One day, you head to the sink for a drink or to heat up water for washing dishes. To your horror, though, what gushes out of the tap isn’t clear but a murky brown color instead. You wonder whether this water is safe to use and what it means for your plumbing system.
Below, learn the top reasons why the water coming out of your faucet is brown, then call our trusted plumbers in Radnor, PA.
Water Coming out of the Faucet Is Brown: Brown Tap Water Causes in Radnor, Pennsylvania
Is that brown water coming out of your tap caused by sewage? Unless the water has a foul smell, probably not. The color most likely stems from minerals or sediment that has infiltrated your plumbing system. Below, we list the most common causes of rusty water from a faucet.
1. Old, Corroding Pipes
Do you own an older home? If so, the plumbing system likely features galvanized iron pipes. Galvanized iron is a tough material that can last for years, but eventually, the pipes begin to corrode and break down. When that happens, rust particles can end up in your tap water.
Your service pipe may be damaged as well. This pipe connects the pipes in your house to the main distribution system. If the service pipe becomes damaged, sediment and rust can end up in your home’s water.
If you suspect your old pipes have caused your brown water issues, call a plumber to ask about pipe replacement options.
2. Mineral Buildup in Your Pipes
Many Pennsylvania cities have hard water problems, and Radnor is no exception. Hard water contains excessive minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can cause your water to change color. If you have hard water, you might also notice brown or reddish stains in your sinks, toilets, and showers.
The best way to address hard water involves installing a water softener in your home. Most water softeners work by removing calcium and magnesium ions and replacing them with sodium ions.
3. A Rusty Water Heater
If the water coming out of your faucet is brown, your water heater may be to blame. Water heaters contain a part called an anode rod, which attracts mineral particles to prevent the tank from rusting. But anode rods only last about five years, and when they wear out, your water heater tank can start to corrode. Brown water coming out of multiple taps can indicate that your water heater has started to corrode.
If your system is corroding, your only option is to replace the water heater.
4. Construction Work Near Your Home
In some cases, brown tap water has nothing to do with a problem in your plumbing system. Rather, your water might be murky due to construction happening somewhere near your home. You can call your city to learn about any nearby construction work and ask if the water is safe to drink.
The good news is that the water discoloration should resolve by itself shortly. If it doesn’t, call a plumber for help.
5. Rainwater in Your Well
Do you own a private well? Many homeowners in Radnor do. Private wells contain a wellhead that prevents surface rainwater from infiltrating your home’s water supply. If the wellhead has sustained damage, rainwater can work its way into your water supply, potentially contaminating it with dirt and bacteria.
If your well water turns brown, do not drink it. Brown well water can seriously sicken you and your family.
Is Brown Water Safe To Drink?
Whether or not brown water is safe to drink depends on the cause of the discoloration. If it results from sediment or minerals, drinking a little bit isn’t likely to hurt you.
If you have a private well and your water has turned brown, avoid drinking it, as it can contain dangerous bacteria. And definitely don’t drink brown water if it smells like sewage.
If you’re in doubt about whether brown water is safe to drink, it’s always best to ask a plumber for advice.
If the Water Coming out of Your Faucet Is Brown, Call Our Plumbers in Radnor, Pennsylvania
Still wondering, “Why is my water brown?” If the water coming out of your faucet is brown, contact MVP Plumbing for assistance. We’ll perform a full inspection to determine what’s causing your rust-colored water.
Give us a call to schedule service in Radnor, or check out our helpful guide to troubleshooting no water coming from your faucet.