While it’s nice to swim in a crystal-clear pool, it’s much more important to have clean drinking water in your home. It’s normal to be alarmed when brown liquid comes out of your faucet, but don’t panic! There are several reasons poor water quality can occur and many ways you can reverse it.
If you want to keep your sink from looking like a Texas beach, Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing is here to help! Our professional plumbers work to keep your home clean and comfortable with year-round services. Read on to learn what’s wrong with your water and what our team can do to fix it!
Why Is My Water Changing Color?
Your first reaction to a dirty stream coming out of your faucet is probably “ick!” However, your second reaction may lead you to wonder why it’s happening. There can be a few common reasons your water is changing color.
Corroded Pipes
Even great appliances experience wear and tear over time. Because homes require a lot of water, your pipes can become worn down and leave colorful debris in your drinking supply. This issue is especially common in older or highly-used systems.
Changes In Water Pressure
High water pressure can cause brown fluid to come from your faucet. If your water travels too fast or strong, it can dislodge several particles from your pipes and create a dark color. Large changes in pressure can occur from damaged pipes or an issue with the municipal supply.
Broken Or Recently Repaired Pipes
Repairs are meant to fix problems, but they can also cause a temporary change in your household’s watercolor. When pipes are moved around, debris and sediment deposits can get knocked out of place. Typically, the water should run clear after a few hours. However, if the color doesn’t go back to normal, you should contact our team for a professional opinion.
Weird-looking water may look scary, but knowing what caused it can help you figure out how to fix the problem as soon as possible!
What Do Different Water Colors Mean?
Many items come in multiple colors. However, you may not know why your water supply has turned brown or blue-green. Here are some guidelines to help you figure it out:
- Brown: Warm tints are created by iron buildup, which is usually caused by rusty pipes.
- Black: Magnesium in your water supply can turn black when exposed to oxygen.
- Blue-Green: Like on an old penny, a blue-green color in your water means it may contain copper.
Even if blue is your favorite color, none of these appearances are appetizing when you’re thirsty in the Texas heat!
Is Brown Water Dangerous?
When your water changes color, you may be too scared to touch it. Luckily, brown water is not particularly dangerous. The color is likely caused by iron, which doesn’t cause health issues on its own.
However, it’s still important to fix the problem as soon as possible. Murky water can damage belongings such as clothing, household appliances and your plumbing system over time. As a good rule of thumb, you shouldn’t drink anything that doesn’t look very clean.
How Can I Clear Up Murky Water?
Even when your sink looks murky, we won’t leave you in the dark! There are several ways to repair your plumbing and keep your house flowing smoothly.
- Flush out your pipes to remove buildup in your plumbing system.
- Install a water softener.
- Repair your water heater to correct pipe issues.
- Check if there’s an issue with the municipal supply.
Washing dirty dishes with dirtier water isn’t a productive task. Luckily, knowing what’s wrong and how to fix it will help you get your home’s supply cleaned up in no time!
Your Top Choice For Houston Plumbing Repairs
Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing offers reliable plumbing repairs in Houston and quality customer service. Contact us for professional plumbing services across the greater Houston area!
