Every Water Problem Has a Cause
Many homeowners live with water issues for years without realizing they can often be improved through proper testing and treatment.
Our team helps identify the sources of common water quality concerns and recommends solutions tailored to your home’s unique water conditions.
Whether your water comes from a private well or a municipal source, professional testing can help uncover the factors affecting your water quality.
EXPLORE COMMON WATER PROBLEMS
Working with an authorized dealer means you’re getting more than equipment.
Hard Water
Hard water is one of the most common water issues in the Shenandoah Valley. It can leave behind scale buildup, water spots, soap scum, dry skin, dull laundry, and reduced appliance efficiency.
Common Signs:
- White scale buildup on fixtures
- Water spots on dishes and glassware
- Dry skin and hair
- Soap that doesn't lather well
- Reduced appliance efficiency
Smelly Water (Sulfur)
If your water smells like rotten eggs, sulfur compounds or hydrogen sulfide gas may be present. While the odor can be unpleasant, treatment options are available to improve water quality and eliminate odors.
Common Signs:
- Rotten egg smell
- Strong odor when using hot water
- Unpleasant taste or smell
- Odors from faucets and showers
Arsenic
Arsenic is a naturally occurring contaminant that can be found in some groundwater sources. Because arsenic cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled, testing is often the only way to determine whether it is present.
Common Signs:
- No visible symptoms
- Cannot be detected by taste or odor
- Requires professional testing
Iron & Rust
Iron in water can leave orange, red, or brown stains on sinks, tubs, toilets, and laundry. It may also create metallic tastes and discoloration throughout your home.
Common Signs:
- Rust-colored stains
- Metallic taste
- Discolored laundry
- Orange staining on fixtures
- Brown or reddish water
PFAS
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have become an increasing concern for homeowners across the country. Professional testing can help determine whether PFAS may be present in your water supply.
Common Signs:
- No visible symptoms
- Cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled
- Requires testing for identification
Chlorine
Many municipal water systems use chlorine during the treatment process. While effective for disinfection, chlorine can affect the taste, smell, and overall enjoyment of your water.
Common Signs:
- Swimming pool-like smell
- Chemical taste
- Dry skin or hair
- Unpleasant drinking water taste
Nitrates
Nitrates can enter groundwater from agricultural activity, fertilizers, and environmental sources. Because nitrates cannot be detected through taste or smell, testing is important for identifying potential concerns.
Common Signs:
- No visible symptoms
- Cannot be detected by taste or smell
- Requires water testing
Bacteria
Private wells and certain water sources can be vulnerable to bacterial contamination. Professional testing helps identify potential concerns and determine appropriate treatment options.
Common Signs:
- Changes in water quality
- Unusual taste or odor
- Cloudy water
- Requires testing for confirmation
Blue-Green Stains
Blue-green staining around faucets, drains, tubs, and fixtures may indicate corrosive water conditions or plumbing-related issues. Testing can help determine the cause and identify possible solutions.
Common Signs:
- Blue-green stains around fixtures
- Corrosion concerns
- Metallic taste
- Staining in sinks and tubs
ADDITIONAL WATER QUALITY CONCERNS
Working with an authorized dealer means you’re getting more than equipment.
Sediment
Hard water is one of the most common water issues in the Shenandoah Valley. It can leave behind scale buildup, water spots, soap scum, dry skin, dull laundry, and reduced appliance efficiency.
Common Signs:
- Cloudy or dirty-looking water
- Visible particles in water
- Clogged faucet aerators
- Reduced water pressure
Lead
Lead cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled and often enters water through aging plumbing materials or fixtures. Professional testing is the most reliable way to determine if lead may be present.
Common Signs:
- No visible symptoms
- Cannot be detected by taste or odor
- Requires laboratory testing
Cloudy Water
Cloudy or milky water can be caused by sediment, air bubbles, minerals, or other water quality issues. Testing can help determine the source and whether treatment is needed.
Common Signs:
- Milky appearance
- Visible particles
- Water that clears after sitting
- Changes in water clarity
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
TDS refers to dissolved minerals, salts, and other substances present in water. Elevated TDS levels can affect water taste, quality, and overall performance.
Common Signs:
- Unusual taste
- Mineral buildup
- Water quality concerns
- Requires testing for measurement
pH Imbalance (Acidic or Alkaline Water)
Water that is too acidic or too alkaline can impact plumbing, fixtures, appliances, and overall water quality. Professional testing can help determine whether your water falls within the recommended range.
Common Signs:
- Blue-green staining
- Corrosion concerns
- Metallic taste
- Fixture damage
Manganese
Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral that can create staining, discoloration, and water quality concerns when present in elevated concentrations.
Common Signs:
- Black or dark staining
- Water discoloration
- Metallic taste
- Fixture staining
Chromium-6
Chromium-6 is an emerging water quality concern that cannot be detected through sight, smell, or taste. Laboratory testing is typically required to determine whether it is present.
Common Signs:
- No visible symptoms
- Cannot be detected without testing
- Requires laboratory analysis
Other Emerging Contaminants
Water quality concerns continue to evolve as new contaminants are identified and studied. Professional testing can help determine whether advanced filtration or treatment solutions may be appropriate for your home’s water.
Examples May Include:
- Emerging contaminants
- Industrial compounds
- Specialty treatment concerns
- Advanced filtration needs
Not Sure What's Causing the Problem?
You don’t have to tackle water quality issues alone. Our specialists can help identify problems, explain test results, and recommend tailored solutions for your home’s water. Whether it’s hard water, odors, staining, or filtration concerns, we’re here to assist you.
WHY HOMEOWNERS
TRUST CLEAN WATER OF VIRGINIA
Local Water Experts Since 1958
For generations, homeowners throughout the Shenandoah Valley have trusted us to help identify and solve water quality problems.
Professional Water Testing
We believe solutions should be based on actual water conditions—not assumptions. Testing helps us understand exactly what's happening in your water.
Customized Recommendations
No two homes have identical water. That's why every recommendation is tailored to your water source, household needs, and goals.
Long-Term Support
From testing and installation to maintenance and ongoing service, our team is here to help long after your system is installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1How do I know if I have hard water?
Common signs include water spots, scale buildup, soap scum, dry skin, reduced soap lather, and mineral deposits around fixtures and appliances.
2Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?
A rotten egg odor is often associated with hydrogen sulfide gas or sulfur-related bacteria in the water source.
3What causes orange stains in sinks and toilets?
Orange or rust-colored staining is commonly caused by iron in water.
4Should I test my water if I have city water?
Absolutely. We regularly help homeowners identify common well water concerns including iron, sulfur, hardness, sediment, and other water quality issues.
5Can you test well water?
Absolutely. We regularly help homeowners identify common well water concerns including iron, sulfur, hardness, sediment, and other water quality issues.
6What's the best way to find out what's in my water?
Professional water testing is often the most effective way to understand your water quality and identify any concerns affecting your home.
Water Quality Resources & Education
Learn more about common water issues, treatment options, and water quality topics affecting homeowners throughout the Shenandoah Valley.
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Key Takeaway: A sulfur smell in water is often associated with hydrogen sulfide gas, but the source of the odor can vary. It may originate…
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