You might not be a plumbing expert, but you certainly know that water should be crystal clear. In fact, we might instinctively know to avoid muddy, brown or otherwise dirty sources of water. In the modern world, we’ve got it pretty good. Every once in a while, though, you could turn on the faucet and see brownish-red sludge instead of drinkable water. So, what should you do if your tap has rusty water?
Rusty water got you down? Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating have the plumbers in Waxahachie, TX, you need to turn your taps clear again. Give us a call today at 972-291-0740 to get started solving your water woes today.
What are the Main Causes of Rusty Tap Water?
It can be easy to forget how well off we are in the modern world. Back when we still were scratching paintings on cave walls, finding clean water was a real issue. Nowadays, we enjoy the convenience of municipal water systems and even older tech like wells. But these systems aren’t perfect and you can experience some less than appetizing issues when your water comes out rusty.
In some cases, this is a simple fix. Other times, it’s an issue deeper in your plumbing system that needs addressing. Let’s explore the main reasons why your tap might be turning out rusty liquid instead of clean drinking water.
The Source of the Color
First, let’s talk about where the color comes from in the first place. While a reddish color is the most common one we see when issues arise, that’s not the only shade you’ll see. You may encounter brown or yellowish water, in some cases.
All this color comes from excess sediment and minerals in your water supply or your plumbing system. Of course, the most common culprit is going to be iron and manganese — giving you that distinct reddish hue. These metal and mineral deposits come from either manmade or natural sources. They can be toxic to look at and present an even more unpleasant taste and smell.
Your Pipes Could be the Issue
When we see issues with water color, pipes are usually the main offender. Sometimes, color changes occur when you change out your piping after a pipe burst. All that commotion in changing the pipes could dislodge some sediment somewhere in the system. If recent plumbing work is off the table, you could be dealing with damaged pipes.
Another issue you may run into is old pipes. You should be aware of the signs that your plumbing system is aging — and discolored water is one of them. It could be an issue outside of your home’s plumbing, too. All across the nation, crumbling municipal sewer systems are a big issue.
Water Heater Problems
Sometimes, it’s not all your water that is causing your problems. If you’ve found that only your hot water is coming out discolored, it’s a sign that your water heater is the source. This can be a good sign, as it might mean the problem isn’t somewhere deep in your plumbing system.
Over time, your water heater can build up sediment. This sediment can leak into the supply of hot water — leading to some really disgusting showers if you don’t catch the issue quickly. Now, this could be a problem with the mineral content of your water. In other situations, you could be looking at corrosion issues in your water heater’s tank.
Is Discolored Water Dangerous?
So, how dangerous is discolored water anyway? Besides foul taste and off-color, can drinking or showering in this nasty water cause you and your family health issues? Frankly, sometimes it can be just a color issue, but you can’t know that without testing the water.
In most cases, you’re probably safe. But, and this is a big but, if you don’t know for sure, you could be risking some serious illnesses. Some contaminants, like lead and arsenic, are seriously dangerous. In fact, the EPA has strict regulations regarding contaminants like these.
Iron and manganese, the common culprits when red water is the issue, won’t cause the same problems as things like lead. While they aren’t dangerous, you’ll definitely be making a sour face if you’re brave enough to take a sip. In some cases, it can lead to other issues like stained clothes and even skin rashes in showers and washing machines.
The thing is, you can’t know any of this unless you test your water. You should always consult with professional plumbers in Waxahachie, TX, if off-color water issues arise. Really, the last thing you want is to risk something as serious as lead or arsenic poisoning.
How To Fix Rusty Tape Water Issues
Alright, so when rusty liquid comes from your taps, what should you do? Since the causes of discolored water can vary, the fixes do as well. Let’s explore a few common approaches:
- Call your water supplier — If you’re seeing both rusty cold and hot water, it could mean the water supply itself is the issue. Chances are, it’s something local like a water main or fire hydrant that’s causing your problems.
- Flush your water heater — If only your hot water is discolored, the first thing you can do is drain and flush your water heater. Still experiencing issues? Make sure you call your plumber.
- Run your faucets — Sometimes, it’s only a few sources of water that are the problem. If this is the case, running your faucets at full pressure for several minutes could alleviate your rusty water issues.
Those are a few common fixes for rusty water coming from your pipes. If you’ve tried all the above without any luck, make sure you get a hold of your local Waxahachie plumbers in Waxahachie, TX. Only they will have the knowledge and expertise needed to fix up your plumbing system.
Looking for Waxahachie Plumbers in Waxahachie, TX?
Rusty water is never a fun problem to handle. If you’re hunting for plumbers in Waxahachie TX, that offer the emergency services you need to get your clean water back, Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating can help.
Our team of plumbing professionals is ready to help you fix your water issues quickly and with quality work. Ready to get started? Make sure to reach out today to schedule an appointment.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.