Who doesn’t love a relaxing soak in a steaming hot bath? It can be a little worrying if you’re sitting in a pool of cloudy, hot water rather than the crisp, clear, pure water you’re used to. If you’ve started asking yourself, ‘Why is my tap water cloudy?’, we have the answers – and they may surprise you.
Cloudy Hot Water From Tap – What’s That About?
First, let’s clarify—we’re talking about cloudy hot water, not the cold water supply. It’s crucial to make that distinction because while cloudy, hot water is very common and not necessarily something to worry about, white cold water could be a problem with the mains supply itself.
As for why hot water is sometimes cloudy, that’s probably something to do with your hot water system. And while it’s true that you should look into the situation if you’re getting white water from the tap, it’s not necessarily unhealthy. It could just be the result of hydrogen and oxygen – the natural chemical elements that make water H2O – heating up, expanding, and giving trapped particles and molecules look cloudy.
Related reading: Brown Water From Taps? Answer These 6 Questions
On the other hand, it could also be something else:
1. A Dirty Aerator
Is there an aerator on the tip of your hot taps? If enough sediment has become trapped, the extra pressure could ramp up the bubbles – and turn your water white.
2. Sediment Build-Up
It could also be sediment trapped in your hot water system tank, indicating that you need a professional hot water flush.
3. Natural Phenomenon
Another possibility is that the heating process has resulted in a cloudy appearance – just like a boiling pot on the stove can often result in the same bubble-induced phenomenon.
4. Mains Supply
As suggested earlier, it could be the mains if you’re asking, ‘Why is my tap water cloudy?’ and the problem is replicated in both the hot and cold taps. Cloudy mains water is prevalent after local water authorities work on a nearby supply pipe.
5. Pipe Corrosion
Rust or corrosion in your plumbing system, particularly in older homes, can cause discolouration or cloudiness in the water, particularly in hot water taps.
6. Water Heater Issues
An aging or malfunctioning water heater could also be responsible for cloudy water. Issues like faulty anodes, rusting tanks, or mineral build-up can affect water clarity.
The Easiest Way to Test Cloudy Hot Water
The quickest and most straightforward way to test your cloudy hot water is by performing a glass test. This method helps you determine whether the cloudiness is caused by air bubbles or something more concerning, like sediment or rust.
Step-by-Step Glass Test for Cloudy Water
Collect Water in a Clear Glass: Turn on your hot water tap and let it run for a few seconds. Then, fill a clear glass with the cloudy water.
Observe for a Minute: Let the glass sit undisturbed for one to two minutes. If air bubbles cause cloudiness, the water will clear up as the bubbles rise to the surface and dissipate.
Check for Sediment or Discolouration: If the water doesn’t clear or you notice sediment settling at the bottom of the glass, this could indicate mineral deposits, rust, or sediment build-up in your water heater or pipes.
Test Both Hot and Cold Water: To narrow down the cause, repeat the test with cold water from the same tap. If the cold water is clear and the hot water remains cloudy, the issue is likely related to your water heater.
What To Do Based on Your Results
The following steps depend on your findings once you’ve tested your cloudy hot water.
If the Cloudiness Clears Up (Air Bubbles)
If the cloudiness disappears after a minute or two, it’s likely due to harmless air bubbles in the water. This usually occurs when water is heated and can happen more frequently in the winter months when cold water is rapidly heated in the tank. There’s no need for further action in this case.
If the Water Remains Cloudy or Discoloured (Sediment or Corrosion)
If your hot water stays cloudy or shows signs of sediment build-up, you may need to take further action:
Flush Your Water Heater: Flushing the tank can resolve sediment build-up in your water heater. Regular flushing (about once a year) helps remove sediment and prolong the lifespan of your water heater. If you’re unsure how to do this, contact a professional plumber like the team at Ezy-Plumb.
Check for Pipe Corrosion: If you notice rusty or brown water, corrosion in your pipes or inside the water heater tank could be a problem. This issue requires immediate attention to avoid further damage to your plumbing system.
Consider a WaterHeater Inspection: If your water heater is old or showing signs of malfunction, such as cloudy water, it may be time to consider repairs or replacement. Professional plumbers can assess whether the tank, anode rods or other components are causing the problem.
How to Prevent Cloudy Hot Water in the Future
To prevent cloudy hot water, consider the following maintenance tips:
Regularly Flush the Water Heater: Flushing your water heater once a year helps prevent sediment build-up and keeps your water clear.
Install a Water Softener: If your home has hard water, a water softener can help reduce the mineral content in your water, reducing sediment build-up.
Maintain Your Plumbing System: Have a plumber regularly inspect your pipes and water heater to catch potential issues early and prevent costly repairs in the future.
Unable To Resolve The Issue? Call Ezy-Plumb
While cloudy, hot water from a tap is not necessarily caused by concern, sometimes, it pays to be sure. And with our fixed & upfront pricing, our 100% satisfaction and lifetime labour guarantees, you’re in crystal clear hands with the Bayside Melbourne plumbers here at Ezy-Plumb. Their fully stocked van is ready to serve locals and businesses in Bayside Melbourne, including Elsternwick, Elwood, Caulfield North, Brighton East, Caulfield South, Brighton and beyond.
