Why Is My Water Brown? Causes and Solutions for Clear Tap Water
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Have you ever turned on the faucet only to be greeted by a surprising sight – brown tap water?
It can be alarming, we know!
While brown tap water isn't exactly ideal (that's us putting it very mildly), it's usually not a major health hazard.
But it's definitely a sign that something's wrong with your plumbing, and it's important to address the issue to ensure clean, safe water in your home.
So, let's find out why your water is brown and what you can do to get it sparkling clean again.
Why Is My Water Brown?
There are several common reasons for brown water. Here's a quick overview of the most frequent causes of light chocolate-colored tap water.
Rusty Pipes
If your home has older plumbing, especially galvanized steel or iron pipes, rust can build up inside over time. The issue can also lie with the municipality pipes as some are older and if you use well water.
When water disturbs this rust, it can break loose and flow out of your faucets, causing brown water.
Sediment Buildup
Minerals and other particles can build up in your pipes over time.
When water flow suddenly increases, like when you turn on the faucet after a period of low use, this sediment can stir up and discolor your water.
Recent Work on Water Mains
If your local water main has recently been constructed or repaired, it can stir up sediment in the system. The same goes for plumbing done at your house; there might be leftover debris or rust from the repairs that loosen.
This can cause temporary episodes of brown water in your home.
Is Brown Water Safe to Use?
While brown water isn't usually harmful, it can stain clothes and fixtures. The bigger concern is the taste and odor, which can be unpleasant.
If the brown color is faint and clears up after running the tap for a few minutes, it's likely temporary and probably safe to use.
However, is the water heavily discolored or taking too long to clear up? It's best to avoid using it until the issue is resolved.
Be mindful that it might indicate rust or other contaminants in your water that should be addressed.
What to Do About Brown Tap Water
If you ever notice brown water coming out of your faucet, here are some steps you can take:
- Run the Tap. Sometimes, simply running the tap for a few minutes can flush out the discolored water.
- Check with Your Neighbors. See if your neighbors are experiencing the same issue. If so, it might be a problem with the main water line in your area. Contact your water provider to report the problem.
- Consider Long-Term Solutions. If brown water is a recurring issue, it might be time to invest in a quality, under-sink water filtration system.
- Upgrade Your Plumbing. Replacing old, rusty pipes with newer materials like copper or PEX can help prevent rust from contaminating your water.
- Install a Whole House Water Filter. A high-quality whole house water filtration system can remove sediment, rust, and other contaminants from your water supply, ensuring consistently clean water throughout your entire home.
Your Solution for Crystal-Clear Water
The Sentry Whole House Wellness System effectively prevents brown water and ensures clean, healthy water throughout your home.
Here's how it works:
- Multi-Stage Filtration. Our system uses a combination of filtration technologies to remove sediment, rust, and other contaminants that can cause brown water.
- Essential Mineral Protection. Unlike some filtration systems, our Sentry Wellness Systems protect and add beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, leaving your water clean and healthy.
- Easy Maintenance. We are big supporters of "easy-does-it", so our systems are designed for easy installation and maintenance. We also offer replacement filters to ensure optimal performance.
Don't Settle for Brown Water
Don't wait until your next brown water surprise to take action.
The Sentry Whole House Wellness System is a simple and effective long-term solution to ensure your family always has access to clean, clear, and healthy water.