Quick Answer:
Most often the cloudiness is tiny air bubbles released when pressure in the pipes changes. If the milkiness appears immediately after a pressure event and clears from a glass within a few minutes, it’s usually harmless. Still, check a few taps and follow basic steps below to be sure there is no damage or contamination.
Why This Happens
- When pressure falls or rises suddenly — for example after a main repair, a valve change, or a pump cycling — dissolved air can come out of solution and form tiny bubbles. These make water look white or cloudy.
- Temperature and plumbing layout affect how much air dissolves into water; water that’s colder or under higher pressure can hold more air.
- Sometimes people mistake this for sediment or mineral cloudiness. That confusion is why resources on Air bubbles mistaken for sediment are helpful for homeowners.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Note when the cloudiness appears
Observe whether the cloudiness shows up immediately after a pressure event (e.g., after the water company finishes work, a valve is opened, or a pump starts/stops). Timing is the single most useful clue.
2. Check multiple taps
- Test a cold faucet at the kitchen, a bathroom sink, and an outside spigot if you have one. If cloudiness is only on hot water, the hot water tank may be involved.
- If every tap is affected at the same time, it points to a supply-side pressure change or air ingress at the meter or main.
3. Fill a clear glass and watch
Fill a clear glass and let it sit for a few minutes. If the cloudy water clears from bottom to top and leaves no residue, this behavior matches typical air bubbles. See an example explanation in Milky water in glass but clears quickly.
4. Run the cold water briefly
- Open a cold tap full for 1–3 minutes. This often clears loose air. If clarity returns, the issue is likely just air in the lines.
- If you hear gurgling, banging, or steady hissing while running taps, note it — those sounds can indicate trapped air or pressure irregularities.
5. Inspect aerators and fixtures
Remove faucet aerators and check screens for debris. Reattach and test again. Clogged aerators can change how air shows in the flow.
6. Observe over time
If the problem resolves within minutes to a few hours and leaves no color or odor, it was likely harmless air. If cloudiness persists, worsens, or contains particles that settle, keep testing and consider next steps below.
What Not to Do
- Do not crank PRV settings to chase clarity. Adjusting a pressure-reducing valve without proper measurement can damage plumbing or cause unsafe pressure.
- Do not assume all cloudiness is safe—avoid drinking or giving the water to infants if it is discolored, has particles, or smells unusual until checked.
- Don’t attempt major repairs (like replacing the PRV or cutting into the main) unless you’re qualified; call a pro for those tasks.
When to Call a Professional
- The cloudiness does not clear in several hours or recurs frequently.
- You see sediment, rust color, or particles that settle rather than dissipate.
- There is a strong chlorine or sewage smell, or you have low or fluctuating water pressure that accompanies the cloudiness.
- You notice banging, hammering, or repeated air noises that you cannot resolve by flushing taps.
Safety Notes
- If the water smells or looks like it contains solids, avoid using it for drinking, cooking, or bathing infants until it’s confirmed safe.
- When in doubt, use bottled water for drinking and food prep while you investigate or wait for a professional assessment.
- Do not use open flames or heat to test plumbing. Keep electrical appliances away from leaking or visibly compromised plumbing.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why did this start after my neighbor’s water work? Nearby main work can cause pressure swings and introduce air into your line; that often produces temporary cloudiness.
- Is this likely from the hot water tank? If only hot taps are cloudy, the tank or its dip tube may be involved; if both hot and cold are cloudy, it’s likely supply-side air.
- Can I keep using water for cleaning while it’s cloudy? For non-consumptive uses (washing floors, flushing toilets) it’s generally okay, but avoid using it for drinking or cooking until clarity and safety are confirmed.
For more related articles, see the White Particles, Cloudy Water, or “Milky” Water hub.