Several of our customers have complained about brown water suddenly appearing out of their taps at one time or another. It’s good to know that there are a few different reasons for discolored water. The water may be safe to drink in some circumstances, but it may be contaminated and constitute a major health concern in others.
We’ll go over what causes brown water in your home, what you can do about it, and how to fix the problem so you may enjoy clean, clear water once more in this post. If the problem persists, contact the specialists at Autry Plumbing for assistance.
What’s the Deal with My Discolored Water?
Because silt, minerals, or rust have built up in the water mains over time, your water may appear brown. These sediments can break free and infiltrate your home’s water supply, generating brown or discolored water. When the water flowing out of your faucets appears brown, it could be due to a neighboring building that is under some kind of construction or another event that has disturbed the deposits.
When this happens, you just want to wait a few hours for the water to clear. If this doesn’t do it, you’ll need to hire a plumber to figure out what’s causing the discoloration.
- A recent pipe replacement in the home or broken water pipes is by far the most typical cause of brown water flowing out of residential plumbing systems. When rust gets into your water supply from the pipes, it turns brown. During repairs, the water pressure changes, which frequently dislodges loose deposits from the pipework.
- Pipes that are rusty or damaged should be found before they produce a leak and wastewater. A plumber can assist you in locating and repairing these pipes before they cause more harm.
- A build-up of minerals in the water lines is another common source of brown water. This is more common in households with well water or those who utilize a municipal water source with high mineral levels. Minerals like this can accumulate over time, causing the water to brown.
If you have a water softener, you may need to clean it on a regular basis to keep the mineral deposits from building up. You may need to install a water softener if you don’t already have one to assist in alleviating the problem.
Is Water Poisonous or Dangerous?
No, your brown water isn’t usually harmful. Because of the reasons explained previously, the presence of iron is frequently the cause of brown water. In most cases, iron can be found in your tap water. It’s a naturally occurring element in the soil that’s not dangerous unless it’s in large amounts.
Despite the fact that the water is not dangerous, we do not recommend that you consume it. Rusty pipes lead to rusty water, which can be a bacteria breeding habitat. Rust can also cause pipes to burst, resulting in mold and mildew infestations that are hazardous to everyone’s health.
What is the Best Solution for Brown Water?
By running cold water from your tap for at least 20 minutes, you can permanently remove brown water from your property. If the water remains brown after this, call your city’s utility provider and ask that the brown water be flushed out using a fire hydrant. If the situation persists, seek expert assistance.
Next, determine whether the discolored water is coming from your home’s cold or hot water. If you’re just getting hot water, there could be a problem with your water heater. It may be necessary to flush it. The water in your tank may turn brown due to rust on the inside. Draining and refilling your water heater according to the manufacturer’s recommendations will fix this. The rust could indicate that your water heater’s life is coming to an end. As soon as you’re certain the brown water is coming from your home’s hot water, call Autry Plumbing for a water heater inspection.
Finally, if your water heater isn’t the problem, see whether your neighbors are having the same issue. If they are, you should call your city’s utility provider because it is most likely a problem with the municipal water supply piping. If your neighbors aren’t experiencing the same issue, you’ll need to hire an expert to remove the rust from your home’s plumbing. If this doesn’t address the problem, the only option is to purify the water with water softeners and filters.
Water that is discolored can be an eyesore, but it is rarely dangerous. The color is usually caused by the rust in the pipes and does not pose a health risk. Call a professional plumber if the problem persists after you’ve tried these measures. They will be able to assist you in locating and repairing the problem’s source.
Discolored Water; Call for Assistance
If you have brown water in your house, it’s critical to address the issue as quickly as possible. A multitude of conditions can generate brown water, some of which are more problematic than others. In most circumstances, a little effort is all that is required to address the problem. However, if the problem persists, it’s critical to get professional help. Autry Plumbing has a long history of assisting clients with their plumbing issues, including brown water. (828) 392-7610 Asheville
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