Why Is My Water Rusty?
Have you ever turned on your faucet only to find that your fresh, clear water has become discolored and tainted? If so, the culprit may be rust, and rusty water is no fun at all. So, what can you do?
Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to eliminate gross, rusty water from your pipes. But first, you have to find the source. Once located, you can make the proper repairs and avoid the harmful health effects that come from drinking rusty water. Let’s take a look at how you can take action and fix the problem.
Where Does Rusty Water Come From?
Rusty water can come from plumbing sources both inside and outside of your home. Most often, rusty water is due to one (or more) of the following:
- Rusty pipes
- A break in the water main
- Damage from construction
- Sediment in the water
Now, when it comes to pinpointing the exact source of your rusty water, it can be quite tricky. But, if you pay attention to the behavior of the water patterns, it can give way to some clues of the rust’s origin. For example:
- Rust appears when you turn on hot water – If you experience rusty water when you turn on your hot water faucets, then it’s a safe bet that the source is your water heater. In this instance, the tank could be compromised or it could be a case of built-up sediment.
- Rust appears when you turn on hot and cold water in the morning – If you experience rusty water when you turn on both hot and cold water in the morning, this is a sign that your pipes themselves are corroded and/or rusted on the inside. This is very common in homes with older plumbing or iron pipes.
- Rust suddenly appears – If your water turns up rusty in a sudden appearance when there was no previous issue, then it’s likely that the rust is a result of something happening in your neighborhood. There may be a water main break, a leak outside of your plumbing system, etc. If this happens, contact your water company to report the problem so that they can find the cause and have it immediately remedied.
How to Fix the Rusty Water Problem
Depending on the severity of the issue and how long it has persisted, rusty water can cause damage to your home (as well as your health). For example, it can stain your home’s porcelain plumbing fixtures, including toilets, tubs and sinks. It can also stain your laundry when you put it in the wash. So, what can you do to fix the problem?
If you experience rusty water when you turn on the hot water or when you turn on water first thing in the morning when your pipes have not been used, then it’s extremely likely that the source of the issue is within your own pipes. To address this issue, you’ll want to contact your trusted, experienced plumber. A professional will need to come out to pinpoint the source and determine the best solution for you and your home.
If you have any questions or concerns about possible rust in your water and plumbing system, don’t hesitate to call Tritan Plumbing. We’ll help rid your home of rusty water with expediency, efficiency and professionalism.
