Why Is My Water Brown?

If you have ever turned on your faucet and noticed that your water is brown, you are not alone.

In fact, this is a common issue plaguing homeowners across the country.

But what causes it, and more importantly, how can you fix it? In this article, we will take a closer look at why water can turn brown and offer some tips for resolving this problem in your household.

5 Reasons Your Water Is Turning Brown, and How to Fix It

If you are dealing with brown water in your home, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

First, you should have your water tested to identify the cause of the discoloration. Once you know what is causing the brown water, you can take steps to resolve the issue.

1. There is sediment in your water lines.

One of the most common reasons for brown water is sediment build-up in your home’s water lines. Over time, this sediment can accumulate, causing your water to appear brown or cloudy when you turn on the faucet.

If you notice that your water looks dirty or discoloured, it is a good idea to have your plumbing checked for sediment build-up.

The Solution:

If sediment is the cause of your brown water, you may be able to flush out your pipes to remove the build-up.

This can be done by running all the faucets in your home for a few minutes to clear the pipes. You may also need to have your pipes professionally cleaned if the sediment build-up is severe.

2. You have iron in your water.

Another common culprit of brown water is iron. If you have high levels of iron in your water, it can cause discoloration when it comes into contact with oxygen.

This is why you may notice your water is brown when you first turn on the faucet but then turns clear after it has been running for a few seconds. If you suspect that iron is the cause of your brown water, you can have your water tested by a professional for confirmation.

The Solution:

If iron is the cause of your brown water, you can install a water filter that will remove the iron. There are various water filters on the market, so you will need to choose one specifically designed to remove iron.

You may also need to have your water professionally treated to remove the iron if the levels are too high.

3. There is rust in your pipes.

If you have an older home, there is a chance your water pipes are made of iron or steel. Over time, these materials can rust and cause your water to turn brown.

That is most likely to happen if you have well water, as the water from a well is more likely to come in contact with rusty pipes. If you notice your water is brown and has a metallic taste, it is a good idea to have your plumbing checked for rust.

The Solution:

If rust is the cause of your brown water, you may need to have your water pipes replaced. This is a more serious problem, requiring the help of a professional plumber.

4. You have manganese in your water.

Manganese is a mineral found in rocks and soil. It is not harmful to humans in small amounts but can cause your water to turn brown.

Just as with rusty pipes, this is most likely to happen if you have well water, as the water from a well is more likely to come in contact with rocks and soil containing manganese.

If you notice your water is brown and has a metallic taste, it is a good idea to have your water tested for manganese.

The Solution:

If manganese is the cause of your brown water, you may need to have your water professionally treated to remove the manganese.

There are various treatment options available, so you will need to consult a water treatment specialist to find the best option for your home.

5. You have a problem with your water heater.

If you have a gas water heater, the water can become brown when the anode rod corrodes. The anode rod is a metal rod used to protect the inside of your water heater from rusting.

Over time, the anode rod can itself become corroded, and this can cause the water in your home to turn brown. If you notice that your water is brown and has a metallic taste, it is a good idea to have your water heater checked for corrosion.

The Solution:

If your water heater is the cause of your brown water, you may need to have the anode rod replaced. That is a relatively simple repair that can be done by a professional.

Why Keeping Your Water Clean Is Important

Since fresh drinking water is necessary, we depend on public water systems to treat and distribute clean water to our homes, schools, and businesses.

Clean drinking water and regular hydration help remove pollutants from your body while aiding the operation of several organs and enhancing your emotional state.

It is essential to be aware of the quality of your water and to take steps to ensure that it is clean and safe to drink. If you notice that your water is brown, it is good to have it tested to find the underlying cause.

Finding signs of brown water in your home or business?

If you are experiencing water-related problems, your pipes are likely in bad shape. Our experts at Drain King plumbers can offer quality service while ensuring these systems are maintained and operating properly.

For a free estimate, contact one of our specialists now at (833) 983-5663 or email us at [email protected].