The Importance of Whole House Water Filters in the Wake of Water Main Breaks

June 18, 2024
Sink with brown water coming out of it

This month, the city of Atlanta experienced significant water main breaks, causing widespread disruption and inconvenience. These events not only interrupted water supply but also stirred up a substantial amount of debris within the water system. Such occurrences are not uncommon in urban settings, and they often lead to a host of issues for residents. Although all affected areas have regained full use of their water and plumbing systems, many people are experiencing the side effects. Read on to learn more.


The Water Main Breaks Can Cause Dirty Water

One of the most common complaints during these incidents is dirty water coming out of household taps. This murky water is a result of sediment and debris being dislodged and carried along with the water flow, contaminating what should be a clean supply.


In more severe cases, the debris can even cause clogs within the internal plumbing of homes. This not only affects water quality but also compromises the functionality of household appliances and fixtures. Imagine turning on your tap only to see brownish water flowing out, or finding that your shower head is barely dribbling because the pipes are clogged with debris. These are not just minor inconveniences but significant issues that can affect daily life and potentially lead to costly plumbing repairs.


Invest In a Whole House Water Filter After a Water Main Break

This is where the importance of a whole-house water filter comes into play. A whole-house water filter is designed to purify the water entering your home, ensuring that all the water flowing through your pipes is clean and free of contaminants. It acts as the first line of defense against the impurities that can enter the water system, especially during events like water main breaks.


Installing a whole-house water filter can help mitigate the impact of these unfortunate incidents. By filtering out sediment, rust, and other particulates, these systems ensure that the water you use for drinking, cooking, and bathing is safe and clean. Furthermore, they protect your home’s plumbing from the buildup of debris that can lead to clogs and other damage.


What Should You Do if Your Water is Brown

Brown water can show up in your taps because of minerals, rust, or sediments in your water supply. It’s usually not harmful, but you should try to fix it quickly. Here are some things you can do:


Run the Cold Water

Turn on the cold water tap and let it run for at least 20 minutes. If the water is still brown, you can try this a few more times.


Check with Your Neighbors

Ask your neighbors if they’re also seeing brown water. This will help you figure out if the problem is just with your home or affecting the whole area.


Contact Your Water Supplier

If the water is still brown after 24 hours or if your neighbors are also having issues, contact your local water supplier. They can check the pipes, find the cause, and might be able to flush out the brown water using a fire hydrant. You can find their contact information on their website or your water bill.


Take Other Steps

If the brown water is only coming from your hot water tap, try draining and refilling your water heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You might also think about installing a water filter system or water softener. If you have well water, consider adding an iron removal system.


Schedule a Whole House Water Filter Installation With Plumb Works

For residents of cities like Atlanta, where water main breaks can and do occur, having a whole-house water filter is a practical and proactive measure. It provides peace of mind, knowing that no matter what happens to the municipal water supply, the water in your home will remain clean and safe. Moreover, it can save you from the hassle and expense of dealing with dirty water complaints and potential plumbing issues. Contact us today or call us at 404-524-1825 to schedule a whole-house water filtration installation.

storm drain
March 23, 2026
Being proactive remains a key element of a successful business, and it certainly holds true when preparing for the possible devastating effects of stormy season. Spring remains one of the Atlanta area’s rainiest times of the year. According to Weather Spark, the average monthly rainfall from March through May ranges from 3 to 4.6 inches. Heavy spring storms can rain hard on a commercial facility. If unprepared, it can potentially lead to serious problems, causing everything from business downtime to costly repercussions. The following are several heavy rain-related issues that can cast a dark cloud on a commercial building and how to avoid them. Sump Pump: Fighting the Flood When it comes to flooding, stormwater remains a dreaded culprit. Having a properly functioning sump pump can help proactively help fight a flood. A sump pump collects groundwater from around a building’s foundation and pumps it away from the structure, deterring damage. Plumb Works suggests all businesses have one, especially those with a crawlspace or basement. Consult the experts at Plumb Works for sump pump installation, replacement, and preventative maintenance. Protection from Sewer Backups Heavy rains can overload a city’s sewer system. Backwater valves, a specific type of backflow prevention device, protect businesses from sewer backups by allowing wastewater out, but automatically closing to keep sewage from flowing backward. Plumb Works can install, test, and make sure your backwater valve is working properly. The Importance of Storm Drains Commercial storm drains are equipped to drain excess rain and groundwater from the areas surrounding a business, such as parking lots and sidewalks, preventing flooding, damages, and unsafe conditions. Some storm drain systems include a catch basin, which captures stormwater and separates any debris that may have come along with it. Having Plumb Works inspect, clean, and repair storm drains and catch basins can help businesses avoid a flood of unwanted costs. Cutting Out Grease Commercial kitchens require a grease trap, which keeps the plumbing system from being impacted by an overload of grease. If a grease trap isn’t functioning properly, it can have an adverse effect on a plumbing system during heavy rain. Too much grease limits pipe capacity, which can cause heavy rain to overwhelm a system, leading to backups. To avoid this, consult a plumbing professional company like Plumb Works that specializes in grease trap services. Avoiding Clogged Drains Plumbing systems in commercial facilities often fall prey to clogged pipes due to unwanted items being flushed or disposed of down drains. This can further complicate things when a mass amount of rain overwhelms a plumbing system. Businesses experiencing frequent clogs can benefit from hydro jetting. The most effective drain-cleaning solution available, hydro jetting uses high-pressure water jets to blast through clogged drains and restore peak plumbing performance. Schedule hydro jetting in advance of the rainy season to make sure pipes are functioning at their best under any possible pressure. Plumb Works Can Help Protect Your Business During Rainy Season Don’t let your business get washed away due to flooding and sewer backup challenges during the rainy season. Lean on a Plumb Works expert by calling 404-524-1825 or scheduling an appointment online.
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