How do I flush my household pipes?
A bleachy or chemical taste and odor in the water in your home or business is often caused by accumulation of organic material in the plumbing. This organic material can be eliminated by flushing your water pipes. This procedure is outlines in the following steps:
1) Remove the screens (aerators) from the ends of the indoor faucets and run all of the faucets wide open and simultaneously for 3 to 5 minutes.
2) Flush the toilets 2 or 3 times each while faucets are running. Running all the water faucets and toilets simultaneously generates a large flow of water through the pipes and will hopefully dislodge any buildup of organic material that is causing the taste and odor problem. Removing the aerators before flushing the plumbing will prevent anything dislodged from plugging the screens.
3) After 3 to 5 minutes of flushing, turn off the water faucets, clean the aerators, and reinstall aerators on the ends of the faucets.

Show All Answers

1. What is done to purify the water before it comes out of the tap?
2. Who is making sure that my water is safe and healthy to drink?
3. Who should I call if I have a problem with my tap water?
4. How do I treat water during an emergency?
5. How do I handle water emergencies?
6. How do I flush my household pipes?
7. Is there lead in my water?
8. Is there fluoride in my water?
9. Can pregnant women drink tap water?
10. Can people with HIV/AIDs or weakened immune systems drink tap water?
11. Do I need to purchase a home treatment device to make my tap water safe?
12. Should I boil my water?
13. Do I need a water softener?
14. Should I buy bottled water or water at vending machines or water stores?
15. Why does my water sometimes look dirty, cloudy or have a strange color?
16. Why does my water leave spots on my glasses, coffeepot and showerhead?
17. How can I find out what's in my water?