You are getting late for work and rush to the bathroom – only to see that there is brown, muddy water coming from the taps. It is not only inconvenient but also worrying. But, don’t worry – this is often temporary and can be fixed by plumbers.
In this blog, we will list down the main reasons why brown water is coming from your taps and what you can do about it.
4 Common Causes of Brown Water Coming from Taps
One cause of brown water is a corroded water heater tank. Here are four more reasons why you might be seeing brown water coming from your taps:
Rusty Pipes
In many older homes, pipes are made of galvanized iron. These can rust over time. Rust particles mixed with water can make it appear brown. If you are living in an old home with overdue plumbing work, it is best to check your pipes.
Heavy Rain and Well Water
If your home uses a private well, heavy rain can wash soil and sediment into your water supply if it is a private well. This can temporarily cause the water to turn visibly brown. Once it washes away, you get clear water again.
Disturbed Sediment
Sediment that is settled in pipes can be disturbed due to maintenance, testing fire hydrants, or changes in flow direction, pressure surges, or irrigation/fire hydrant use. This can make the water look brown and dirty.
Municipal Work
Municipal work, i.e., pipe repairs or replacements, can turn the water brown for some time. It will resolve once the work is over.
Is Brown Water Harmful?
Brown water is usually due to iron or manganese, which are not typically harmful. However, discoloration can indicate pipe corrosion, which may increase the chance of metals like lead entering the water. Testing is recommended if discoloration persists.
Avoid using brown water for cooking or drinking, or washing dishes. Iron or manganese can stain, so brown water should not be used for washing clothes. If water is contaminated with sewage, harmful bacteria, or chemical pollutants, then it can be dangerous. If brown water lasts more than 24–48 hours, consider a water quality test.
How Can Plumbers Help Resolve this Issue?
If the source is municipal, homeowners must contact the water company. Professional plumbers can easily fix this issue if it’s not a municipal issue. Here is how:
Check Your Water Heater
If brown water comes only from the hot water tap, your water heater might need flushing, repair, or replacement. This may be caused by sediment buildup in your water heater.
Flush Your Pipes
Sometimes, running cold water for 5-10 minutes can clear out rust and sediments in the pipes. Call water utility if the water doesn’t clear.
Inspect Your Pipes
If the brown water is coming from all your taps, your pipes might be corroded or damaged. A plumber can inspect your pipes thoroughly and recommend repair or replacement.
Use Filters
Plumbers may install under-sink filters or whole-house filtration systems, which can improve water quality and remove sediments or contaminants to reach your taps.
Overall Insight
Brown water coming from taps is a common plumbing concern caused due to several reasons, such as sediment buildup, municipal work, corroded pipes, etc. While brown water is not suited for everyday use, it is also easily fixable by professional plumbers. They will assess the condition of your pipes, check the water heater, flush pipes, or use filters to resolve the issue.
If you suspect a similar issue that is not resolving over days, call our expert plumbing team at Santana Bros Plumbing at (713) 494-5504 and schedule a visit.