Waterworks Troubleshooting

Here are some troubles you may run into when using tapwater.

Check the shut-off valve near the meter box and the valve in the meter box. Are they closed? If so, open them by turning the valves.

If both are open, check with your neighbors to see if their water has also stopped running. If so, please contact the waterworks division, engineering section, at Minamisoma City Hall.
Tel: 0244-24-5272

If your water supply service is turned off due to construction, you will be notified in advance via the PR brochure and other methods.

It is possible that the water pipe has gotten old, leading to a buildup of rust within the pipe. It is also possible that there is a leak.

You will need to get the water pipe repaired or replaced. Please contact a designated plumbing/construction company.

It is possible that the gasket has been worn down. It will need to be replaced.

If you can’t replace it yourself, please contact a designated plumbing/construction company.

The tank ball in your toilet’s tank may be in poor condition, causing an overflow. There are some cases in which simply adjusting it will solve the problem.

If that does not stop the water from flushing, please contact a designated plumbing/construction company.

The direction or speed of the flow of the water inside the water pipe may change due to an accident during pipe construction or water outage, causing rust within the pipe to stream out and turn the water red. Please monitor the condition of the water for 1 minute. If the water does not become clear again after 1 minute, please contact the waterworks division, engineering section, at Minamisoma City Hall.
Tel: 0244-24-5272

If your washing machine is running when the red water appears, stop the machine immediately.

In most cases, this is caused by tiny air bubbles churned up in the water pipe. If you run the faucet for or let the water sit for a little while, the water will become clear. It is completely safe.

There are cases in which the water remains white even after boiling it. This may be due to the dissolving of zinc into the water from galvanized steel pipes. Even if you ingest more zinc than the needed amount, it will be ejected from the body naturally. Except in unique cases in which an extremely large amount of zinc was ingested, it will have no negative effect on your health.

This may be due to a miniscule amount of copper dissolving into the water from copper pipes and reacting with the soap and hard water scales, thus turning blue-green. Take care of daily bathtub or sink maintenance to prevent any soap or scales from building up.

Copper is an important an important component for people, and there is no problem accidently ingesting some if it is within the normal intake amount.

The water is required to be chlorinated as part of the sanitation process, which may cause the water to smell of chlorine in certain water supply areas or to certain individuals. If you let the water you’ve taken from the tap sit for a little while, it will cease smelling.