If You See White Flakes In Your Water, Here’s What It Means

Picture this: you head to the sink to pour yourself a glass of water and notice something a bit strange—white flakes. Now, white flakes in water aren’t something you see every day, so you decide to pour it out and refill the glass just to notice them again. If you’ve stumbled on this article, then it’s likely you’ve experienced this at some point and are curious as to how they got there and what you can do about it.

Ahead, find out why white flakes are in your water and get tips from a professional plumber on how to get rid of them.

Why Are There White Flakes In My Water?

This is the million-dollar question, and we have answers. “Visible white flakes only form when certain conditions come into play such as heating the water, which solidifies the minerals, or sudden changes in pressure that dislodge buildup from pipes or fixtures,” says Danny Pen, licensed plumber and founder of New Era Plumbing & HVAC. “In many cases, old pipes or limescale deposits in water heaters are the real culprits behind those flakes showing up in your water.”

Similarly, if you are experiencing floating white particles, the water heater is likely the source of the issues. According to Alameda County Water District, a water heater contains a plastic dip tube, and as the tube gets old, it can disintegrate, sending white particles into the hot water.

Do white flakes in my water mean I have hard water?

Hard water occurs as a result of dissolved compounds of calcium and magnesium, other metallic elements. White flakes in water may be a sign that you have hard water, however, it’s usually a combination of factors in tandem that cause it. “If you see white flakes in water, it’s not just because of hard water,” Pen says. “You’re likely dealing with old pipes, limescale buildup in your water heater, or fluctuating water pressure.”

Are the White Flakes In My Water Safe to Drink?

According to Pen, white flakes from a faucet are typically mineral deposits like calcium and are generally harmless.

On the other hand, flakes from a kettle are hardened limescale and very dangerous because they can break into sharp, brittle pieces that pose a serious risk of scratching or cutting the throat and esophagus.

How To Get Rid Of White Flakes In My Faucet Water

Now that you know about the cause of white flakes in water, here’s how to get rid of them. For starters, Pen recommends installing a whole-house water softener to help remove white flakes from faucet water.

“It is the most effective solution, as it removes the calcium and magnesium minerals from water before it enters your plumbing system,” he says. “So, all your faucets and appliances like washers, dishwashers, and water heaters receive softened water, reducing mineral buildup and extending their lifespan.”

If you only want to improve the water you drink, Pen says you can install an under-sink water filter that reduces calcium and magnesium while also filtering out chlorine, sediment, and other impurities like lead or iron.

About the Experts

• Danny Pen is a licensed plumber with over 12 years of experience in plumbing and HVAC. He currently is the president of New Era Plumbing & HVAC which serves clients in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Sources

• WQA.org: “Water Quality Association: Scale Deposits“

• ACWD.org: “Alameda County Water District: Water-Quality Self Diagnostic Tool”