The Water Store Wind Lake Wisconsin
The Water Store Wind Lake Wisconsin

Frequently Asked Questions

We offer many solutions to your plumbing, water treatment and well services.

The Water Store philosophy is all about educating and explaining to our customers the well construction, well system operation, plumbing, water softener treatment services and bottled water processes we provide. We want to ensure our clients are knowledgeable about their wells, water softeners and bottled water distribution services. Our dedication to outstanding plumbing services in Southeastern Wisconsin, paired with our exceptional customer serivce creates long-lasting relationships with our valued customers.

If you have specific questions regarding plumbing, types of well pumps, well pump installation, bottled water services or any other questions not listed below, please feel free to call The Water Store today at 262-895-6454. We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you may have.

Contact the The Water Store's plumbing experts today to learn more about all our products and services.



Why is my water foamy?

Foamy water is usually the result of dissolved air. Pour the water from the well into a clear glass and it should dissolve from the bottom up in a just a few minutes. If the water won’t dissolve, we recommend calling a professional plumber to test for harmful substances. Go to top


Why is my water bubbly?

Nitrogen, oxygen, and other atmospheric gases may dissolve in your water, causing small bubbles. Colder water with high pressure at room temperature is likely to bubble. Lowering water pressure will reduce the force the water comes out of the sink, thereby getting rid of bubbles. Go to top


Why does my water have black particles?

Manganese and/or iron buildup causes blackened water particles. Our professional plumbers at The Water Store can test your water for manganese and iron, and recommend the best treatment options. Go to top


Why does my water have oily or rainbow sheen?

Oily looking water is caused by sulfur bacteria which is not a threat to your health. However, it can cause pipe damage and wall casing damage when left untreated. First, try increasing the water heater temperature and drain the tank. If only the hot water is oily, have a plumber replace your heater’s magnesium rods with zinc or aluminum. If these tips don’t work, call our professional plumbers for pellet chlorination treatment. Go to top


Why are there white flakes in my water?

White flakes in your water are caused by calcium carbonate salt buildup. Calcium carbonate salts help make your water “hard,” and pose no health risk. A plumber may install a water softener get rid of the flakes. Go to top


What should I do if water is staining my plumbing fixtures red or brown?

Iron buildup typically causes red and brown rust stains. This is not a health concern, although iron may stain your clothing and dishes, as well as produce an odor. Our experienced plumbers can install a filter to remove the iron in your water. Go to top


What is causing my water to become brown?

Iron and/or manganese contamination can enter pipes through your soil, especially if you use an underground well. Rusty pipes may be another cause of brown water discharge. Brown water is not unhealthy but can cause discoloration, metallic taste, and bad odor. If just the hot water is brown, you likely need to replace your anode rod on the water heater. If both your cold and hot water is brown, call an experienced plumber to replace your galvanized pipes. Go to top


What do I do if my garbage disposal is stuck?

If your garbage disposal won’t turn on, the flywheel is likely stuck. First, turn off the power and try using a service wrench. If it still won’t turn on, check for clogging but do not put your hand down the drain. Also check your breaker and fuses if the garbage disposal is hard wired. If none of these tips work, call a professional plumber from The Water Store. We are experienced with repairing damaged garbage disposals and installing new ones. Go to top


What do I do about banging water pipes?

This condition is known as a “water hammer”, which typically occurs among pipes attached to a washing machine or dishwasher. When long pipes carry water moving at a quick speed, it often causes more noise. Professional plumbers can attach a vertical pipe, spiral copper pipe, or pressure-reducing valve near the water supply to reduce the pressure and eliminate the noise. Go to top


What causes my water to smell of gasoline?

If your water smells like gasoline, stop using the water immediately and have it inspected. If gasoline is causing the odor, a licensed plumber is required to install a treatment device, deepen the well casing, or install a new well.

Other, non-threatening issues which cause odor in the water could be iron or sulfur buildup. A licensed plumber can install new filtration systems or replace water heater anode rods to fix the problem.

If your water smells like gasoline, it is important to get an inspection from a licensed plumber before you continue use. Go to top


Is my well water safe to drink?

It is important to have your Wisconsin well water testing performed once a year for bacteria to ensure safe drinking water as suggested by the Wisconsin Water Well Association. We offer superior plumbing services throughout Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Walworth, Kenosha Counties and Southeastern Wisconsin. Our licensed plumbers can do this yearly maintenance testing for you. Go to top


Why does my water tank click?

There are generally two reasons your Kenosha water tank is clicking. The water tank either needs to be charged with air or the water tank needs repair or replacement services. On-site assessments are available from our professional plumbers. Go to top


Why is my water softener using so much salt?

How much salt a water softener uses depends mainly on the plumbing system’s condition. Older water systems are more likely to have defects which cause it to use too much or too little salt. Leaking toilets and faucets not shutting off completely can also cause softeners to use too much salt or potassium. Families who use a lot of water are also more likely to experience excess salt. If you do not have a leaky shower or toilet, you can purchase a salt-free softener or replace the resin. Go to top


Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

Hydrogen sulfide contamination causes water to smell like rotten eggs and can leave unsightly black stains. Wells and deeper plumbing systems lacking oxygen are more prone to experiencing hydrogen sulfide. This odor is especially present in hotter water. It can be toxic, but it’s usually detected before it reaches toxic levels. Hydrogen sulfide can occur in your water heater, softener, groundwater, well or piping. If you are experiencing a rotten egg odor and flavor in your water, our specialists can determine the source and provide you with affordable solutions. Go to top


Why is my water red and rusty?

