At least one of our clients has complained of brown water spurting from their faucets at some point. If this has ever occurred to you, it’s vital to understand that there are a few potential reasons why your tap water might turn brown. In most situations, the water may be consumed without risk; however, in other circumstances, it may be dangerous and require immediate attention.
Brown water in your house is caused by a number of factors, including septic tanks and well pipes. We’ll show you what causes brown water to appear in your home, what you can do about it, and how to fix the problem so that you may once again enjoy clean, clear water. If the condition persists, Plumbers Jhb can help.
Why is My Water Brown?
If your water is brown, it’s possible that it’s because of sediments, minerals, or rust accumulating in the water mains over time. These particles can break loose and enter your home’s water supply, causing the water to appear brown or tainted. If your tap water is brown, it might be due to nearby building work or some other reason that has disrupted the deposits.
If you have a slow-moving, dark-coloured or strong-smelling liquid in your toilet after flushing it, wait a few hours and the water should clear up on its own. If this doesn’t happen, get help from a professional plumber to discover the source of the discolouration.
Brown water is typically produced by a house’s plumbing system as a result of a recent pipe installation or damaged water pipes. When rust falls off the pipes and into your supply, your water becomes brown. There’s a change in water pressure while repairs are being done, which may frequently remove loose deposits from the piping.
Before they cause a leak that leads to water waste, rusted or damaged pipes should be found and repaired. A plumber can assist you in locating and repairing these pipes before they do any more harm.
Brown water is often caused by a build-up of minerals in the pipes. This happens more frequently in houses with well water or those that use a municipal water supply that has high mineral concentrations. These minerals may accumulate over time, causing the water to become brown.
If you have a water softener, it may be necessary to clean it out on a regular basis to remove the mineral deposits. If you don’t have a water softener, you may need to install one to help solve the problem.
Is The Water Dangerous or Poisonous?
No, your brown water is not typically hazardous. The presence of iron, as previously stated, is frequently the reason for the colour of your water. Your tap water usually includes iron. It’s a naturally occurring mineral found in the soil that isn’t considered harmful unless it occurs in large quantities.
Although the water isn’t poisonous, we do not suggest you drink it. Rusty pipes generate rusty water, which may be a habitat for germs. Rust can also cause pipes to leak and cause mould and mildew growth, which is detrimental to everyone’s health.
How do I Get Rid of Brown Water?
For good, you may eliminate brown water from your house by running cold water for at least 20 minutes from your faucet. If the water is still brown after this time, contact your city’s utility provider and ask them to flush out the brown water via a fire hydrant if necessary. If the problem continues after they’ve done this, seek help immediately.
Next, check to see if the discoloured water is only from the cold or hot water in your home. If it’s from the hot water only, it could be due to a problem with your water heater. It may require flushing. Rusts on the inside of your tank can cause the water to become brown. This can be remedied by draining and refilling your water heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The rust may be a signal that your water heater’s days are numbered. As soon as you confirm that the brown water is from the hot water in your home, contact Plumbers Jhb for a water heater inspection.
Finally, if your water heater is not the cause of the problem, ask your neighbours whether they are having similar difficulties. If they are, it’s probable that the problem is coming from the municipal water supply system and you should contact your city’s utility provider. You’ll need a professional to clean out rust from your home’s pipes if your neighbours do not have the same issue. If this doesn’t entirely solve the problem, all you can do now is use water softeners and filters to purify the water.
Discoloured water can be a nuisance, but it is usually not dangerous. In most cases, the discolouration is due to rust in the pipes and is not a health hazard. If the problem persists after following these steps, call a professional plumber. They will be able to help you locate and repair the source of the problem.
If Your Water is Discolored, Contact Us For Help
If your water is brown, you should take action as soon as possible to correct the problem. Brown water might be caused by a variety of factors, some of which are more serious than others. In most circumstances, a little effort will resolve the issue. If the situation persists, however, it’s important to call in a professional. Plumbers Jhb has years of expertise assisting homeowners with their plumbing issues, including brown water problems. Give us a call at 074 967 2234 right now!