Did you just turn on your tap, and out came rusty water? Don’t panic – there are a few things you can do to try to fix it. While rusty water is not generally harmful, you may not want to have a shower or brush your teeth with it. The effect is even more disturbing if you have no idea why it is happening in the first place.
You’ll be surprised to learn that rust-colored water from taps is not a rare occurrence. That is why we have put together this article. Read this guide for tips on what to do if your tap has rusty water. Also, learn about the causes and prevention methods. Get rid of the rust in your water in no time!
Why is Your Tap Water Rusty?
Tap water can be discolored when it contains too many minerals or sediment. It usually appears as a reddish-brown tint or flakes of rust due to the presence of iron or manganese. Too many of these minerals in your water supply can also affect the taste and smell of your tap water. These minerals find their way into your home’s water supply from the soil, corroded pipes, and other sources. It is important to find out the source of the rust to prevent more problems in the future. But first, you’ll need a plumber to test the quality of your water to rule out any other causes, such as contamination.
Is Rusty Water Safe?
Whether your rust-colored water is safe or not will depend on the type and amount of contaminants present. According to the EPA, contaminants like iron and manganese are not harmful to your health. However, they can cause skin rashes and leave stains on your clothes. These contaminants are regulated by the secondary EPA regulations.
On the other hand, the primary EPA regulations protect against contaminants that can cause health problems. Examples are lead and arsenic. That is why water with high levels of these contaminants is not sent to homes in the United States. So, if you have tested your water for these types of contaminants, then it is generally safe to use your rusty water.
Can You Bathe in Rusty Water?
As a follow-up to the previous question, it is not advisable to bathe in rusty water. Even if your water has been tested and found to contain only iron or manganese, you may still be better off if you avoid bathing in it. This is because the minerals can get into your skin and cause rashes and itchiness. They are also not so good for your hair. In addition, you may struggle to get clean when using rusty water as it makes it harder for soap to lather.
What Are Other Causes of Rusty Water?
As mentioned earlier, rusty water is mostly caused by too much iron or manganese present in your drinking water. However, it can also be an indication that your plumbing pipes need replacing. In some cases, the rust comes from utility maintenance or a break in the city’s water main. Other causes include a buildup of sediment in your tank.
1. If your hot and cold water turns brown abruptly
If there’s a break in the city’s water main or maintenance is taking place near your home, sediment may have been stirred up into your home’s plumbing. This can result in rusty water coming out of your taps. In this case, the brownish color should only be present for a short period of time and then flush itself out.
2. If only your hot water turns brown
If only your hot water turns brown, it could be a sign that rust or sediment has accumulated in your water heater tank. When this happens, you may need to flush or replace the heater. Contact a professional plumber to help you out.
3. If rusty water is coming from certain cold taps only
If only certain cold taps in the house are producing rusty water, it could mean that the pipes leading to those taps have rusted. In this case, you may need to replace the pipes or call a plumber for assistance.
How to Get Rid of Rusty Water From Your Tap
Once you have identified the source of the rust in your tap water, you can start fixing the problem. There are several ways to get rid of rust in your water supply. Here are the most common methods:
1. If your hot and cold water turns brown abruptly
If you suspect that the rusty water is coming from the city’s water supply, talk to your neighbors to see if they are experiencing the same problem. If you’ve determined that your rusty water is due to a city-wide maintenance or break in the main, your best course of action is to wait it out. The sediment should eventually flush itself out and the water will return to its normal color.
2. If only your hot water turns brown
If you’ve identified that rust has accumulated in your water heater, you’ll need to drain and flush your tank. Your plumber should be able to do this and it should solve the problem. It is recommended to drain and flush your tank once or twice every year. If the problem persists after flushing the tank, you may need to get a new water heater.
3. If rusty water is coming from certain cold taps only
If the pipes leading to certain cold taps are rusted, you may need to replace them. Contact a professional plumber for assistance in this regard. If the problem is more extensive than just replacing one or two pipes, you may need to replace the entire plumbing system.
These are some of the ways you can get rid of rusty water from your tap. If it still persists after trying these solutions, contact a professional plumber for further assistance. Keeping on top of regular maintenance and testing will help to prevent this problem in the future and ensure that your tap water is always safe and clean.
Contact Acme Plumbing For Regular Plumbing Maintenance
At Acme Plumbing, we provide top-rated plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. We can help keep your water clean and safe with regular maintenance programs. Our team of experienced plumbers can identify potential issues in advance to prevent any problems from developing into bigger ones down the road. Contact us today at (919) 688-1348 to learn more about our services.