If you have discolored water coming out of your faucet, there can be several causes. An experienced plumber can quickly identify the cause of the problem and leave the water coming out of your faucet clean and clear. So if the water in your faucet looks dirty, don’t drink it or use it for showering or washing dishes or clothes. Call a plumber immediately.

What Are The Causes?

Discolored water has a number of causes. Rust-colored water in your tap can be caused by an accumulation of minerals in your water heater. While this may not be a health hazard, it can stain your clothes. Iron-reducing bacteria in your water heater is another common cause of water discoloration. The bacteria, which is called Leptothrix, can also be found in well water and at water treatment plants.

The presence of rust in your pipes can also cause the water to become discolored. This is common when builders use galvanized pipes. Sediment in your water can also lead to dirty-looking water. Sediment can get into the pipes when there is a disruption or an increase in the flow of water. This can happen when water mains break, a fire hydrant nearby is being used or flushed, the flow direction of the water changes, or routine maintenance is being performed on the pipes.

How Can It Be Fixed?

If the cause of the discolored water is sediment in your water heater, the solution is to have your water heater flushed out. If iron-reducing bacteria are the cause of the water discoloration, the solution is simple. All you have to do is have chlorine added to the source of your water. If rust in your pipes is coloring the water, a plumber has to replace the pipes. When old water mains are the problem, the solution is to have the water mains cleaned, rehabilitated, or replaced by a licensed, experienced plumber or install a filtration system.

How Do I Prevent it?

Flushing out your water heater regularly can prevent sediment from building up in your water heater. In instances where iron-reducing bacteria is the cause of the problem, setting up a system where the appropriate amount of chlorine is continuously added to the water is the solution. If rust is the source of the discolored water, have a licensed plumber install copper pipes. This will keep the water clean and clear for decades.

Bring in a plumber into your Austin home to look over your plumbing system and make the necessary corrections. Call Beyond Wow today!