CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Many area homeowners assume clear tap water means it’s safe—but experts say this perception can be misleading. In a recent Ask the Pros podcast, Mark Biggs of Lanz Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Underground Solutions highlighted common household water issues and how to tackle them.
“People are realizing their water isn’t necessarily what they think it is,” Biggs said. “Even if it looks clear, there can still be harmful impurities coming from the city supply or from private wells.”
Biggs, who oversees special projects and water quality at Lanz, noted that minerals and impurities—from municipal sources or wells—can cause hard water problems. “Hard water,” rich in calcium and magnesium, often leaves scale in fixtures, soap scum, and water spots on dishes. Lanz offers water softeners, which remove these minerals before they enter your home plumbing.
“You’ll notice it on your shower walls, your faucet aerators, and the spots left on your dishes,” he said. “That buildup isn’t just a cleaning nuisance—it can also damage plumbing and appliances over time.”
But for drinking water, simple filters aren’t always enough. Biggs recommends reverse osmosis systems, typically installed under kitchen sinks, to eliminate chemicals, bacteria, and odors—offering pure-tasting water through a dedicated faucet.
“For the cleanest, best-tasting drinking water, we install reverse osmosis systems,” Biggs explained. “They remove bacteria, forever chemicals, and other contaminants. The systems go right under your sink and deliver filtered water through a dedicated faucet.”
Determining the right system begins with testing. Lanz professionals collect water samples and send them to a lab, then provide homeowners with tailored recommendations. “We can take a sample from your home and send it to a lab,” he said. “Once we know what’s in it, we’ll give you recommendations based on your specific needs.”
Lanz Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Underground Solutions is located at 2709 W Clark Road, Champaign, and is available 24/7 at (217) 355-5512. Their website—https://lanzinc.com/plumbing/water-treatment—offers service info and appointment scheduling.
Homeowners concerned about hard water or water quality are encouraged to contact Lanz for a free consultation and professional assessment.
