Why is My Water Rusty?
We use our sinks to wash our hands, do the dishes, brush our teeth, and more. If you turn on your faucet and brown, cloudy water comes out, this is a sign you have rust in your tap. Learn why your water might be rusty by reading on.
Tap water should be clear, but it can be brown, yellow, or red when it contains an excess of sediment or minerals. Usually, when your water is discolored, this is because there is iron or manganese in the water. When there are tiny metallic deposits of these minerals, they can change the appearance, taste, and smell of your tap water.
Iron and manganese are safe for humans, but not ideal to have in your water. This is because these minerals can stain clothing and cause skin rashes. While having rust in your water won’t hurt you, it’s best to remove the rust for the most favorable conditions.
Rusty water can be caused by a variety of things. If all of your water, whether hot or cold, suddenly goes brown, this can be due to a water main break. Brown water can also come out of your faucet if the water in your house was shut off for a short period of time. The sediment in the water collects when the water is off, but after running for a few minutes your water should become clear again. The final reason your hot and cold water may be rusty is that your pipes are rusted or corroded and need to be replaced.
Sometimes only hot water is discolored. If you notice only your hot water is rusty, you may have buildup in your water heater tank. Similarly, if only your cold water is discolored, you may only have one water supply pipe that is rusted.
If you notice rust in your water, it’s best to have your water tested by a professional to be sure it is safe to use. You should also consider reaching out to a professional if your water smells or tastes unusual. A professional plumber can help you determine if your water is safe. They can also repair any plumbing problems, including rusted pipes if need be. To receive top-quality plumbing services, get in touch with Ryan’s Plumbing. You can call us for an estimate at 941-256-5580.
