Why Is There Brown Water Coming From My Faucet and How To Fix It?
When you fill a pot from the faucet to cook your pasta for dinner, you expect to see clear water. Finding out your pasta water is brown from the faucet can leave you in a panic, and you may start to worry if something’s wrong with your plumbing. Luckily, brown water from the sink faucet is a relatively common problem for homeowners, and it’s solvable!
Are you frantically scrolling the internet trying to figure out why you have brown water coming out of the faucet? If so, you’ve come to the right page. Semper Fi Heating & Cooling has experience dealing with discolored tap water, and we’ll quickly go over common causes, how to fix the problem, and what you can do to prevent oddly-colored water in the future.
Common Causes of Brown Water
Rusted Pipes
As your plumbing system gets older, it can start to wear down and corrode. When your pipes start to rust, the rust can discolor your water as it travels through. Older homes that have galvanized steel pipes are at a greater risk of rust.
If you notice brown water from multiple fixtures throughout your home or after using a ton of water, rust could be the culprit. You’ll need a professional inspection to check for any corrosion.
Water Heater Issues
If your home uses a tanked water heater, sediments can start to build up in the water storage tank. Over time, this buildup causes corrosion and rust that can turn your water brown. While this is a similar issue to rusty pipes, rust in your heater results in brown tap water specifically when you turn on the hot water.
You can help prevent corrosion by regularly flushing your tank to remove sediments or replacing the anode rod in your heater.
Water Pressure Changes
Your plumbing system needs water pressure to push clean water throughout your home. If this pressure fluctuates, it can disturb the sediment in your water heater or nearby plumbing and turn your water brown. This can also happen if someone’s working on your main water line or using a nearby fire hydrant. The sediment that settles in your system can get stirred up and discolor your water.
External Contaminants
Factors outside of your control can also change the color of your water. Local weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, can saturate the soil outside and cause it to seep into your plumbing system. This can discolor your water supply and make your water unpleasant to drink.
Nearby construction can also impact the cleanliness of your water supply. Heavy machinery kicks up a ton of dirt and other debris, which can leak into your plumbing system and turn your water brown.
Is Brown Water Harmful?
If you accidentally drank a glass of tap water or took a shower before you noticed the discoloration, there’s no need to panic. While brown water is unpleasant to look at, it’s not a serious risk to your health and safety. You may experience minor, short-term inconveniences such as stains on your clothes and mild skin irritation, but you’re not in any immediate danger.
If the discoloration is coming from rusty pipes or water heaters, the corrosion can breed germs that filter into your water and lead to extensive damage to your plumbing. Repairing corrosion quickly can clear up your water and prevent further issues.
Solutions to Fix Brown Water
Brown water from your faucet isn’t a lost cause. The most common causes are easily fixable and won’t cost you a fortune. Here’s what you can do to clear your water and get rid of any sediments or contaminants that turn it brown:
Immediate Actions
When you notice the brown discoloration in your water, the first thing you should do is turn on your cold water and let it run for around 20 minutes. This will clear out any sediment in your pipes. Try to avoid using any hot water so the contaminated water doesn’t filter into your water heater. If the water clears up after running it for a while, the cause is likely sediment buildup.
You can also check and see if your neighbors are experiencing a similar issue. If the entire neighborhood has brown water, then the problem could be with the main water line or outside forces like nearby construction.
Inspecting Pipes
Walk around your home and take a look at any exposed pipes you can easily access. Check for any signs of visible corrosion or rust that could discolor your water supply. Cracks and leaks can also let debris into your water, so look for those as well.
Consider contacting a professional plumber if you notice signs of corrosion. Replacing the pipe before the problem progresses can save you the headache of a plumbing emergency later down the road.
Flushing the Water Heater
Flushing your water heater once a year can prevent sediment buildup and corrosion in the tank. Turn off your heater and make sure it’s completely cooled to prevent a literal hot mess. From there, all you need to do is connect a hose to the drain valve, put the other end of the hose in your sink or outside, and let the water flow until the tank is empty.
A local plumber can also flush your heater for you if you don’t want to deal with the hassle. They can also do an annual checkup to make sure your heater is working properly and there are no signs of rust.
Contacting Authorities
In some cases, the problem may be outside of your home. If you notice discolored water coming from every fixture in your home and your neighbors are also dealing with the same thing, the problem may be in the main water line.
Your city is responsible for maintaining the main line and ensuring homeowners have access to clean water. Report any brown or discolored water to city officials if you suspect issues with the main water line.
Using Filtration Systems
Hard water and excess sediments can leave stains in your shower and residue in your hair, especially living in the Phoenix desert. Whole-home filtration systems and sediment filters can help reduce the contaminants in your water and keep it crystal clear. You can also look into water softening treatments that decrease the minerals in your water so you can enjoy a crisp glass of water fresh from the tap.
Preventative Measures for Clear Water
No one wants to turn on their faucet and be met with dirty, brown water. While issues can hide and turn your water gross overnight, you can help prevent it from ever happening in the first place. You can take preventative measures to make sure your water remains clear all year long, including:
Regular Plumbing Inspections
Sediment buildup and corrosion can be sneaky and hide away until it causes brown water or a leak. Annual inspections from a certified plumber can check for signs of corrosion and sediments and catch them early before they cause more problems. This not only saves your pasta water from turning brown, but you also save money on costly repairs and replacements later down the line.
Water Maintenance
Regular water heater upkeep can keep it running smoothly and prevent corrosion. Schedule regular system flushes with a plumber or do it yourself to keep the tank clear of any sediments. You can also keep an eye on the anode rod and replace it as needed.
Installing Modern Piping
To reduce the risk of rusty pipes, upgrade your system to copper or PEX pipes that are resistant to corrosion. These modern plumbing systems offer long-term reliability and peace of mind that your pipes are rust-free.
Water Treatment Options
If you live in an area with mineral-heavy water, sediment filters, and water-softening treatments can reduce the contaminants in your water and reduce the risk of corrosion and buildup. There are whole-home systems as well as filters that attach to your faucet.
Special Considerations for Local Water Systems
Certain factors can increase the risk of your water turning brown, some of which are out of your control. Older homes with aging infrastructure such as galvanized steel water pipes make the problem worse due to their high likelihood of rust and corrosion. Check to see what system your home uses and consider an upgrade if your plumbing is outdated.
Seasonal factors such as heavy rainfall and drought can also make your water look cloudy or dirty. If you notice sudden water discoloration, consider what the weather has been like recently and how that can affect your plumbing system.
Resolve Brown Water Issues with Semper Fi Plumbing Services in Phoenix Metro, AZ
Your faucet spewing out brown water is unpleasant and gross to look at but rest assured it’s usually fixable. With the proper care and steps, your water will be back to crystal clear in no time. You can also prevent this from happening with routine maintenance services and professional plumbing inspections.
If you need a local plumber to un-brown your water, Semper Fi Heating & Cooling is ready to help. Our certified plumbing experts will make sure your water is clear and your plumbing is ready to go all year long. Schedule an appointment today and see what we can do for you!