Quick Answer: Why Did My Water Suddenly Turn Brown?
Brown water is often caused by rust, sediment, or mineral buildup in pipes or supply lines. In some cases, it clears after running the water for a few minutes. However, if the issue persists, it could mean that your home has corroded pipes or water line issues that need professional inspection.
Quick takeaways:
- Rust or corrosion in old pipes
- Sediment buildup in your water heater
- Municipal water line flushing or repairs
- Sudden changes in water pressure
- Aging fixtures or plumbing components
What Does Brown Water Really Mean?
If you notice brown water coming out of the tap on an infrequent basis, there is little cause for concern. This may be especially true if the hot water is discolored while the cold water is clear.
In such a scenario, it could be a sign that the hot water heater needs to be replaced. Of course, if brown water persists, you should have your water system looked at by a professional.
Common Causes of Brown Water in Homes
Brown water may be caused by sediment buildup in a water heater, by aging water lines or because the city is doing work on the water lines in your area.
Rusty or Corroded Pipes
As pipes age, they have a tendency to rust or corrode, and the rust will mix with the water to turn it brown. If your home has older pipes, it may be time to replace them.
Sediment Accumulation in Water Heaters
Sediment that accumulates in a water heater can mix with the water in the tank. When you use hot water to wash your hands or take a shower, you might notice discolored water coming from the tap or showerhead.
Municipal Water Line Work
The process of fixing or installing a new line could cause sediment or dirt to temporarily enter the water supply.
Aging Fixtures & Plumbing Components
Older faucets or water heater rods may release rust or sediment into pipes, which causes water to turn brown.
Well Water & Natural Mineral Content
High levels of iron or manganese can cause water to turn brown, orange or similar hues.
How to Troubleshoot Brown Water at Home
The easiest way to troubleshoot the issue is to run various taps throughout your house for about 10 minutes. This can help you determine what the cause might be as well as whether the issue is localized or widespread. You can also inspect and clean faucet screens and similar items to remove sediment before it gets into your water.
Is Brown Water Safe to Use?
Generally speaking, you can clean your clothes or take a shower without causing a safety issue. However, brown water will likely taste bad and could stain your clothes or anything else that it comes into contact with. Water that is contaminated with lead or bacteria should not be consumed.
How to Fix Brown Water Quickly
The longer brown water remains in your home, the more likely it is to pose a risk to your health and the ability to operate your house efficiently. Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of this menace quickly.
Flush Your Pipes
Flushing pipes is as easy as running water through the tap until it clears up.
Flush Your Water Heater
Flushing a water heater removes sediment that causes brown water and a host of other potential issues.
Check with Your Municipality
The local water provider can let you know if any work is ongoing that may be causing temporary water quality issues.
Replace Aging Pipes or Fixtures
Galvanized pipes can be replaced with those made from copper or PEX that will likely last longer and be less likely to rust or corrode.
Install Whole-House Water Filtration
This type of product can help remove sediment, iron and other materials that might cause water quality issues within your home.
Preventing Brown Water in the Future
Preventing brown water can be as easy as engaging in routine home maintenance such as yearly water heater inspections and installing filters. You can also replace aging pipes and stay up-to-date on water line projects in your area.
FAQs About Brown Water
Why is only my hot water brown?
There is likely a buildup of sediment in your water heater that may be eliminated by flushing it.
How long should I flush taps before calling a plumber
If the tap hasn’t cleared within 15-20 minutes, professional help may be warranted.
Can brown water damage my appliances?
Yes, appliances can suffer from clogged water lines or other damage caused by exposure to sediment and other materials that turn water brown.
Is it dangerous to drink brown water?
While brown water isn’t necessarily hazardous, you should exercise caution before consuming it.
What if my water is brown after every plumbing repair nearby?
This is typically caused by sediment displaced during work, but the sediment should clear after flushing your pipes.
Key Takeaways
Brown water often means rust, sediment, or municipal system disturbance.- This type of water is sometimes harmless, but persistent brown water needs professional help.
- Water heater flushing and pipe replacement can solve recurring problems.
Final Thoughts
Brown water isn’t always hazardous to your health or the health of your home. However, if you’re concerned about its presence, don’t hesitate to contact the folks at Benjamin Franklin serving the Orlando area.
Doing so may prevent damage to pipes and appliances as well as reduce the risk of damaging your clothes or other belongings. Our team of professional punctual plumbers will come to your house and diagnose a brown water issue in a timely and affordable manner.