand your results and recommend the best path forward for cleaner, safer water in your home.
Tech Tip Tuesday Reminder: Don’t assume your water is safe—test it, treat it, and trust our team of experts to help you protect what matters most.
Contact Althoff Home Services today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Chicago’s Choice Since 1961. Hand It Off to Althoff!