As you prepare to clean your teeth, you turn on the faucet only to be greeted with a murky, brownish liquid. This is definitely not what you were expecting and it’s quite unpleasant. While rusty water may not pose a health hazard, it can be quite unsettling. There are several reasons why your tap water may appear brown, including corroded pipes, mineral accumulation, or the actions of the utility company.
Discovering rusty water flowing from your faucet can be a distressing experience, particularly if you’re unsure of the cause. That’s why we’ve created this guide to explain the reasons behind discolored water and how to resolve the issue within your home’s plumbing system. If the root cause is corroded pipes, we’ll provide you with solutions to address the problem. Our aim is to ensure that all Los Angeles residents have access to clean and safe drinking water in their homes.
Table of Contents
Why is Your Water Rusty?
When tap water contains too much sediment or minerals, it can take on a rusty brown, yellowish, or reddish appearance. Iron and manganese are the most common minerals that cause discoloration in water. These minerals can infiltrate the water supply through various sources, both natural and man-made. Additionally, they may be the cause of any unpleasant odors or flavors in your tap water.
Although these minerals are not harmful to humans, their presence in water can result in an unpleasant smell or taste. To ensure that there are no other issues with your water quality, it is recommended that you have a plumber test the water in your home.
How To Fix The Problem?
When all the hot and cold water suddenly appears rusty?
When tap water contains too much sediment or minerals, it can take on a rusty brown, yellowish, or reddish appearance. Iron and manganese are the most common minerals that cause discoloration in water. These minerals can infiltrate the water supply through various sources, both natural and man-made. Additionally, they may be the cause of any unpleasant odor or flavor in your tap water.
Although these minerals are not harmful to humans, their presence in water can result in an unpleasant smell or taste. To ensure that there are no other issues with your water quality, it is recommended that you have a plumber test the water in your home.
If all your hot water is discolored
Consider draining and rinsing the storage tank of your water heater. Accumulated sediment can cause discolored hot water due to rust. It is advisable to perform this task biannually. Sediment buildup not only affects your water quality but is also a frequent cause of water heater leaks.
Additionally, inspect the anode rod to ensure it has not eroded. This rod absorbs corrosive minerals in water to protect the tank and extend its lifespan. Typically, the anode rod lasts around 5 years before requiring replacement, which can be done by a local plumber.
If you have flushed the tank or own a new water heater and still experience discolored hot water, it may indicate a more severe problem. Contact a professional plumber to diagnose the issue. Excessive sediment buildup can cause lasting damage to your water heater or, in rare and extreme cases, even lead to an explosion!
If the cold water through only a few faucets is discolored
Run the faucets at full pressure and let the water run for a few minutes until the water runs clear. Occasionally, rust can become dislodged from the inner walls of a pipe and infiltrate the water supply. If the issue is minor, running the water should be enough to eliminate the rust and restore clear water.
However, if your water still appears rusty despite running it or if the problem persists shortly after you flush the rust, it could be due to corrosion in your pipes. When there is excessive rust or corrosion on the inner walls of your home’s water supply pipes, these minerals can seep into the water. Until you replace the affected pipes, the water from your cold tap will continue to be discolored.
Plumbers in Bromley from Heat-Tech plumbing services know what it takes to make your water rust-free forever. Avail of their services for a clean and tasteful water supply.