Brown tap water is usually caused by rust, sediment, or minerals like iron and manganese being stirred up in the pipes. It is typically triggered by changes in water pressure, recent plumbing work, routine maintenance (like fire hydrant flushing), or an aging water heater.
If brown water appears at just one faucet, check the aerator or shower head for rust particles. Cleaning aerators and flushing that fixture may solve the issue. If the entire house has discolored water, the cause is upstream in the main supply or well.
Here's the good news: in most cases, brown water from tap is not immediately harmful to your health. While drinking water regulations do set limits for iron and manganese, short-term spikes are usually more of an aesthetic and technical issue.
Brown, black or orange coloured water is normally caused by the disturbance of sediments from older pipes in the network. When the sediments are disturbed, the water can be discoloured or contain particles, until this is allowed to settle out again. Examples of when this might happen include: A burst on a water main.
Drinking contaminated water can sometimes trigger headaches. Chemicals like chlorine or heavy metals, as well as dehydration from diarrhea, can cause headaches. Stay hydrated with clean water and avoid drinking water that seems suspicious. If headaches continue or get worse, see a healthcare provider.
8 Signs That You Are Dehydrated
A natural morning surge in blood pressure combined with or without uncontrolled hypertension can result morning headache suggesting secondary brain parenchymal disease such as hemorrhagic stroke or changes of intracranial pressure (ICP) or brain tumors.
When To Call A Professional Plumber. If brown water persists at your sink after flushing the lines or checking with neighbors, it's time to bring in a licensed plumber. Persistent water discoloration could point to corroded pipes, buildup in your system, or ongoing municipal issues.
Is Discolored Water Safe? Many homeowners worry when they see discoloration in hot water or notice their bath water is brown. Generally, this water isn't toxic. The iron that causes the discoloration occurs naturally in drinking water, and small amounts are usually harmless.
Brown or rusty water often means there's iron or rust in your pipes. This usually happens if your water comes from old pipes or if there's corrosion inside your plumbing system. Rust can give the water a metallic taste and stain your clothes or fixtures.
Flushing the Water Heater Tank
Flushing the tank at least once a year clears out any sediment that's been collecting at the bottom. Before you begin, make sure the water's cooled down to avoid a hot mess, literally. Connect a hose to the drain valve, and let the water run free until it's clear of color and debris.
To help us save every drop of water, showers should be kept to four minutes or less. Wondering if cutting a couple of minutes off your shower really helps? The answer is yes!
7 Signs Your Tap Water Might Be Contaminated
Why is my drinking water brown? While it is not harmful, residents should not drink obviously discolored water. If you notice brown or discolored water coming from your tap, call 311 or file a report online, so we can follow up.
If the water is lightly discolored (the color of a brown paper bag or lighter), try running a cold water faucet for five to 10 minutes to clear out internal plumbing. Flush your toilets two or three times. If the initial cold water flush does not clear up the problem, wait about an hour and repeat flushing.
Typically these problems clear up within a couple of hours, but can take as long as several days to return to normal. In temporary situations like this we recommend not using hot water at all if possible, to keep the discolored water from being drawn into your water heater.
Iron build-up
Iron is the most common cause of orange or yellow well water, especially if the water tastes metallic. Most often, iron builds up in well groundwater supplies together with manganese. Exposed to oxygen, ferrous iron will react and turn water yellow, orange, or even reddish-brown.
Signs a Water Heater is Going Bad
The cloudy or muddy water you see afterward is typically just a result of this natural disturbance. It's not unusual to see brown or discoloured water for the first 3–7 days—and sometimes even a few weeks—depending on several factors. Here's why: Soil Composition: Sandier soil takes longer to settle.
Brown hot water usually means corrosion or sediment buildup in your water heater tank. Over time, rust from corroded pipes and mineral accumulation from hard water can collect in the bottom of the tank. When you turn on the hot water tap, those contaminants get flushed into your pipes and out the faucet.
Mold is a fungal growth that is found in damp conditions. They can have varying appearance, color, and texture. Visually, you can witness mold in green, white, or black colors. Meanwhile, the water damage stains are often yellow or brown.
In that instance you may need to consult a plumber to resolve the issue. Though rusty water may look and taste unpleasant, it is not generally a health concern. Iron in water is not a sign of harmful bacteria or lead, which are hazards.
Flush cold water.
Run all cold-water faucets on the property beginning with the faucet closest to the water line. Run the water at the highest flow (or fully open) for 10 minutes or until water is clear and temperature is constant.
Call a Plumber if You Suspect a Water Leak
If you don't have a detailed diagram of the plumbing network in your home, you'll only be guessing at the source of the leak. An experienced plumber like Beyond Wow can find the source of a water leak in your home and underground.