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Common Water Problems in Old Pittsburgh Homes

October 17, 2023

Common Water Issues & How to Prevent Them

Old homes in Pittsburgh can be a dream come true for many families, but they come with potential problems. One such issue is the presence of water contaminants often found in older homes.

Contaminants Found in Old Homes

The water quality in old Pittsburgh homes may contain hazardous levels of lead, iron, man-made chemicals, and coliform bacteria. Aging pipes can introduce heavy metals and chemicals into your water, such as:

Lead- Lead is a common problem in older homes because it can leach into the water from lead alloy or brass pipes. It can also enter the house through the municipal water system.
Iron is also found in many Pittsburgh homes, especially those with well water, and can create a red or brownish color to the water and an unpleasant taste and smell.
Cadmium- Cadmium can leach into water from corrosion of galvanized pipes, and long-term exposure can be hazardous.
Coliform Bacteria- Coliform bacteria are a type of microorganism that can indicate the presence of contamination in your water supply.
Nitrates and nitrites-Nitrates and nitrites are common in groundwater and can cause various health issues. These can cause harm to babies, causing blue baby syndrome by inhibiting the blood from carrying enough oxygen. High levels of nitrosamines can build in adults and increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Pathogens-Pathogens can also be present in older water systems, potentially leading to gastrointestinal illnesses. Parasites, bacteria, and viruses live in soil and can contaminate your drinking water through cracked pipes. Issues like E. coli and salmonella can cause significant health issues and can even lead to hospitalization.

Pesticides and industrial pollutants can also be present in the water, leading to potential health risks for adults and children. Finally, coliform bacteria are sometimes found in old homes due to decaying pipe materials or improper sanitation practices.

What To Do When Buying An Old Home

When buying an old home, it's essential to ensure you get a water test done. This is something other than what is typically included in a home inspection, so it's vital to ask for this service when you purchase. A water test can detect any of the contaminants mentioned above and help give you peace of mind when moving into your new home.

It also lets you know what to expect so you can budget for a water filtration system if needed.

If You Already Own An Old Home

If you already own an old home, getting your water tested every few years is a good idea. This can help you detect any contaminants that may have developed over time and address them appropriately.

With professional water testing by Aqua Solutions, you can quickly test for various contaminants, including lead, iron, man-made chemicals, and coliform bacteria. After testing, we can make recommendations for water filtration systems that can provide you with clean, great-tasting water.

Water Filtration Solutions

If your home has an issue with water contaminants, numerous water filtration solutions are available to help ensure that your family is drinking clean, safe water. Options such as whole-house water filtration systems, reverse osmosis systems, or ultraviolet purification can help to reduce and/or eliminate contaminants from your home's water supply.

While it is possible to install these systems yourself, it is always best to trust an expert like Aqua Solutions for your water filtration needs. They have decades of experience helping Pittsburgh residents keep their water clean and safe.

Taking steps like getting your water tested when buying an old home and considering professional filtration solutions can help protect you and your family from potential water contaminants. Contact Aqua Solutions today to learn more!

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Author: Gary Monks

Gary Monks has led Aqua Solutions since 1997, earning recognition as a water treatment expert with 25 years of experience. Renowned in Butler, he has won the Best Water Treatment award for three years and actively supports the community, including local sports and radio engagements.

How Water Quality Impacts the Taste of Your Food and Drinks

January 31, 2025

If you love hot drinks like tea or coffee or enjoy cooking, you're likely always looking to improve the quality and health of the daily foods and beverages you and your family consume. Why Water Filtration is Important for Your Home Water quality is crucial in many ways. High-quality water can elevate the tastes and textures of your favorite foods and beverages, making them safer and healthier for your family. By installing a water filtration system, you can: Keep Your Family Safe and Healthy The most important benefit of home water filtration installation is that it helps you achieve clean, contaminant-free water. Water filtration enables you to reduce your risk of waterborne illness, giving you peace of mind that your food and drinks are healthy and safe. Enhance The Taste of Food and Drinks In addition to increasing the safety of your food and drinks, high-quality water makes your favorite beverages and foods' natural flavors shine. Poor-quality water can introduce unwanted flavors, such as metallic tastes or chlorine, that can ruin the taste and quality of your foods and drinks. Impure water can also smell bad, making the aroma of food or drinks unpleasant. Additionally, water high in chemicals or impurities can make your taste buds less sensitive, reducing the flavor you experience in food and beverages. Get Better Cooking and Baking Results Water is an essential ingredient in many recipes. Higher-quality water can improve cooking and baking results. Water that is free from impurities and chemicals can help you achieve better texture and consistency, properly hydrate other ingredients, and achieve a better rise or fluffiness in your baked goods. How Water Filtration Works and Options for Your Home Water filtration removes contaminants, impurities, and unwanted elements from your water supply, ensuring that the water you and your family use is clean, safe, and better-tasting. Filtration systems achieve this through various processes, such as physical filtration to block particles, chemical treatment to neutralize harmful substances, and biological filtration to remove bacteria and microorganisms. The result is water that meets health standards and improves overall quality of life. When it comes to home water filtration, there are several options to suit your specific needs that we specialize in here at Aqua Solutions: UV Filtration Ultraviolet (UV) light filtration is a highly effective and chemical-free method for disinfecting drinking water. It exposes microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa to a germicidal wavelength of UV light. This exposure damages their DNA, rendering them inactive and unable to reproduce. UV filtration is an excellent solution for homeowners who want to ensure their water is free from harmful pathogens. It provides peace of mind and safer drinking water for your household. Reverse Osmosis Reverse osmosis (RO) is a powerful water filtration system that delivers exceptionally pure water by removing a wide range of contaminants. This system typically includes a small retaining tank, often installed in the basement, to store purified water for easy access. RO systems use a combination of sediment filters and advanced filter technologies, including carbon filters, to improve the taste and smell of water. These systems effectively eliminate heavy metals, pesticides, and dissolved solids, making them a top choice for homeowners seeking high-quality drinking water. Standard Filters Standard filters are a versatile and commonly used option for improving water quality. They come in two primary designs: cartridge devices and loose media tank-style systems. Sediment filters, a type of standard filter, are specifically designed to remove grit, particulates, and debris from the water. Additionally, standard filters can address unpleasant odors, discoloration, bad taste, and iron content. They provide a simple, affordable way to enhance your water's clarity and quality. Water Softeners Water softeners are designed to combat the challenges of hard water, which is caused by high levels of minerals like magnesium and calcium. These systems use a mineral tank filled with resonated media, such as resin or plastic beads, to filter out these hard particles. The media has a negative electrical charge, which attracts the positively charged minerals in the water. Water softeners are available in two main types: ion exchange systems, which replace hard minerals with sodium ions, and dual-tank systems, which feature two resin tanks for continuous operation. By softening the water, these systems prevent scale buildup, improve appliance efficiency, and enhance the feel of water for daily use. Ready to Enhance Your Home's Water? Call Aqua Solutions Today! Aqua Solutions is your top choice for home water filtration installation in Butler and beyond. Call today to learn which water filtration system works best for your home and get cleaner, healthier water!