If you notice rusty water coming out of your tap, it can be alarming and cause concern about the safety of your drinking water. The rust color in your water is most likely due to iron or manganese in the water supply. Iron and manganese can come from natural sources such as well water or can be caused by corrosion in the pipes. The rust color can also be caused by rust in the pipes of your home, so it’s important to have a plumber check your pipes if you notice rusty water. The first step in addressing this issue is to determine the source of the rust.
Checking the source of the rusty water:
The first thing to do is to check if the issue is isolated to just one faucet or if it’s happening throughout your home. If it’s just one faucet, the issue is likely with the internal plumbing of that specific faucet and should be addressed by a plumber. If the issue is happening throughout your home, the problem is likely with your main water supply and you should contact your local water utility company for assistance.
If the issue is with your main water supply, your local water utility company may be able to provide a solution. They may add a chemical to the water to remove the iron or manganese, or they may be able to adjust the pH levels of the water to prevent corrosion. However, if the issue is caused by corrosion in the pipes, the water utility company would not be responsible and you will have to have the pipes inspected and repaired by a plumber.
Another possible cause of rust in your water can be due to a change in water pressure, which can dislodge rust particles that have accumulated in the pipes. This can happen when the water main is being worked on, or when there is a change in water flow due to a nearby construction project. In such cases, the water utility company should be able to provide more information and help you identify the cause of the rust.
Rust in well water:
If you have a private well and you notice rusty water, it is likely due to iron or manganese present in the well water. Iron and manganese can be present naturally in the water and can be removed with a water treatment system such as an iron filter or manganese filter. Additionally, you may want to consider using a rust remover specifically designed for water systems. These products can be added to the water supply and will remove the rust particles without affecting the water’s taste or pH.
Rust in city water:
If you are on a city water supply and you notice rusty water, it could be caused by rust in the pipes or due to corrosion in the pipes. In such cases, it is important to contact the water utility company immediately. They may be able to add a chemical to the water to remove the rust or adjust the pH levels of the water to prevent corrosion. Additionally, you may want to consider installing a water filter to remove any sediment or rust from the water before drinking it. Whole-house filters, under-sink filters, and countertop filters are all options for filtering rust out of your tap water. These filters use different methods to remove rust such as adsorption, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis.
Rusty hot water:
If you notice rust in your hot water, it could be caused by rust in the water heater. Rust in the water heater can be caused by corrosion or due to sediment buildup in the tank. In such cases, it is important to have the water heater inspected and repaired by a professional plumber. Additionally, you may want to consider installing a water filter to remove any sediment or rust from the water before drinking it.
If you’re looking for help with keeping the water lines in your home clean and clear, please don’t hesitate to call us. We’re top rated local plumbers. Providing clean tap water to your home and family is what we do. Call us anytime at 626.448.6455
