Expert Tips to Diagnose and Resolve Brown Water Issues
You’re about to brush your teeth, but when you turn the faucet on, a stream of brown, cloudy water drizzles out. Yuck! Rust-colored water isn’t typically harmful, but it can be alarming. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with discolored water.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common causes of rusty or brown water, what you can do to fix it, and how Mike Diamond Services has helped homeowners across Los Angeles resolve these issues. Let’s ensure your water is clean and safe again.
Is Rusty Water Dangerous?
While rusty or brown water can look unappealing, it’s rarely harmful. However, the minerals causing this discoloration, like iron and manganese, may give your water an unpleasant taste, and smell, or even stain your clothes and dishes. These minerals are generally covered by the EPA’s secondary drinking water regulations, meaning they’re not a health risk but could affect the water’s aesthetic quality.
That said, the EPA also regulates primary contaminants like lead and arsenic, which can be harmful. If your water tastes or smells particularly strange, it’s worth testing it to rule out any dangerous contaminants. Mike Diamond’s certified plumbers can provide an in-depth water quality test to ensure nothing more concerning is at play.
Is Rusty Water Safe to Bathe In?
This is a common question, and the answer is: Yes, but with some caveats. Bathing in rusty water won’t harm you, but it could irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or eczema. The mineral buildup in hard water also makes it harder for soap to lather properly, which may leave you feeling less clean after a shower.
For your hair, rusty water can lead to dryness and brittleness over time. If you frequently notice discoloration, consider flushing your water heater or calling a plumber to address the issue.
What Causes Rusty Water from Your Faucet?
Rusty water could appear due to several causes. Understanding the origin of the problem is key to fixing it effectively.
1. Sudden Rusty Water from All Faucets (Hot & Cold)
A sudden change in water color often signals utility company maintenance or a nearby water main break. When water mains are repaired or fire hydrants are used, sediment can be stirred up, leading to temporary discoloration. Running your water for a few minutes can help clear this up.
However, if the issue persists, it may indicate corrosion or buildup in your water supply pipes. Mike Diamond’s licensed plumbers can inspect your plumbing system to identify and resolve any pipe corrosion.
2. Discolored Hot Water Only
If only your hot water appears rusty, the issue likely lies in your water heater. Sediment buildup can accumulate over time, especially in older units, and should be flushed at least twice a year. In addition, check if the anode rod in your water heater has dissolved. This rod helps prevent corrosion but typically needs replacing every five years.
Plumbers will typically check the water heater by draining the tank and inspecting for rust or sediment buildup. They may also check the anode rod, a crucial part of the water heater, which attracts corrosive elements in the water and extends the life of the tank.
We recommend scheduling regular maintenance to prevent costly damage or, worse, an unexpected (in rare and extreme circumstances) water heater explosion!
3. Rusty Water from Only Certain Cold Water Faucets
If the discoloration is isolated to specific faucets and only occurs with cold water, your home’s supply pipes may be corroded. As pipes age, minerals from hard water build up inside, and eventually, rust particles can break off into your water supply.
To fix this:
- Step 1: Run the faucet at full pressure for several minutes. Sometimes this is enough to clear small rust deposits.
- Step 2: If the water remains discolored after several minutes or the problem returns frequently, it’s time to consider replacing the affected pipes. Corroded pipes could lead to leaks, clogs, or even burst pipes if ignored.
Why Trust Mike Diamond?
At Mike Diamond Services, we’re known as the Smell Good Plumber™, but we’re also dedicated to ensuring Los Angeles residents have access to clean, safe water. With over 20 years of experience, our licensed plumbers are highly trained and certified, providing peace of mind for homeowners.
Expert Reviews and Awards:
- EPA-Certified plumbers
- 5-star ratings from over 1,000 happy customers
- Award-winning customer service
Call Us Today for Expert Rusty Water Solutions
If you’re wondering why your water looks rusty, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Call Mike Diamond Services today at (800) 446-6453 or request a free water quality consultation on our website. We’ll ensure your plumbing is delivering clean, safe water to your home.