Plumbing Upgrades to Improve Water Quality

At A-Abel, we know what reduced water quality at home can do to your appliances and plumbing systems. The water reaching your homes can contain pesky contaminants that cause a build-up of stubborn scale, reduced efficiency, and clogged pipes.

If you’re wondering how to improve water quality at home, the right plumbing upgrades can make all the difference.

Why Water Quality Matters

Common water quality issues in Dayton, Ohio, include hard water, aging infrastructure, and potential contaminants like lead and PFAS. These can cause serious damage to appliances and plumbing systems, leading to issues such as:

Reduced water pressure and restricted flow from clogged pipes.
The shortened lifespan of appliances, such as water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.
Pipe failure and leaks due to corrosion and contaminants from old lead and copper pipes.
Bad odors and poor efficiency of water softeners and filters caused by hidden bacteria and microorganisms in well water and contaminated municipal supplies.
Changed taste and smell of drinking water due to high levels of chlorine.

Poor water quality can also affect your family’s health. Prolonged exposure to certain contaminants, such as lead, PFAS, and bacteria, can contribute to issues such as skin irritation, gastrointestinal illnesses, and the increased risk of chronic diseases like cancer and liver damage. Infants, children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems are amongst the most vulnerable.

The Best Plumbing Upgrades for Water Quality in Your Home

Improving your home plumbing system can bring you a wealth of benefits, including:

Enhanced water flow and pressure.
Less maintenance, fewer repairs, and longer-lasting appliances.
Better tasting water.
Softer hair and skin.
A boost in property value.

Ensuring you have clean, safe water at home doesn’t have to be expensive or laborious. Professional plumbers like A-Abel can help you identify and install the right system. Let’s consider the best plumbing upgrades for water quality, including water softeners, modern pipes, and whole-house filtration.

Water Softeners for Hard Water Reduction

Hard water is a common issue in many homes, affecting a significant portion of U.S. households, with some estimates suggesting as much as 85%. Water in Ohio is categorized as “hard to very hard,” with the city of Dayton having one of the highest concentrations.

Hard water is water with a high concentration of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, which leaves deposits inside your pipes and reduces the water flow.

Soaking fixtures, such as showerheads and faucets, in vinegar can help dissolve mineral deposits and enhance their efficiency.

One of the best plumbing upgrades for water quality is installing a water softener, which helps maintain fixtures and appliances by effectively reducing the minerals in your water, preventing scale build-up, improving soap efficiency, and reducing strain on plumbing systems, extending their lifespan.

A-Abel offers professional installation and maintenance of water softeners designed to improve water quality and reduce hardness. Request an appointment today.

Upgraded Pipes to Reduce Contaminants

Pipes deteriorate over time due to usage, water quality, and material. Old plumbing can lead to corroded pipes that release potentially harmful substances, such as lead and copper, into your home’s water. Older pipes are also more prone to developing small cracks, leading to water waste and leaks that can potentially damage your home’s structure, walls, and ceilings.

Low water pressure, discolored water, mold or damp stains, bad odors, and strange noises are signs it may be time to replace your old pipes.

If you have experienced these warning signs in your home, investing in new pipes now can prevent more costly issues later.

Amongst the best plumbing upgrades for water quality, modern piping materials can eliminate corrosion, extend the lifespan of your plumbing system, preserve your home’s structure, and improve overall water pressure and quality. Consider these options:

Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) — Highly flexible, freeze-resistant, and easy to install, PEX is suitable for hot and cold water supply lines.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) — Corrosion-resistant and lightweight, PVC is best suited for cold water supply, drainage, irrigation, venting, and pool systems.
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) — More heat-resistant than traditional PVC, making it ideal for hot water lines.
Copper — Extremely durable, long-lasting, and naturally resistant to bacteria and corrosion, copper continues to be a popular choice for both hot and cold water systems.

The skilled professionals at A-Abel in Dayton, Ohio, will recommend the best and safest materials to replace outdated pipes in your home, ensuring long-lasting and reliable plumbing solutions tailored to the local climate and water conditions.

Whole-House Water Filtration Systems

If you want to improve water quality at home, a whole-house filtration system is one of the most effective plumbing upgrades. It can significantly reduce levels of chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants that are not always completely removed by municipal supplies.

These systems treat water at the point it enters your home rather than at the faucet — guaranteeing a continuous supply of safe, pure water to all water outlets in your home, negating the need for multiple filters for different areas.

Although the initial investment can be high, a whole-house water filtration system can lead to long-term savings by:

Reducing the need for plumbing repairs.
Extending the lifespan of appliances.
Minimizing reliance on disposable filters and bottled water.

The benefits of a whole-house water filtration system include better smelling and great-tasting water, enhanced health benefits, and overall improved water quality.

Once your system is installed, you only need to worry about scheduled maintenance to keep your water supply running smoothly.

Other types of filtration systems for your home include:

Activated carbon filters: remove chlorine, chloramines, and sediment.
Reverse osmosis: filters out metals and contaminants from drinking water and protects appliances, such as coffee makers, ice machines, and kettles, from mineral build-up.
UV purifiers: use an ultraviolet lamp to kill bacteria and viruses.
Point-of-use water filters: under-sink filtration can improve water quality from your faucet, while shower filters attach to your showerhead to reduce chlorine exposure.

Consulting a professional plumber at A-Abel will ensure proper installation and maintenance of the best filtration system for your needs.

Smart Plumbing Technology for Better Water Monitoring

In a world of fast-growing technology, you won’t be surprised to learn there are smart ways to avoid potential water quality issues.

If you’re exploring how to improve water quality at home, smart plumbing technology, such as sensors, cameras, and dedicated apps, can detect leaks before they cause corrosion or contamination, monitor the performance of filters and softeners, track water quality, and alert homeowners in real time.

These innovations provide greater control over your plumbing systems, helping to prevent costly repairs and ensure consistent water quality.

Additional Plumbing Tips for Maintaining Water Quality

Implementing high-quality plumbing upgrades is important to ensure a safer water supply for your home. Tips for maintaining water quality include:

Immediately addressing leaks and plumbing repairs.
Monthly cleaning of drains to prevent clogs.
Quarterly cleaning and replacing faucet aerators.
Annual flushing of your water line.
Annual plumbing inspections and regular maintenance.
Biannual draining and flushing water heaters to remove sediment build-up.

A-Abel’s maintenance services help keep your plumbing system running efficiently. Schedule a free water assessment to determine the best plumbing upgrades for your home.