Dirty, Rusty, or Discolored Tap Water: Is It Your Pipes or the City’s Main?

In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we give you a briefer on understanding the difference between the two cases. If you’d rather consult an experienced plumber, then call or message Mr. Rooter to get in touch.

Start with Your Neighbors

One of the easiest ways to narrow down the problem is by asking neighbors if they’re having the same issues.

If several homes on your street suddenly have rusty or discolored water, then the problem is more likely involving the public water system.

It’s not always a problem, either. Utility crews sometimes flush water mains, repair broken lines, or deal with changes in water flow. Those events can stir up sediment and rust inside the public and private pipes.

If your neighbors see the same discoloration, then contact your local water utility to ask about recent work in the area.

In the other case, if your neighbors have perfectly clear water, then the signs point more strongly toward your own plumbing.

Check More Than One Faucet

Run the cold water from a kitchen faucet, bathroom sink, and other fixtures. If all faucets produce discolored water, then the problem may involve the main water line entering your property.

If some faucets are problematic and others are fine, then you’ve got to investigate shared sections of the plumbing.

A trained plumber will investigate all possibilities – from the individual faucet to the water line. The pros at Mr. Rooter have the experience, expertise, and equipment to uncover the root of the problem.

Look at the Hot and Cold Water

The cold water and hot water travel through different sections of piping, and it’s important to test both the hot and the cold water individually.

If only the hot water looks rusty or cloudy, then your water heater might be contributing to the problem. Sometimes, flushing the water heater tank can fix the issue. A plumber can safely handle this in a single trip.

If both hot and cold water look discolored, then you’ve got to investigate further upstream. That could mean a problem with the incoming water line or the public supply.

Don’t assume the worst. A water line replacement is not common. Many times, a repair can have you back on schedule.

Don’t Forget About Recent Plumbing Work

Did the discoloration start after a plumbing repair service or construction project? Changes in water pressure can move sediment through pipes, after all.

The good news here is that temporary discoloration does not mean you need a water line replacement or maybe even a repair.

Run the cold water for several minutes and see whether the water clears. If the problem persists, then call a plumber to investigate.

Call Mr. Rooter Any Time

Whether you need a plumber’s expertise NOW, want to schedule for another time, or are interested in planning a repiping, the pros at Mr. Rooter Plumbing are ready, willing, and able to help.

Our live representatives and office team are on standby to take your call or message, and our trained and experienced plumbers in Bee Ridge, FL can work on residential and commercial plumbing systems.

As a licensed and insured business, Mr. Rooter is committed to delivering top-quality results at any time of the day.