Is there dirt floating around in your morning glass of water? Not exactly a refreshing start to the day.
Dirty tap water isn’t normal and is a clear indication that something is contaminating your water supply. If your tap water is looking brown, murky, or discolored, then you likely have rust or sediment seeping into your pipes. Whatever you do, don’t panic. Our team at Hutchinson is here to help.
What Is Discolored Brown Water?
Brown, yellow, or orange water is a sign that minerals, rust, or sediments have found their way into your water. It’s unappealing and unsatisfying to use or drink. If you suddenly see discolored water flowing out of your faucets, then you should hire a professional to get to the bottom of the cause.
What Causes Discolored Dirty Brown Water?
When iron and manganese come in contact with your water supply, the result is usually a murky stream of tap water. Dirt and rust can also turn clear water brown. However, if your discolored water turns clear after a few minutes of running the tap, then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
If the discoloration persists, then it’s time to call an expert.
Is Discolored Water Safe To Drink?
It depends. Typically, discolored water is safe to drink. However, Hutchinson’s team does not recommend you to drink discolored water.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has secondary drinking water standards set in place to determine what contaminants are not a health risk. Iron, manganese, aluminum, and other common contaminants are not considered threatening.
How Can I Troubleshoot Discolored Brown Water?
Even though discolored water is usually safe to drink, you definitely don’t want to live with it.
Learn how to troubleshoot discolored brown water in three simple steps.
1. Compare Hot & Cold Water
The temperature of your water can tell a lot about the source of your discoloration. For example, if your hot water is running brown and your cold water is clear, then your issue lies somewhere within your water heater. If your cold water is discolored, then the source could be elsewhere.
2. Check All Faucets & Toilets
Discoloration from a single tap, as opposed to all faucets and toilets, means there is a specific source in your home. If the discoloration of your water is cropping up at all faucets, then the problem is not a specific source.
3. Run Cold Water
Let your cold water run for a few minutes. If your water clears, then you could just have an older plumbing system. Continuous brown, yellow, or orange water means that your neighborhood could be experiencing a discolored water event.
Why Is My Hot Water Brown Discolored?
Discolored hot water can almost always be traced back to your water heater. Traditional water heaters use a tank to heat water. If sediment and minerals start to collect inside your tank, then they will disperse into your water supply.
Sediment and mineral buildup in your water heater can also lead to water heater problems. If you’re dealing with discolored hot water, then it’s best to let our water heater experts take a look at your tank.
Is Your Water Discolored? Contact Us For Help
Dirty water got you down? Our team has over 60 years of experience handling the toughest water issues. We dispatch knowledgeable plumbers to solve your discolored brown water problems. Hutchinson’s plumbers are also well-versed in repairing traditional and tankless water heaters. Get expert plumbing care and set up an appointment with us today.