Can You Safely Guzzle Down Bathroom Water?
November 18, 2023
source: Kinga Krzeminska / Getty Images
When it comes to staying hydrated, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t the faucet in your bathroom. In fact, the idea of sipping water from the same place where you brush your teeth might make you cringe. But let’s cut to the chase – is it safe to drink water from the bathroom?
The short answer is yes, most of the time. Modern plumbing systems are designed to deliver clean and safe water to every tap in your home, bathroom included. The water that flows from your bathroom faucet generally comes from the same source as the kitchen tap or any other water outlet in your house.
However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind. The first is the age of your plumbing. If your house is a relic from the last century, your pipes might be rusting away like an old bike left out in the rain. In such cases, there’s a chance that the water could pick up some funky flavors or even contaminants from the aging pipes. But fear not, unless your home is a living relic, chances are your plumbing is in decent shape.
Another thing to consider is the type of water treatment your house undergoes. If you’re one of the lucky ones with a water softener or filtration system, your bathroom water might actually be cleaner than water from other taps. These systems are like the superheroes of the plumbing world, battling against hard water minerals and impurities to deliver you the purest liquid satisfaction.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the toilet. While it might seem like a no-brainer, it’s worth emphasizing that the water that fills your toilet bowl is not the same water that comes out of your faucet. The toilet water takes a separate route, so there’s no need to worry about sharing a sip with your porcelain throne.
But hold your horses before you start chugging from the bathroom tap like it’s a water fountain at the park. The sink matters. If your bathroom sink is a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, you might want to think twice. Make sure you give it a regular cleaning to keep it free from any nasties that could hitch a ride into your water supply.
In the end, while it’s generally safe to drink water from the bathroom, it’s essential to use common sense. If your plumbing is older than your pet goldfish, or if your bathroom looks like it hasn’t seen a scrub brush since the ’90s, it might be wise to stick to the kitchen tap.
So, there you have it – the scoop on sipping from the bathroom tap. As long as your plumbing is up to snuff and your sink isn’t a germ fest, feel free to hydrate wherever you please. Just don’t blame us if you accidentally mistake the mouthwash for your water glass – that minty fresh surprise is on you!