Steps to Take if Your Water is Discolored

Discoloration in your water supply can mean several different things. Getting to the bottom of the issue is the only real way to find out what’s going on so that you can resolve the problem properly. Most people who experience discoloration in their water see brown water coming from the taps. However, there may be instances where it is black or another color, all of which point to different issues.

Brown water discoloration is usually caused by sediment in the pipes or the plumbing system getting disturbed and mixing in with the water. This could be caused by a nearby water main break or other construction. If the brown water is coming from your hot water pipes, it may be a sign that there’s rust in your hot water tank. In that case, you’ll want to flush the system and consider an inspection of the tank to ensure that it’s working in optimal condition and not affecting the quality of your water.

Usually, you can eliminate brown water from nearby disturbances by running cold water for about 20 minutes to let the pipes clear completely. If this does not solve the problem, you may have something larger going on, such as rusted pipes or damages that need to be repaired by a professional.

You can also ask your city to come out and flush your water system to eliminate discolored water, but this may or may not be a service they offer. You might end up having to call a plumber.

If flushing doesn’t work, consult a plumber and ask them how they can assist. They may be able to investigate the system and see what’s going on and where the discoloration is coming from (damage, rust and mineral buildup, etc.). From there, they will be able to help resolve the issue and prevent discoloration problems in the future.

Is Discolored Water Dangerous?

Usually, water that is discolored by mineral buildup or other causes is not actually dangerous to drink. It probably tastes different because of the mineral buildup, but it will not cause any type of toxicity or illness. However, for peace of mind, most people want clear water flowing through their homes. If you aren’t sure how to handle the situation, call Elk Grove Village Sewer & Plumbing right away. Sometimes, the best thing that you can do is to leave the problem-solving to the professionals.