Why Should You Repipe Your House?
Several of our customers have at one time or the other complained of the sudden appearance of brown water coming out of their taps. If this has ever happened to you, it is important to understand that there are a few possible causes for this type of water discoloration. In most cases, the water may be completely safe to drink, while in other cases it may be contaminated and pose a serious health risk.
In this article, we explain what causes brown water to appear in your home, what you can do about it and how to solve the problem so that you can enjoy clean, clear water again. If, however, the issue persists, contact the experts at Rick’s Plumbing for help.
Why is My Water Brown?
Your water may be brown because of sediment, minerals or rust that have built up in the water mains over time. These sediments can break loose and enter your home’s water supply, causing the water to appear brown or discolored. If you notice that the water coming out of your taps is brown, it may be because of nearby construction work or some other occurrence that has disturbed the deposits.
When this happens, you only need to wait a few hours and the water would have cleared up. If this doesn’t happen, you’ll need to call a professional plumber to diagnose the cause of the discoloration.
By far the most common cause of brown water coming out of residential plumbing systems is a recent pipe replacement in the home or from broken water pipes. When rust slips off the pipes and into your water supply, your water turns brown. During repairs, there’s a change in water pressure which often dislodges loose deposits from the piping.
The rusted or damaged pipes should be located before they cause a leak that could lead to water waste. A plumber can help you locate and repair these pipes before they cause any further damage.
Another common cause of brown water is due to a build-up of minerals in the water lines. This is more common in homes that have well water or those that use a municipal water supply that contains high levels of minerals. These minerals can build up over time and cause the water to become discolored.
If you have a water softener, it may be necessary to clean it out on a regular basis to remove the mineral deposits. If you don’t have a water softener, you may need to install one to help solve the problem.
Is The Water Dangerous or Poisonous?
No, your brown water is usually not dangerous. The presence of iron, due to the reasons stated earlier, is often the reason why your water is brown. Iron is normally present in your tap water. It is a naturally occurring element in the soil and is not considered harmful unless it is present in high concentrations.
Although the water is not harmful, we do not encourage you to drink it. Rusty pipes cause rusty water, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Rust can also cause pipes to leak and lead to mold and mildew infestation that is bad for everyone’s health.
How do I Get Rid of Brown Water?
You can eliminate brown water from your home for good by running cold water from your tap for at least 20 minutes. If the water is still brown after this, contact your city’s utility provider and request that they flush out the brown water with a fire hydrant. If the problem persists after this, call the professionals.
Next, check to see if the discolored water is only from the cold or hot water in your home. If it’s from the hot water only, it could be due to a problem with your water heater. It may require flushing. Rusts on the inside of your tank can cause the water to become brown. This can be remedied by draining and refilling your water heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The rust may be a signal that your water heater’s days are numbered. As soon as you confirm that the brown water is from the hot water in your home, contact Rick’s Plumbing for a water heater inspection.
Finally, if your water heater is not at fault, ask your neighbors if they are also experiencing the same problem. If they are, then it is most likely an issue coming from the municipal water supply piping and you should contact your city’s utility provider. If your neighbors do not have the same problem, then you’ll need a professional to flush out the rust from your home’s piping. If this also doesn’t completely resolve the issue, all you can do is purify the water with water softeners and filters.
Discolored water can be a nuisance, but it is usually not dangerous. In most cases, the discoloration is due to rust in the pipes and is not a health hazard. If the problem persists after following these steps, call a professional plumber. They will be able to help you locate and repair the source of the problem.
If Your Water is Discolored, Contact Us For Help
If you have brown water in your home, it’s important to take steps to remedy the problem as soon as possible. Brown water can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which are more serious than others. In most cases, the problem can be resolved with a little bit of effort. But if the problem persists, it’s important to call in a professional. Rick’s Plumbing has years of experience helping homeowners with their plumbing needs, including brown water. Give us a call today at 203-874-6629!