Have you ever experienced the unpleasant surprise of brown water flowing out of your taps? It can be quite disconcerting and make you wonder about the potential risks to your family’s health. So, what can you do when faced with this problem? Where should you start?
To address the issue of brown water from your taps, the best course of action is to reach out to a professional plumbing company in your area. They can inspect the problem and restore clean water to your home. To put your mind at ease, let’s explore four possible reasons why you might be experiencing brown water.
Table of Contents
Rusting Pipes
One of the primary culprits behind brown water is the presence of aging pipes that have started to rust. If you live in an older home, there’s a good chance that your plumbing system contains galvanized iron pipes. Over time, these pipes corrode, leading to the accumulation of rust and minerals in the water supply. This, in turn, causes brown water to flow from your taps.
Another possibility is that your service pipe, which connects your domestic pipes to the main distribution system, is old or damaged. In such cases, rust particles or other sediments can settle in your water pipes, resulting in the presence of brown water. If you suspect any issues with your pipes, we recommend contacting Central Plumbing Co. Our experts will visit your property, examine the pipes, and address any problems we find.
Pressure Changes
Changes in water pressure within your pipes can disturb dirt, rust particles, and sediment, coating your pipes and causing brown water to emerge from your taps. These pressure changes often occur during significant temperature fluctuations, hasty opening or closing of fire hydrants, or routine maintenance of city water lines.
If you suddenly notice a change from clear to murky brown tap water, it’s likely due to a pressure change in your city’s water lines. Typically, these issues resolve themselves within a couple of hours and are nothing to worry about. However, if you continue to experience brown water for several days, it could indicate a different problem.
Rusty Water Heater
Your water pipes aren’t the only potential source of rust. If you notice brown water coming from your taps, especially when you turn on the hot water, it may be a sign that your water heater is starting to rust. Water heaters have sacrificial anode rods that help delay rusting inside the tank. When these rods are fully depleted and not replaced, the interior of your water heater tank can begin to rust.
If you observe brown water coming from multiple fixtures in your home, it may be time to replace the sacrificial anode rod or even the entire water heater. However, if you notice brown water from just one fixture when cold water is running, the problem could be a rusty pipe. In any case, it’s advisable to call a reliable and trusted plumbing company to inspect and address the issue.
Rainwater Infiltration
After heavy rainfall, you might notice brown water coming from your taps. If your home relies on a private well, surface rainwater could have infiltrated the well through the wellhead, contaminating your water supply. Rainwater in your well can introduce harmful bacteria, dirt, and debris, resulting in brown tap water that is unsafe for consumption.
To prevent rainwater from leaking into your well, it’s important to have it regularly inspected for any cracks. Additionally, ensuring proper drainage away from the well is crucial for avoiding future issues.
Contact Central Plumbing for Professional Assistance
If you’re experiencing brown water from your taps due to rainwater infiltration, rusting pipes, or any other plumbing-related issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Central Plumbing Co. Our skilled plumbers have the expertise to quickly and efficiently resolve your problem, restoring your plumbing to top-notch condition.
Give us a call at 225-925-8552 today to receive first-rate plumbing services and bid farewell to brown water once and for all. For more information about our company, visit 5 WS.
