You wake up one morning to follow your usual bathroom care routine when you open the tap, and suddenly all you see is brown, mushy water flowing down the drain. At first, you might be shocked and concerned as you’ve never experienced this. But the shock will settle, and your curiosity will get the best of you.
Allow this article to guide you through why your water has turned brown in the first place and how you can follow simple steps to fix the issue.
What Creates Rusty Tap Water?
The color of rusty water might be brown, reddish, or yellowish, depending on the minerals and particles present. Most of the time, water with this color is rich in iron and manganese. The water picked up these minerals for various reasons.
Pipeline corrosion is one of the main reasons. It is a chemical reaction due to the pipes being exposed to water containing oxygen. Both the inner and exterior edges of the pipe are susceptible to it.
Is It Dangerous?
The rust usually affects the tap water’s look and taste, making it taste bitter with a foul smell. It is better not to drink this water as the bacteria in the water can make you sick.
There is a potential that your water contains additional impurities if it has turned rusty. Taking a bath in rusty water is also not a good idea because it can harm the skin and leave it dry and irritated.
How Do I Fix It?
If the water from your faucet is brown, there is probably a leak in a fire hydrant or the city’s main waterway. However, it’s also possible that the pipelines have rusted over time.
If only hot or cold water is discolored, there’s a possibility of silt accumulation in the storage tanks. To remove all the sediments, you must drain the tank. The treatment must be done twice yearly because silt buildup increases the risk of tank explosions.
There’s also a possibility that the pipeline has probably rusted or corroded. It’s better to call a professional to inspect and resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Contact Elite Plumbing and Heating, Inc.
Rusty water is hazardous for consumption. Therefore you should avoid it and fix the issue to ensure the safety of your health. Determine if the rusty water is caused by an internal or exterior. If it’s external, get in touch with your water supply company to discover if the system is experiencing any recognized problems.
If that doesn’t help, contact Elite Plumbing and Heating, Inc. today for professional guidance and to ensure the house’s plumbing system and services are up-to-date.
