Brown water from your faucet is usually caused by rust, sediment, or disturbances in the water supply. It can result from corroded pipes, a failing water heater, or municipal maintenance work stirring up debris. While often harmless, brown tap water should not be consumed until the source is confirmed safe. Running the water, checking with neighbors, and inspecting your plumbing can help resolve the issue.
Brown water from your faucet can be alarming. The appearance of brown water in the house may not always be dangerous, but it often indicates a plumbing or infrastructure issue that shouldn't be ignored.
Common Causes of Brown Water
Rust in the Pipes
If you're noticing brown water from your tap, rust is one of the most likely causes. Water pipes (especially older galvanized steel ones) can accumulate rust over time. When the flow of water is disturbed, flakes of rust can dislodge and travel through the system, turning your tap water brown.
This is particularly common after water main repairs, plumbing upgrades, or sudden pressure changes. The rust itself usually isn't harmful to drink in small amounts, but it does affect water quality, taste, and staining of sinks and laundry.
Municipal Water Disturbance
Sometimes, brown water in your house isn't from your plumbing at all. Local water departments occasionally flush the mains or repair large infrastructure, stirring up sediment that enters the water supply. This type of brown water from the tap usually clears up within a few hours, but it can be unsettling.
If your neighbors are also experiencing brown water, it's likely due to a municipal issue. Calling your local utility or checking their website is a good first step.
Sediment from the Water Heater
When brown water only comes from the hot water side of your faucet, your water heater might be to blame. Over time, minerals and sediment collect at the bottom of the tank. If the tank isn't flushed regularly, those deposits can cloud the water and eventually damage the unit.
This kind of brown water from the sink or shower usually appears gradually and may get worse with time. It's a sign your water heater needs maintenance or possibly replacement.
Corroded Fixtures or Pipes
Brown water coming out of a faucet could be localized to a single bathroom or kitchen. In these cases, the problem may be a corroded pipe or fixture. If brown tap water appears in one spot but not others, it's a good idea to inspect the pipes or call a plumber at Dalmatian Plumbing.
Localized rust isn't always visible, but leaks, stains, or metallic tastes are red flags. This situation can escalate if not addressed.
Is Brown Tap Water Dangerous?
A common concern is whether brown water from the faucet is safe to drink. Generally, brown water isn't dangerous, but it depends on the source.
If the discoloration comes from rust or sediment, it may be unpleasant but not harmful. However, brown water from your tap can mask more serious contaminants like lead or bacteria if the plumbing is compromised. Never assume it's safe, especially if strange odors or particles accompany the color.
If you're ever in doubt, don't drink or cook with brown water. Use bottled water until you can test the tap or speak to a water quality expert. You can also have your water tested by a certified lab to be sure it meets safety standards.
What to Do If Your Water Is Brown
When you notice brown water in your house, here are the steps to take:
1. Run the Water
Let your cold water run for several minutes to see if it clears up. Start with the faucet closest to where the water line enters your home. If it's a temporary disturbance, this should flush out sediment.
2. Check with Neighbors
If others in your neighborhood are experiencing brown water, it's likely a city issue. Utility companies typically resolve these problems quickly.
3. Examine Your Hot Water
If the discoloration only happens with hot water, flush your water heater or call a technician. Sediment buildup in the tank is likely the cause.
4. Avoid Doing Laundry
Don't wash clothes while the water is brown. It can stain your fabrics. If laundry was affected, try rewashing with a rust remover.
5. Call a Plumber
If brown water persists or only appears in one area of your house, have a plumber from Dalmatian Plumbing inspect your pipes. Corrosion may require pipe replacement.
Preventing Brown Water in the Future
Brown water might not always be preventable, especially when the source is your municipal supply. However, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of it happening again:
Flush your water heater annually to reduce sediment buildup.
Replace old galvanized pipes with copper or PEX materials.
Install a whole-house water filter to trap particles before they reach your fixtures.
Schedule regular plumbing inspections to catch corrosion early.
Being proactive about maintenance helps keep your water clear and your plumbing system healthy.
When to Be Concerned
While brown water from the faucet is often harmless, you should take it seriously in the following cases:
It lasts longer than 24 hours
It's accompanied by a metallic or sulfur-like smell
You see particles or slime in the water
You or your family members feel ill after drinking it
In these situations, stop using the water and contact a plumber or water authority immediately.
Summary and Next Steps
Brown water from your faucet is a sign that something in your plumbing or water supply has changed. While the issue is often temporary and not harmful, brown tap water can still cause stains, damage appliances, and raise health concerns. Identifying whether the brown water is from rust, sediment, or a municipal issue is key to resolving it quickly.
If you're seeing brown water in your home regularly, it's time to get your plumbing inspected and consider maintenance like flushing your water heater or upgrading pipes. Don't take chances with your water quality.
Need help dealing with brown water? A licensed plumber from Dalmatian Plumbing can assess your system and recommend the best solution. Don't wait for it to worsen; take action now to protect your home and health. Contact Dalmatian Plumbing today!
