Hot, cold or both
Is it the water or the plumbing?
Discolored or cloudy water, visible particles and odd odors can come from the water supply, but they can also come from a water heater, aging pipes or a single fixture. Check whether the change appears in hot water, cold water or both.
A symptom limited to hot water may point toward the water heater rather than the supply, while a change at every tap suggests the incoming water. An inspection helps confirm the cause, so you do not install treatment for a plumbing problem.
