‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The Cast-Iron Reality Under The Streets A significant portion of the city’s infrastructure still relies on unlined cast-iron pipes installed decades ago. These pipes naturally develop a layer of sediment and oxidation over time, a process often referred to as tuberculation. Generally, this layer remains undisturbed on

‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The Threat of Hidden Lead Service Lines Lead remains a serious concern for buildings constructed before the mid-twentieth century. While modern water treatment includes corrosion inhibitors to prevent lead from leaching into the supply, physical disturbances or pipe replacements can compromise this protection. If your building has

‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Water Hardness and Its Effects Water hardness refers to the concentration of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. While most urban water in this region is considered ‘soft,’ certain zip codes that rely on local wells rather than mountain reservoirs can experience much higher hardness. Hard water

‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The Cast-Iron Reality Under The Streets A significant portion of the city’s infrastructure still relies on unlined cast-iron pipes installed decades ago. These pipes naturally develop a layer of sediment and oxidation over time, a process often referred to as tuberculation. Generally, this layer remains undisturbed on

‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The Maintenance of Roof Water Tanks High-rise buildings often rely on rooftop storage tanks to maintain pressure for upper units. These wooden or steel vessels must be inspected and cleaned annually to prevent sediment buildup and bio-growth, according to local health codes. If you live on a

‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The Cast-Iron Reality Under The Streets A significant portion of the city’s infrastructure still relies on unlined cast-iron pipes installed decades ago. These pipes naturally develop a layer of sediment and oxidation over time, a process often referred to as tuberculation. Generally, this layer remains undisturbed on

‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Jurisdictional Lines: Landlord vs City When facing severe plumbing issues, precisely determining legal fault is paramount to securing an immediate repair. The city is typically responsible for the integrity of the water supply up to the water meter, which marks the property line. Everything beyond that meter,

‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Why Taste Changes with the Seasons Many residents notice that their tap water feels or tastes slightly different during the transition between seasons. This is often due to a process known as reservoir turnover. In deep lakes and reservoirs, water temperature changes can cause lower-depth water to

‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Water Hardness and Its Effects Water hardness refers to the concentration of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. While most urban water in this region is considered ‘soft,’ certain zip codes that rely on local wells rather than mountain reservoirs can experience much higher hardness. Hard water

‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Aesthetic vs Health Concerns It is important to differentiate between visible water flaws and actual safety hazards to prevent unnecessary panic. The EPA defines secondary standards for things like taste, color, and odor, which do not usually signify a threat to health and are considered purely aesthetic