Got a weird taste in your water? A funky smell? Not sure if you should take a sip or not? If you're thinking, "there's something wrong with my tap water!" - you're probably right.

There are all sorts of things that can go wrong with your tap water, from lead contamination to bacteria growth. And while you might not be able to see or taste it, that doesn't mean it's not there.

So how can you tell if there's something wrong with your water? Here are 4 signs to look out for:

1. Your water has a strange taste or smell

There are a few things that can cause your water to taste or smell differently. One is a change in the source of water. This could be due to a change in the season or weather conditions. If there's been a lot of rain, for example, the runoff from the streets could contain things like fertilizers or pollutants that can affect the taste and smell of your water.

Another possibility is contamination. This could be from something like a broken pipe or sewage leak. Contamination can also happen if there's been a fire near your water source. If you think your water might be contaminated, call your local water utility and ask

2. Your water is cloudy or discolored

If your water is no longer clear, that's another sign that something might be wrong. Cloudiness can be caused by several things, including sediment in the water, bacteria growth, or even pipe corrosion. If you notice your water is no longer as clear as it used to be, give us a call and we can help you determine the cause.

3. You’re seeing more than normal sediment in your water

If you're noticing an increase in the amount of sediment in your water, it could be a sign of deterioration in your pipes (especially if it's accompanied by a change in taste or smell). It could also be a sign of contamination from agricultural or industrial runoff.

4. It leaves stains or scum behind

If your tap water stains sink, tubs, or clothing, cloudy material appears in glasses of water, or the water tastes metallic, then there may be something wrong with it. The most common sort of stain your tap water may leave behind looks brown or orangish. These stains are often a sign that iron or copper residue leached into your drinking water. Your home's pipes that transport potable water to fixtures and appliances may have become rusted over time due to exposure to oxygen and moisture in the air (a process called oxidation), clogged with mineral deposits known as "scale", or corroded by acidic properties in some local groundwater sources.

If your tap water is giving you signs, then it's important to call a reliable plumber like Duncan Plumbing. We will be able to help you determine the cause of the problem and find a solution. In the meantime, try not to drink or use water from taps with these sorts of stains as it may not be safe. Boiling water before using it is also a good idea.