Why Is My Water Brown?
Several of our clients have complained of discolored water appearing out of their faucets at random times, and they often ask us “Why is my water brown?” It’s useful to be aware that discolored water can be caused by a variety of factors. In certain cases, the water may be acceptable to drink, but in others, it may be contaminated and pose a serious health risk.
In this post, we’ll look at what causes brown water in your home, what you can do about it, and how to fix it so you can enjoy clean, clear water once more. If the situation persists, turn to the experts at Autry Plumbing for help.
What Is Wrong With My Discolored Water?
Your water may seem brown because silt, sediments, or rust have built up in the water mains over time. These sediments can break loose and permeate your water supply, resulting in dark or discolored water in your home. When the water coming out of your faucets appears brown, it could be because of construction on a nearby structure or another event that has disturbed the deposits.
When this happens, all you have to do is wait for the water to clear for a few hours. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to call a plumber to determine the source of the discoloration.
Brown water gushing out of household plumbing systems is most commonly caused by a recent pipe replacement in the home or broken water pipes. When rust from the pipes contaminates your water supply, it turns brown. Water pressure fluctuates during repairs, which frequently dislodges loose deposits from pipes.
Pipes that are rusted or corroded should be identified before a leak or wastewater is produced. A plumber can help you locate and fix these pipes before they do any further damage.
Another typical source of brown water is a mineral buildup in the water lines. This is more common in houses that use well water or municipal water that contains high mineral levels. Minerals such as this can build up over time, turning the water brown.
If you have a water softener, it may be necessary to clean it on a regular basis to prevent mineral deposits from forming. If you don’t already have one, you might need to get one installed to help with the problem.
Is Brown Water Dangerous?
No, brown water isn’t usually a health hazard. Brown water is frequently caused by the presence of iron for the reasons stated previously. Iron can usually be found in your tap water. It’s a naturally occurring element in soil that isn’t harmful until it’s present in large quantities.
Despite the fact that the water is not poisonous, we do not advise drinking it. Rusty pipes lead to rusty water, which can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria. Pipes can break due to rust, resulting in mold and mildew infestations that are dangerous to everyone’s health.
What Is The Best Brown Water Solution?
Brown water can be permanently removed from your property by running cold water from your tap for at least 20 minutes. If the water continues to be brown, contact your city’s utility provider and request that the brown water be flushed out using a fire hydrant. If the problem persists, get professional help.
Determine whether the discolored water is coming from the cold or hot water in your home. There could be an issue with your water heater if you’re only getting hot water. It’s possible that you’ll have to flush it. Due to corrosion on the inside, the water in your tank may turn brown. This can be fixed by draining and refilling your water heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The rust could mean that your water heater is nearing the end of its useful life. Call Plumbing Pros for a water heater examination as soon as you’re positive the brown water is coming from your home’s hot water.
Finally, if your water heater isn’t the issue, check to see whether your neighbors are experiencing the same problems. If they are, you should contact your city’s utility provider because an issue with the municipal water supply piping is most likely to blame. If your neighbors aren’t having the same problems, you’ll have to pay a professional to remove the rust from your pipes. If this doesn’t solve the problem, the only other alternative is to use water softeners and filters to cleanse the water.
Although discolored water is unsightly, it is rarely harmful. The hue is mainly caused by the rust in the pipes, and it is not harmful to your health. If the problem remains after you’ve attempted these steps, contact a professional plumber. They will be able to aid you in identifying and correcting the source of the problem.
Call for Help If Your Water Is Discolored
If your home has brown water, it’s vital to treat the problem as soon as possible. Brown water can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which are more problematic than others. In most cases, a small amount of work is all that is required to solve the problem. If the problem persists, though, it’s vital to seek professional assistance. Autry Plumbing has a lengthy history of helping customers with plumbing problems, including brown water.
Plumbing Pros is a plumbing company in Greenville, SC.