Want to get a FREE AC or a FREE TUNE-UP? You can with our OLDEST AC IN KC CONTEST! Visit Our Contest Page Here.

Why Has Your Tap Water Turned Brown?

Have you noticed that when you run the faucet, you occasionally have brown tap water, where your cold or hot water is dirty or discolored? If so, you’re probably wondering if drinking the water is safe and if you have a significant plumbing issue that needs tackling. Occasionally, tap water can appear slightly brown because sediment, rust particles, and contaminants have become dislodged in the water distribution system. Some water mains consist of iron; over time, rust deposits settle inside the pipes, leading to water discoloration that may pose health concerns for homeowners. At this point, homeowners should contact plumbing services to address issues with the water supply, water quality, and corroding iron pipes.


Common Causes of Brown Water


The rust settlement can be disturbed if a sudden change in the speed, direction, or flow in the water main near the home occurs. What would cause such a change and fluctuation in the water flow of the water system to get this discolored water? It can happen for several reasons, such as:
  • A burst in the water main disrupts the system, allowing rust to enter the water service line and cause brown water in the supply. If your home is older, builders likely installed a plumbing system with galvanized iron pipes, which can contribute to discoloration over time. Over time, pipes can corrode, allowing rust and mineral deposits to build up in the water supply—often resulting in brown water from your taps. Another possible cause is an aging or damaged service pipe, which connects your home’s plumbing to the main distribution line. If these pipes are compromised, rust or other sediment may accumulate and discolor the water flowing from your faucets.
  • Construction nearby can stir up sediment, and it gets into the water supply.
  • Municipal workers routinely flush the water main to clean out the
  • City maintenance teams restored the water main to service after completing
  • A re-routing of the water supply due to changing demand in the distribution system, or
  • A high-volume water draw, such as when firefighters use nearby fire hydrants during
The above situations can cause brown water from the faucet as rust particles or sediments are shaken loose and carried into your home’s plumbing system. If you have brown water that is dirty, dark, or discolored, the first thing you want to do is run cold tap water in the kitchen faucet for 30 minutes, or until the water turns clear, whichever happens first. Once the kitchen faucet is running clear water, run cold water through the rest of the faucets in your home until each is clear. This step removes all dirty water from your pipes. Brown water can also appear if you use a private well or rely on groundwater as your water source, especially if the water in your well isn’t properly filtered or your water softener or water treatment system isn’t functioning correctly. Rainwater in your well can introduce harmful bacteria, dirt, and debris into your water supply, causing brown water from your taps. Experts recommend regularly inspecting your well for cracks to prevent rainwater from leaking. It is also essential to ensure water drains away from the well to avoid issues in the future. In homes with hard water, rust and mineral buildup inside a water heater may also contribute to discoloration, especially if only the hot water appears brown. If the problem persists or only affects hot water, your water heater could be corroding internally. In that case, check the aerators (small mesh filters on your faucets), as they may trap air bubbles that cause a murky or cloudy appearance. Whether your home uses municipal water or a private well, continued brown water may require professional inspection of your plumbing system, water heater, or water treatment setup.


How to Keep Your Water Heater Free From Rust


Most standard water heater tanks are constructed from steel and lined with a layer of glass to help prevent corrosion. However, if the glass lining cracks or water seeps through, the steel underneath can begin to rust. Unfortunately, rust development inside the tank is often invisible until a leak appears. Once a tank starts leaking from rust, it typically cannot be repaired and must be replaced entirely. To help prevent rust from forming, manufacturers install a cathodic anode rod—also known as a sacrificial anode—inside the tank. This metal rod is designed to corrode in place of the steel tank, essentially sacrificing itself to extend the heater’s lifespan. The anode is typically 3 to 5 feet long and about a quarter-inch in diameter, secured at the top of the tank with a hex bolt. For effective rust prevention, homeowners should inspect the anode rod at least twice a year. This routine maintenance involves the following steps:
  1. Turn off the power to the water heater (electricity or gas).
  2. Shut off the water supply to the tank via the inlet
  3. Use a wrench to loosen and remove the hex bolt that secures the anode
  4. Inspect the rod for corrosion, scaling, or significant
Replace the rod if it is heavily corroded or significantly shortened. Replacement rods are relatively inexpensive (around $20), but may not be readily available at standard hardware stores—check with a plumbing supply store and provide the make and model of your water heater to find a compatible part. To install the new anode:
  • Shut off the power and water again if
  • Remove the old rod and install the new one, using teflon tape on the threads for a tight
  • Tighten the hex bolt
  • Turn the water and power back on to restore
By maintaining the anode rod, homeowners can prevent premature rust and extend the lifespan of their water heater, avoiding costly repairs or replacements down the line. This simple but often overlooked step is key in protecting the plumbing system and ensuring clean, rust-free hot water throughout the home.


Take Precautions if Your Water is Brown


Until your water runs clear, you want to take the following precautions: do not drink the water until it is back to normal, and to avoid depositing dirty water into the hot water tank, do not use the hot water until the water is clear. DO NOT DRINK BROWN WATER OR RUSTY WATER. If the dirty water does not go away after a few hours, feel free to contact our Kansas City plumbers at A-1 Sewer & Septic Service Inc. We would be glad to get to the bottom of the issue for you and resolve it.


Contact the Professional Plumbers at A-1 Sewer & Septic When Brown Water Comes Out Of Your Taps


All of these are plumbing problems a professional local plumber like A-1 Sewer and Septic can provide quality work for, and help stop the rusty water flow, water pressure issues, water pipes with sediment buildup, rusty pipes, main breaks and new water lines, especially in homes connected to city water or municipal water systems. If your water service is affected by brown tap water, call the experts at A-1 now to schedule an inspection for your drinking water lines, water heater, plumbing pipes, and water filtration system. You should also consider having your water tested, particularly if you rely on water from a private well or live in an older home. Following the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) guidelines for drinking water safety is essential, especially when discoloration appears unexpectedly. Remember, brown water is typically a fixable problem. Reach out to A-1 Sewer & Septic Service today to restore clean, clear water to your home.
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn