Why Is My Hot Water Brown?
When you turn on a faucet to run hot water, you might be surprised to see discolored water coming out of it instead of the clear water that you normally expect. Some causes of discolored hot water are relatively minor and easy to resolve, while others are more serious and may need attention from a plumbing professional.
Water Heater Corrosion
Problems with your water heater might be to blame, especially if you notice that your hot water is discolored but your cold water still runs clear. Over time, water heaters tend to rust and corrode, and the debris from the material that sheds could make your water look brown or rusty.
If you have a tank water heater, the anode rod that’s on top of the tank may also be worn. The anode rod’s job is to attract corrosive elements that harm the tank, and hot water often gets discolored and smell bad from these elements if the rod no longer functions properly.
Solution: A professional can inspect your water heater to see if it should be replaced to prevent further water discoloration. The anode rod can also be inspected on a tank water heater and replaced if necessary.
Pipe Corrosion
Just like your water heater, the pipes that supply hot water to your home could rust and wear away with age and discolor your ordinarily clear water. Water discoloration may be especially noticeable if you have iron or galvanized steel pipes that corrode.
Solution: Replacing the pipes is usually necessary when they begin to wear away and leave debris in the water. To prevent future pipe corrosion and water discoloration, consider getting new plastic pipes or another modern type of piping that’s less prone to corrosion.
Sediment Buildup
Minerals can accumulate and form sediment deposits that settle at the bottom of the water heater. Sediments can also build up in the water supply because of natural erosion, agricultural runoffs, or construction work that disturbs the soil and releases more sediments into the water.
High concentrations of sediment sometimes make water appear brown, yellow or orange. The water might also have a generally murky appearance if the sediment level is high.
Solution: You should flush out your water heater periodically to remove excess minerals that could discolor your hot water. You can flush out the unit yourself if you have the right tools and know how to do so safely, or you can call professionals from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to do it for you. A reliable water filter may also help lower sediment levels.
Microorganism Growth
Excess bacteria or other microorganisms that aren’t killed by the heat could form a biofilm on the water. This sometimes happens when water is stagnant and provides a better breeding ground for these microorganisms.
Black, red or creamy water is sometimes the result of high levels of bacteria or fungi. Green water may result from high algae or cyanobacterial growth. In addition to being discolored, you might also notice an unpleasant odor when you run the water.
Solution: It’s best to disinfect the water heater if you suspect a high growth of microorganisms. You should also make sure to run the hot water regularly without letting it sit for several days or weeks in between to keep these microorganisms from accumulating.
Temporary Problems with the Public Water Supply
The issue that’s causing your discolored hot water might not have anything to do with your water heater or other parts of your home and could be linked to your local municipality’s water supply. In addition to construction projects, your public water supply could be affected by water main breaks, hydrant flushing or other issues.
Solution: Running the water until it’s clear again can sometimes be enough to get rid of the discoloration, but you may need to contact your city if the problem can’t be fixed within a short period of time. You may also need to use a water filter until your public water supply is normal again.
The experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing know how to fix many of the problems that are related to discolored hot water and are known for their prompt and punctual service. If there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
