What To Do When Rusty Water Appears

It is never fun when rusty water appears in your sink or tub. Fortunately, there are things you can do to eliminate nasty rusty water from your pipes. Knowing the source of rusty water, the health effects of drinking rusty water and what you can do to fix the problem can help you take action .

Where does rusty water come from?

Rusty water can come from sources inside or outside of the home. Common causes of rusty water include:

Rusty pipes
Sediment in the water
Damage from construction
Break in the water main

Sometimes determining the source of rusty water can be tricky. Fortunately, the behavior of the rusty water can give you clues about its origins. For example, rust that appears in your hot water may originate with your own water heater.he tank could be compromised, or sediment may have built up inside .

If the rust appears in both hot and cold water, (but only in the morning), this is a sure sign that your home’s pipes are corroded or rusting inside. This is a common in homes with old galvanized pipes or iron pipes.

If rusty water has recently appeared, and was not previously a problem in your home’s plumbing, it could be the result of something happening in your neighborhood: a break in the water main, the use of nearby fire hydrants or leaks in outside water pipes could all be a source of the problem. If your water changes color suddenly and unexpectedly, contact your local water company to find out what might be causing the problem.

Can rusty water do damage to your home?

Depending on the severity of the problem, rusty water can stain your home’s porcelain plumbing fixtures, like toilets, sinks and bathtubs. Rusty water can also stain your white linens.

What can you do to fix the problem?

If you believe that the rust is coming from your own pipes, , either because the rust only appears when using hot water,or because the rust only appears in the morning when the pipes have not been used, then the best thing you can do to fix the problem is to contact an experienced plumber. Your plumber can help you determine the source of the problem.

If you believe that the rust is coming from a source outside the home, contact your water company to report the problem.

Call Terry’s Plumbing Today!

At Terry’s Plumbing, we provide fast, reliable plumbing services to Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. We replace water heaters, diagnose problems, fix leaks and clean out sewers! We can also help you determine the source of your home’s rusty water. To make an appointment, contact us today at 412-364-9114.