Post By Admin
September 8, 2024Ever turned on your tap, expecting to see clear, fresh water, only to be greeted by a strange brown colour – it’s alarming, right? You might find yourself asking, “Why is my tap water brown, and more importantly, is it safe?”
This is a common issue, and in most cases, it’s not as serious as it might look—but it’s definitely something you should address. If you’ve noticed brown water coming out of the tap – maybe it’s a temporary issue, or it could point to something more significant that needs immediate attention.
Here in this guide, we will look into the reasons for why you’d require a leak detection service if you keep having brown water, some common causes behind dirty tap water and ultimately solve one query that must have been running through any homeowners: “Is brown tap water dangerous?
Why Is Your Tap Water All of Sudden Brown?
So, why has your clear water turned brown all of a sudden?
It can be quite a surprise to see brown water flowing from your tap. Don’t panic—it’s often a sign of something easily fixable. However, identifying the exact cause is key to solving the problem.
Let’s take a quick look at the most common reasons.
- Sediment Buildup in Pipes. Over time, minerals and debris can accumulate in water pipes, especially older systems. When the water flow is disturbed (perhaps due to a leak or maintenance work), it can dislodge these particles, causing your water to turn brown.
- Rust. If your home is old and has iron pipes, you probably have rust in the water. That rust can end up flaking into your water, turning it a brownish or red colour.
- Water Main Breaks or Repairs. Sediments in the supply line can get disturbed with construction nearby or a disruption of water main, this may lead to brown water sometimes on a temporary basis.
You see, there’s no need to jump to conclusions, but it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the situation.
If you’re unsure of the cause or worried about the safety of your water, this is why you need leak detection service! A professional plumber can quickly get to the root of the issue and help restore your water to its usual clean state.
What to Do Once You Notice Brown Water from Tap?
So, now that you’ve identified the problem—brown water coming out of the tap—what’s next? Don’t worry, there are steps you can take before calling in a plumber.
While it might seem alarming at first, a little troubleshooting can often go a long way toward fixing the issue. Let’s walk through what to do when faced with brown tap water.
1. Ask Your Neighbours
First things first, check with your neighbours to see if they struggle with the same problem. If so, then you may have an issue with your local water source.
From there, you may want to call your water provider and ask if there has been any work or disruption that could have led to water discoloration.
Water mains are occasionally flushed for maintenance which causes sediment to be stirred up, causing your water to become cloudy or brown temporarily.
2. Leave Your Tap Running
A great trick to try if you are struggling to get the water out is turn it on and let it run – seems simple enough but it works!
On other occasions, brown water is simply sediment or rust that has broken away within the pipelines. Run your tap water a few minutes to check that it is running clear. It is a great sign if you no longer see discolouration after a few minutes.
3. Check for Leaks
Still dealing with brown water after quite some time? This indicates a probable leak within your plumbing system!
Leaks can disrupt water pressure and stir up sediment in the pipes. You might want to check for signs of leaks around your home. If you’re not sure where to start, our leak detection service can help pinpoint the problem without the guesswork!
4. Fix a Leaking Tap
Another reason you have discoloured water is that your tap may also be leaking.
If you have any leaking taps around the house, now is as good a time as ever to fix them! Not sure how to fix it — we have a full guide on how to fix a leaking tap for you.
5. Call in a Professional
Well, if nothing works for you here, better hire the professionals! If your brown water does not seem to go away after a few tricks, it might require some professional attention.
Melbourne plumbers are experts in providing long-term plumbing resolutions and make sure that your water system is clear and safe!
FAQ about Brown Water from Tap
You’ve tried some troubleshooting, but maybe you still have questions. We’ve compiled some frequently asked questions to help clarify things.
1. Is it safe to drink brown tap water?
Well, brown tap water could contain rust, sediment, or other contaminants that make it unsafe for consumption.
If you see discoloured water, it’s best to avoid drinking it until the problem is resolved. You may want to stick to bottled or boiled water in the meantime. The types of taps you use may also influence how fast contaminants build up, especially in older plumbing systems.
2. After how long will brown water from my tap disappear?
It depends on the cause. If the brown water is caused by some kind of maintenance nearby, it should clear up within a few minutes to hours after letting your tap run.
But if it is from within one of your pipes, due to a leak or build-up over time – then, the discoloration may persist until you have a professional come inspect and fix it.
3. Is discoloured water an emergency?
It can be. While brown water doesn’t always signal a serious issue, it can indicate underlying problems like roots in pipes or corroded plumbing that may require urgent attention.
If you notice brown water along with low water pressure or other signs of a plumbing issue, you might want to call a plumber sooner rather than later
Conclusion
Dealing with brown water coming out of your tap can truly be an annoying encounter! But if you’re well-equipped with proper guidelines, you can tackle the issue effectively!
It might be a simple solution such as replacing your old taps, or it could involve leaks and corrosion of pipes – but either way you at least get to the root cause.
However, if you have done everything and the issue is still happening – please do not hesitate in contacting us here at Neighbourhood Plumbing!
We provide professional water leak detection services and solutions to clear your contaminated water. Do you have a leaking tap or blocked drain in Melbourne and require solid plumbing assistance? Call us on 0488 885 122 and we will do the work for you!
Also, if you want to know other plumbing tips, make sure to follow our blog for useful guides and advice!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
