Most people in the United States drink tap water. However, a study found that 71% of water drinkers sometimes use taps, and about 12% said they don't drink tap water at all. This statistic is worrying because, in addition to other unwelcome substances, more and more areas are experiencing problems with lead in water similar to those in Flint, Michigan. Here are the things you need to do to ensure the safety of your home.

Water filters are an effective way to protect you and your family from the hazards of poor-quality tap water. They can fit the main water supply system of your house (to cover all your water), or you can add one for a single water source. For example, some people may just add a filter directly to their main faucet line.

The choice here usually revolves around cost and expense. Normally, the cost of a whole house water filter will exceed your single production line. You can also save money by buying a water bottle with a filter, but you will be limited by the amount of water in the container. This kind of kettle filter also does not protect your other electrical appliances, such as showers and washing machines.

Make sure you buy filters quickly, as they are in great demand. For example, online appliance searches (including water filters) have grown by 26% in recent years. This is partly due to concerns about the recent Flint water crisis and other water issues that have spread across the country.

Corrosion of pipes is a serious problem, which can lead to contamination of drinking water. This problem is the main cause of Flint's water crisis, as years of poor maintenance have caused pipelines to leak and enter the water. Therefore, you need to take this issue seriously to minimize potential risks.

Talk to your local plumber and ask them to check all your plumbing. This process should not be considered a DIY step, because homeowners can easily miss signs of rust and decay. However, they can let you understand the severity of the problem and replace the pipe as needed. You can do it over a longer period of time or at one time to minimize costs or wait.

If you experience corrosion, you are not alone. According to our sources, pipeline corrosion has had a devastating impact on the U.S. economy, with annual repair and damage costs exceeding $9 billion. Avoid serious bills and potential water risks by repairing or replacing pipes before they are permanently damaged.

Finally, if you consider draining the water heater to protect yourself and your home from the danger of contamination, this will help. Your water heater may contain various heavy elements, such as different metals and minerals, which can accumulate at the bottom and cause potential drinking water problems for many people.

When you empty the water heater, you can also clean the bottom and remove these residues, flush it out and avoid serious system degradation. Equally important is that you can prevent the pipes from decay, which can lead to contamination and unsafe drinking water, which can affect the health of your family.

How often should you drain the water heater? It depends on many different factors. For example, if you have hard water, you may need to drain it at least two or three times a year to minimize the accumulation of minerals. However, Bob Villa and The Family Handyman stated that most people should be able to drain the water heater every year.

These simple tips are things that almost anyone can do for their own home. If you feel comfortable doing this, you can deal with them on a DIY basis. Or, you can hire a professional to manage them for you. No matter what steps you take, make sure to check each process carefully to provide you with the best chance to execute it correctly. Doing so will make your tap water still drinkable for years to come.