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Getting Rid of Brown Water & Causes

Gary Monks • July 26, 2022

Access to clean water is crucial. You use water every day to wash your hands, prepare food, wash dishes, clothing, and more. The last thing you want to see when you turn on your faucet is brown water.

If you are experiencing this issue, Aqua Solutions has put together a guide to help you understand the problem and how you can solve it.

What Causes Brown Water?

Typically, brown water is caused by corrosion within your water pipes. As your water pipes age, they will begin to break down. This causes tiny pieces of pipe material to flake away and end up in your water supply.

A variety of sediments, minerals, and rust can also build up in your water supply and can cause the water to become reddish-brown.

Is it Safe to Use Brown Water?

While brown water looks unappealing, it is not poisonous or toxic to use. If you make contact with brown water, there is no need to be alarmed. While it is fine to use for washing, it is not pleasant to drink due to the bad taste.

If you plan to use the water for cleaning or general uses, we recommend that you boil the water first. Also, keep in mind that doing laundry can cause stains on white sheets or light-colored clothing. We recommend you have the plumbing repaired before washing clothing.

How Can I Get Rid of Brown Water?

You may need to contact a qualified plumber to handle the issue, but you can try these tips in the meantime:

Run the Faucets

In some cases, brown water is caused by a small amount of rust build-up in your pipes. By running the faucets until the water becomes clear, you can get rid of brown water. However, if this doesn't work within twenty minutes or so, you will need to take a different course of action.

Deep Clean Your Aerator

Go through the home and run all the taps to check for brown water. If you find that only one tap is producing brown water, it could be a damaged or dirty aerator causing the brown water.

Remove your faucet's aerator and give it a deep clean. While doing this, turn the cold water on and let the faucet run. Replace the aerator and check to see if you're still experiencing brown water.

Drain Out and Flush The Water Heater Tank

If you've checked and seen that all the taps in the home are producing brown water, you may be having an issue with your hot water heater. Your water tank may have a build-up of sediment that is turning your water brown. You can try to drain and flush the tank to get rid of the sediment, which should be done at least twice a year.

Contact The Water Treatment Experts at Aqua Solutions

At Aqua Solutions, we can help you find the right solution for your brown water issue. We offer a variety of solutions, including water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, and more that can help provide you with clean, clear water. Contact us today to learn more.

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Author: Gary Monks

Gary Monks has led Aqua Solutions since 1997, earning recognition as a water treatment expert with 25 years of experience. Renowned in Butler, he has won the Best Water Treatment award for three years and actively supports the community, including local sports and radio engagements.

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