Discovering brown water coming from your hot water tap can be unsettling, especially when the cold water remains crystal clear. This phenomenon can indicate underlying issues in your water system that require immediate attention. Here’s a detailed look at the causes, safety concerns, and steps you can take to resolve this problem.
What Causes Brown Hot Water?
Brown hot water can be caused by a number of factors, including sediment in your water heater or rusty pipes. Here are four possible reasons your hot water has turned brown.
Water Supply
Occasionally, a discolored water event may cause brown water in your tap. This discoloration happens when fine sediment in the main line gets stirred up by hydrant use, routine maintenance, or construction. Disturbed sediment normally settles within a few hours, and you’ll know this is the culprit if the water clears up on its own. To get rid of any remaining sediment, open all your faucets and let them run for several minutes. You should also check your local municipality for news about any changes in the water supply.
Water Heater Sediment
When water is heated, naturally-occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium form into scale particles. These particles can collect in your water heater tank over time, leading to a severe sediment buildup. This buildup not only discolors the hot water arriving at the faucets, it can also block the gas burner or electric elements, reduce heating efficiency, and eventually ruin the appliance.
You can prevent these problems by having your tank drained and flushed annually by a professional plumber. This regular water heater maintenance is the best way to prevent future issues with your hot water supply.
Corroded Pipes
If you’re seeing orange or rust-colored water from both the hot and cold faucets, your pipes are likely starting to corrode. Galvanized pipes are protected on the outside by a zinc coating, so they deteriorate from the inside out. Before leaks start, have your home’s water lines inspected by a licensed plumber to determine if they need replacement.
Water Heater Corrosion
If your cold water supply is clear, but the hot water flow has a brown or rusty tinge, the culprit is likely your water heater. If the appliance is more than 10 years old and you see evidence of rust on the exterior of the tank, there’s likely significant corrosion happening. You’ll need to replace the tank before it fails completely.
Why is Only the Hot Water Brown and Not the Cold?
The reason only your hot water is brown can usually be traced back to your water heater. Either you have a build up of sediment inside the tank or the metal of the tank has started to corrode. Because the root of the problem starts at the tank, the cold water bypassing the water heater remains unaffected and clear.
Is Brown Water Safe to Drink?
While brown water isn’t always harmful, it’s not advisable to drink it, especially if you don’t know the root cause. Furthermore, the discoloration could be a sign of more harmful contaminants like lead, especially in older plumbing systems.
What Are My Next Steps?
If you encounter brown hot water, start by flushing your water heater. If the problem persists, consult a professional plumber about having your hot water heater inspected. They’ll be able to professionally flush your tank and assess if you need repairs or replacement. Whatever you do, don’t ignore the issue, as it could worsen over time.
Keep Your Hot Water Crystal Clear
At Roth Home, we understand the importance of having safe, clean water in your home. Our expert plumbing services are designed to address and resolve issues like brown hot water efficiently and effectively. Contact us today to schedule water heater repairs in Portland or the surrounding Central Oregon areas.