If you’ve lived in your home for a while, you might notice brown water coming out of your pipes. Plumbers would tell you that this is not necessarily because of poison, though it is another type of contaminant. More often than not, this discoloration is because of minerals, rust, or sediment that accumulate in water mains.

Why do the sediments reach residential taps?

When the rust is dislodged from the water pipes, the sediments could find their way up through your plumbing. This causes the brown color you see in your water supply. Furthermore, repairs cause a drop in the pipe pressure, which also disturbs the sediments.

Will using this water be dangerous to me?

The brown color you see is not a toxic compound. More often than not, it is iron from deposits in the ground and is not poisonous to humans. However, just because it’s not dangerous doesn’t mean it’s safe to consume. The brown color could also be from a rusted pipe, which is a breeding ground for different types of harmful microorganisms.

When rust builds up, it could also corrode your pipes and expose your water supply to contaminants. If you have leaking pipes, you must call a licensed plumber right away. Leaving it alone can cause mold and mildew to fester, which is dangerous to your health.

Is there a way to get rid of brown water?

If you are waiting for your plumber to arrive, you can use temporary remedies in the meantime. One thing you could do is run cold water from your tap for about 20 minutes. If the water is still brown, you can contact your town or city’s utility provider to request an inspection. They might need to flush out the pipes from their end. In case this does not work, you could try other measures.

Examine the source of brown water. If only the hot water is discolored, it might mean that you have an issue with your water heater. One possibility is that the heater needs flushing. Another is that the inside of the heater might be rusting through. If it is the latter, rust is a sign that your heater is nearing the end of its life span.

What other options do I have?

You could also ask your neighbors if they have the same issues with their plumbing. If your neighbors have brown water as well, then the issue is something for your utility provider. If you find that the problem is only with your home, you might need a thorough flushing of your pipes. 

After this procedure, if you still see brown water, you could use water filters or softeners. You could also leave the entire process to your plumber, who will have the proper equipment for diagnosing the problem.

Conclusion

Brown water from your taps is not poisonous; it’s usually just water with iron or rust sediments. However, this is not an excuse to leave your water supply cloudy. If you see discoloration in your water, it is best to call an experienced and licensed plumber to help you deal with it.

For plumbing repairs in Fort Worth, TX, you can trust the plumbing professionals at Lasiter Plumbing. With over 40 years of experience in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Lasiter can help you with any kind of plumbing emergency. Get in touch with us today to learn more!