The problem is not restricted to a few isolated spots when water changes color. Breaks in the main water line, firefighters working, and cars hitting fire hydrants can all affect water flow. This may temporarily discolor water.
Discolored Water Types
Your water may turn yellow or brown for several causes. Each is briefly explained here.
• Yellow Water
Yellow water in household water can be caused by high iron content, oxygen exposure, rust, and municipal utility flushing. Rapid discoloration during flushing absorbs rust particles, causing the water to appear in this way.
• Brown Water
Manganese concentration can cause discoloration in healthy water, leading to browning and potential collapse. Surface filtration and groundwater toxins may cause browning, requiring filtration devices.
Is Discolored Water Safe?
Innocuous minerals may cause home water to become yellow or brown. Brown water may taste and smell bad, but it is not necessarily harmful. Still, if the water discolors without warning, it’s preferable not to consume it.
Even though rust, iron, and other particles in water aren’t harmful, filtration is recommended until you find out what caused the coloring. In private wells, the color change may indicate groundwater contamination.
Water Discoloration Causes
• Algae Deposition In Pipes
Algae in plumbing systems are a typical cause of water discoloration. Single-celled algae flourish in moist settings. They can enter your home through municipal water or pipelines. Although harmless, they can make water smell musty and turn green. Professional plumbers can find and fix the issue.
• Mineral And Rust Buildup
Pipe rust and mineral accumulation also cause discolored water. These pollutants can collect and turn water red or brown, discolor clothes, and alter food taste. It is common in older homes with galvanized iron or steel pipes. Plumbers can replace your pipes using PVC.
• Sediments
Sediments in water, such as minerals from corroding pipes, erosion particles, and microbial buildup, block clean water, causing discoloration and smells.
• Mildew
Black water indicates mildew in your plumbing. Mildew grows in damp places and can make water taste and smell musty. If not removed, it can grow and ruin other parts of your home. Plumbers can swiftly remove mildew and restore watercolor and purity.
• Tank Leaks
Your water supply can become blue from toilet tank disinfectant. If you observe blue water, call a plumber immediately to determine the cause and replace your tank. Tank leaks are significant plumbing issues that must be handled immediately. They can flood, damage your property, and leave bad scents.
• Old Copper Pipes
Copper pipes built decades ago may rust and leak. Copper can leach into your water supply, turning it green. Copper evaporation may discolor your sink and tub. High copper levels in water can result in kidney and liver damage.
• Chemical Reactions
Chemical processes can also cause discoloration in water. If you look closely enough, chlorine used to clean your water supply, for instance, may react with certain elements in the water to produce a pink or yellow coloration. While mostly harmless, this can seem unattractive.
If you are worried about the appearance of your water, experts from Aqua Clear Water Systems can test it and prescribe a course of action. They will look into the issue and identify the best fix for you.
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