If you’ve ever noticed blue-green staining on your fixtures, you may wonder what causes it and how to prevent it. Here’s a quick rundown of the most likely culprits and how a whole-home water filtration system from LaChance Water Filtration can stop it from happening again.
What is blue-green staining on fixtures, and how does it happen?
Blue-green staining often appears on fixtures such as showers, tubs, faucets, and toilets. This discoloration occurs when copper precipitates from the water. Water evaporates and leaves the mineral behind, if blue-green stains are developing, then copper is present in the water at some level. Why is there copper in the water? Copper piping is very common in homes, so if you see blue-green stains on your fixtures, it is a good indicator that your water is corrosive/aggressive. Corrosive water will dissolve away the copper in your house plumbing; how fast this occurs depends on how corrosive the water is. It could be a sign of corrosion if you notice blue-green staining or a bitter taste in your drinking water. Copper piping can also suffer pitting or pinhole leaks which are further signs that corrosion is occurring and will need to be corrected to avoid further leaks.
Lead is also present in some home distribution systems. If there is copper present in the supply, there is a possibility of lead being present as well. Some older homes may have lead solder that was used to join the copper pipes. Lead is also present in some brass fittings that may have been used in constructing the distribution system. There is a new law that ensures lead-free brass is installed on newer homes, but there are tons of homes out there built before the new law that was established in 2014. Also, “lead-free” does not mean there is no lead, it means there has to be less than .25% lead in the fitting production. Unfortunately, lead in the water supply will not leave any signs it is there like copper or iron does. The only way to know if lead is present in the supply is to test it at a certified lab.
To ensure the safety of yourself and your family members, it is essential to test your water periodically. If you are seeing signs of corrosion, it is even more important to test the water and ensure it does not contain high levels of copper and lead. Testing will provide peace of mind knowing whether corrosion is occurring or some other kind of remediation action needs to be taken. Water tests will determine if pH levels are in the normal range (6.5 – 8 . 5), identify copper deposits, and confirm the presence/absence of hazardous materials such as lead—providing an invaluable safeguard against potentially dangerous pollutants lurking within plumbing systems. Testing is especially crucial if you live in the Lakes Region and have a well.
Are there any long-term effects of blue-green staining on your fixtures and appliances in my home?
Blue-green staining caused by copper deposits can significantly affect the long-term condition of fixtures and appliances in your home. Not only does it create an eyesore, but it can corrode surfaces and damage plumbing over time. The longer you allow it to go untreated, the more difficult and expensive it will be to reverse the damage done. To avoid causing ongoing deterioration of your appliances, it is vital to take steps now to eliminate any staining caused by copper deposit build-up. Taking care of blue-green staining today can help save you from costly repairs tomorrow.
How can I avoid future problems with blue-green staining with a whole-home water filtration system?
Installing a whole-home water filtration system effectively avoids future problems with blue-green staining if the incoming water is corrosive. This system will treat all the incoming water in your home so that it is no longer corrosive and stop the blue-green staining. Before any filtration system is applied, it is crucial to understand why you are experiencing blue-green stains. Many things can cause the water to be corrosive, and professionals will need to assist with determining the cause. Corrosion can come from improperly grounded electrical systems, high mineral content, low mineral content, low alkalinity and dissolved gasses to name a few. If you’re experiencing blue-green staining on your fixtures, taking action is important to prevent any long-term damage. At LaChance Water Filtration, we need to understand the cause of the corrosion before we can apply a solution. In many cases, a whole-home water filtration system will eliminate corrosion and provide peace of mind for you and your family.
Don’t let blue-green staining cause costly damage to your plumbing and appliances. Contact us today to learn more about our whole-home water filtration system and how it can help prevent future staining issues. Our team of experts can answer any questions and help you understand what is going on with your water.
In addition to preventing blue-green staining, our water filtration systems can also improve the taste and odor of your drinking water while removing harmful contaminants like lead. Take control of the quality of your water with LaChance Water Filtration. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and enjoy clean, safe water throughout your home.
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