Rust usually leaves a red, black or brown residue in your well, toilet, tub or sink. This can be a result of iron bacteria or ferric iron buildup in your water system. Iron bacteria organisms grow in soil and water on the surface and underground. Although iron bacteria poses no health risk, it can clog and ultimately damage your plumbing system. The dark red residue can also leave oily rainbow sheen to the water. Ferric iron, on the other hand, is oxidized by dissolved oxygen and forms from letting water stand for a while. Both ferric and iron bacteria clog pipes and cause low flow rates.

Yellow odorless water is more commonly found in older plumbing systems and indicates an iron buildup. This kind of water is also harmless to drink, although it can discolor clothing, bathtubs and sinks. You may also notice your cooked food has a black tinge and an unpleasant taste.

The Water Store plumbing experts can determine the cause and treat your water issues to provide colorless and odorless water! Go to top


Why are there red rings in my toilet?

Red rings in the toilet, shower and tile are also known as serratia marcescens bacteria. These bacteria are not to be confused with a ferric or iron bacteria buildup. Toilet bowls are the most likely to get these red dots because human feces contains serratia marcescens and it grows in moist environments. To get rid of these stains, spray chlorine bleach in the toilet bowl and tank. Let it sit about 15-20 minutes before flushing or until the stains are gone. Prevent any future buildup by always cleaning soap and shampoo residue. Go to top


When should I maintenance my well?

In accordance with the Wisconsin Water Well Association, our plumbers recommend you have your well tested for clean water once a year for optimal safety and quality. Learn more about our water filtration services. Go to top


How do I get rid of smelly water?

Smelly water is due to a bad iron filter not oxidizing the water with air properly. A new iron filter provided by The Water Store with fresh oxidization gets rid of odor in your water. We carry several sizes of iron filters to meet your iron removal and bad tasting water needs. For your iron filter needs, trust the best water filtration and plumbing experts in Southeast Wisconsin. Go to top


Why is my water red or yellow?

Signs of red or yellow water indicate a problem with your iron filter (and possibly the water softener) or having no water filtration devices. Red water is the result of iron bacteria and possibly manganese in the water, which can be easily corrected with an iron filter installation or adjustment to the existing filter. For more information go to the DNR web site http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/DrinkingWater/IdentifySymptoms.html. Our licensed plumbers are experts at treating iron removal and hard water in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Walworth, Kenosha Counties and all of Southeastern Wisconsin. Go to top


What is the most important thing I need to know about my well?

The most important aspect about maintaining your well is learning how to detect a problem with water quality or water quantity. Knowing what is important on the well log and the area you live in makes sampling unique to your water safety. Go to top


What kind of salt should I use in my water softener?

Most water softeners accept rock salt, evaporated salt or solar salt. Our professional plumbers personally recommend using Solar Salt for optimal performance and efficiency of your water softener. Go to top


Why is my water pressure low?

Low water pressure usually results from a plugged filter, low volume well pump, clogged piping, or a failing pressure tank. Low water pressure can be remedied by replacing your water pressure tank, replacing your well pump, or changing the plumbing structure of your home. The Water Store offers comprehensive plumbing services in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Walworth, Kenosha Counties and Southeastern Wisconsin. Go to top


Do you have plumbing services?

Yes, we provide plumbing services throughout Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Walworth, Kenosha Counties and Southeastern Wisconsin. Our professional plumbers are skilled experts in residential plumbing. Go to top


How do I get rid of rust on my tub?

Rust stains are caused by iron buildup. Most often, chemical sprays from drugstores are efficient for rust removal. Some people also use vinegar combined with dish soap as an effective alternative. If the stains are severe and don’t come out after multiple washes, give The Water Store a call. Go to top


Why is water hard in shower?

You may have a water softener which works to prevent scum and soap buildup. This often gives you a slippery feeling when you’re out of the shower. To soften the water you’ll need to incorporate a salt-based softener or reverse osmosis to remove water calcium, magnesium and iron. Go to top


My drinking water is not clear?

Milky or cloudy tap water is usually caused by tiny air bubbles in the water during very cold temperatures. Cloudy water is non-toxic and safe to drink. Your water will become clear if you let it sit for just a few minutes. Go to top


Why does water leave calcium deposits on a shower?

Lime and calcium residue in the shower and sinks is caused by a hard water build up. Too much hard water can clog drains, pipes, appliances and water heaters, thereby decreasing water pressure. Before calling our professionals for hard water removal, there are a few at home methods you can try. People often use vinegar to clean calcium deposits in appliances, dishwashers, sinks and showers. Other popular methods include industrial acids, high pressure steamers, and jet washers. If you try any of these home methods and are unsatisfied with the results, contact The Water Store experts to know just how to handle! Go to top


How do I solve arsenic problems in well water?

Arsenic is a tasteless and odorless semi-metal element which gets into drinking water through erosion. Common professional treatments include reverse osmosis, distillation or ion exchange. If you’re experience arsenic issues, switch to drinking bottled water and contact the Water Store experts to perform a well water treatment to remove the arsenic. Go to top

The Water Store offers full service plumbing, well pumps, well tanks, water softeners, well abandonment, iron filters, water heaters, reverse osmosis systems, garbage disposals, bottled water, whole house water filters and excavating throughout the following areas and the surrounding areas.

Big Bend
Bristol
Brookfield City
Brookfield
Burlington
Caledonia

Cudahy
East Troy
Elm Grove
Franklin
Franksville
Genoa City

Greendale
Hales Corners
Kenosha
Milwaukee
Mount Pleasant
Mukwonago

Muskego
New Berlin
Oak Creek
Pleasant Prairie
Racine
Raymond

Rochester
Salem
Silver Lake
South Milwaukee
Somers
Sturtevant

Twin Lakes
Union Grove
Waterford
Waukesha
Wind Lake
Yorkville

 
 
 

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