If you’ve ever turned on your faucet and been alarmed to see brown water flowing out, you’re not alone. Discolored water can happen in any home but is most commonly caused by issues inside your plumbing system. The good news is that in most cases, brown water is harmless and there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to get your pipes flowing clearly again.
## Why Is My Water Brown?
Seeing brown water from your taps is always an unpleasant surprise. But what causes it and should you be concerned? In most cases, brown tap water is due to:
* Rust or sediments from inside old metal pipes and fixtures
* Disturbances that stir up mineral deposits and rust that settled in your water lines
While unappealing to look at, in many cases brown water is still safe. However, if the issue persists or water smells unusual, it could indicate pipe corrosion or bacteria issues that need addressing.
## Common Causes of Brown Water
These three common plumbing problems usually lead to discolored water from faucets:
### Rusty Pipes and Corrosion
The most common cause of brown water is corrosion and aging pipes that leach rust, iron, manganese and other particles into the water flowing through them. This tends to happen more with hot water pipes and fixtures.
### Sediment Buildup
Over time mineral deposits, sand and debris settling in water lines can become stirred up, causing cloudiness and discoloration coming out your taps.
### Disturbed Pipes
If during water work or repairs pipes get rattled or stirred up, it can dislodge rust and sediment that winds up flowing through to your faucets. This tends to clear on its own eventually as plumbing is used again.
## Troubleshooting Brown Water
Pinpointing what’s causing dirty water will help determine any repairs needed. Try these troubleshooting steps:
### Check the Hot Water First
Let the hot water tap run a few minutes and check if water clears. Rusty hot water pipes pick up more sediment. If hot water is still brown, check cold water taps next.
### Examine All Faucets
See if sinks, tubs and outdoor spigots all have brown water or if it’s isolated to one area, which helps identify problem spots.
### Flush the Pipes
Run both cold and hot water taps on full for several minutes to vigorously flush the pipes and fixtures. This helps purge any loose sediment or buildup.
## Fixing Brown Water Problems
Once you’ve identified the cause, here are some common fixes:
### Replace Old Pipes
If flushing your water lines fails to resolve chronic brown water, old rusty pipes or tanks likely need replacing with new copper or plastic piping.
### Install Water Treatment
For minor mineral deposit issues, a water softener or filter system can remove impurities and particles on an ongoing basis.
### Clear out Sediment
A plumber can manually clean out gunk, sand and residue stuck in pipes, water heaters and faucets causing ongoing issues.
## Preventing Brown Water
Carrying out regular pipe maintenance can help avoid many dirty water problems:
### Regularly Flush Pipes
Every few months flush both hot and cold pipes to prevent sediment settling that could get stirred up later.
### Use Pipe Protectants
Special coatings inside pipes and corrosion control pellets added to water heaters help inhibit rust and scale.
### Watch for Leaks
Drips let oxygen reach pipes causing faster corrosion. Have any leaks fixed promptly before major rust problems occur.
So in most cases, brown water may look unappealing but isn’t a dire emergency. With some diligent troubleshooting and plumbing maintenance, you can likely get your water running clean and keep discoloration from coming back.
## FAQs
**Is brown water safe to drink?**
In many cases yes, although unpleasant tasting and looking. However persistent or worsening issues should be tested for bacteria. Short term brown water from disturbances usually causes no health issues.
**Why does my hot water turn brown but not cold?**
Hot water heaters and pipes collect more rust and sediment which can dislodge more easily into hot flowing water. Checking the hot water first helps diagnose issues.
**How can I keep my water clear?**
Replacing very old pipes helps avoid leaks and buildup issues. Regularly flushing pipes, fixing drips quickly, and water filtration all help keep tap water cleaner. Monitoring changes helps catch problems early too.
Q: What causes brown water to come out of my taps?
A: Brown water is often caused by rust or sediment buildup in the pipes or water supply. It can also be due to changes in the water table or issues with the water treatment system.
Q: How can I fix brown water coming from my tap?
A: You can try running the water for a few minutes to clear out any buildup in the pipes. If the issue persists, you may need to inspect your pipes for rust or other contaminants.
Q: Is brown tap water safe to drink?
A: Brown water is usually not safe to drink as it can contain rust, sediment, or other contaminants. It is recommended to avoid using or consuming brown water until the issue is resolved.
Q: What should I do if I am experiencing brown water in my home?
A: Contact your local water provider to report the issue and ask for guidance on troubleshooting the cause of the brown water. They may recommend flushing the system or conducting further inspections.
Q: Can a rusty pipe cause the water to turn brown?
A: Yes, rusty pipes can deposit rust particles into the water, causing it to turn brown. It is important to address any rusty pipes to prevent contamination of the water supply.
Q: How can I prevent brown water from coming out of my taps?
A: Regular maintenance of your plumbing system, including inspecting and replacing rusty pipes, can help prevent brown water issues. Installing water filters or treatment systems may also be beneficial.
Q: Why is my hot water turning brown but not the cold water?
A: Brown hot water can indicate issues with your water heater, such as rust buildup or a deteriorating anode rod. It is recommended to have your water heater inspected and serviced by a professional plumber.
