Why is Brown Water Pouring Out of My Pipes?

Causes of Brown Water in Your Pipes

• Rust in the Pipes

One of the most common causes of brown water is rust. If your pipes are old and made of iron, they can corrode over time. The rust from these old pipes can mix with the water, making it appear brown or even orange. Rust builds up slowly until you suddenly notice brown water from your faucet. A plumbing repair service may need to address this issue by either fixing the rusty pipes or replacing them altogether.

• Disturbance in the Water Supply

Another possible cause is a disturbance in your local water supply. During repairs or maintenance, dirt and other sediments that have settled at the bottom of water pipes can get stirred up. This sediment can then travel into your home’s pipes, turning your water brown for a short time. In such cases, a dependable plumber may not be needed, as the issue is temporary and usually clears up once the work is done.

• Sediment Build-Up

Sediment build-up can also cause brown water. Over time, minerals and dirt can settle at the bottom of your water heater or your pipes, especially if you have hard water in your area. When this sediment gets disturbed from a change in water pressure or just regular use, it can mix with your water and cause it to look brown. To fix this, you might need a plumbing service to flush out your water heater or pipes, clearing out the built-up sediment.

• Broken or Leaking Pipes

Sometimes, brown water is a sign of a broken or leaking pipe. When a pipe breaks, dirt and other particles from the ground can get inside, mixing with your water. You’ll need to call a plumber for a pipe repair or possibly even consider repiping if the pipes are too old or damaged to fix. A professional plumbing repair service can assess the situation and determine the best action.

What Should You Do If You See Brown Water?

If you see brown water coming from your faucet, avoid drinking it until the issue is resolved. While it might not necessarily be dangerous, it’s always better to be cautious.

Here’s what you can do to troubleshoot the problem:

• Run the cold water for a few minutes: Sometimes, this will flush out any sediments or rust that may be sitting in your pipes. If the water clears up, the issue could be minor, and a plumbing repair service might not immediately be needed.
• Check if it's all your faucets or just one: If the brown water only comes from one faucet, the problem could be isolated to that area. However, if it’s affecting all of your faucets, the issue may be more widespread, and you should contact a plumber.
• Inspect the water heater: If the brown water only comes from the hot tap, the problem might be with your water heater. In this case, you may need a plumber to flush it out or make repairs.
• Contact a professional: If you’ve tried running the water and inspecting your faucets, but the problem persists, it’s time to call a plumbing service. A plumber can diagnose the issue more thoroughly and recommend the best solution, whether a simple pipe repair or more extensive repiping.

How Can You Prevent Brown Water?

There are a few steps you can take to prevent brown water from appearing in your home in the future:

• Regular Pipe Maintenance

Old, corroded pipes are often the main culprit for brown water. Regular pipe maintenance, done by a plumbing service, can help catch problems before they worsen.

• Flushing Your Water Heater

Flushing your water heater regularly is a great way to prevent sediment buildup that can turn your water brown. If you’re unsure how to do it, a plumbing repair service can help.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried flushing the pipes or water heater and are still experiencing brown water, it’s time to call a plumber. A professional plumbing service will have the tools and knowledge to solve the problem quickly. Whether you need a minor pipe repair or more significant repiping, a good plumbing repair service will ensure that your water is clean and safe to use again.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Brown water from your pipes can indicate a bigger problem, but you don’t need to panic. Mr. Rooter Plumbing can diagnose and fix the issue, giving you peace of mind and clear water.