We commonly get calls from people when their water turns brown, as you would expect. When this type of problem happens, you obviously want to have it fixed as soon as you possibly can. In some instances, it can even pose a health concern – you’ll definitely want to have it taken care of quickly.

Why it Happens

Here are a few common reasons why water turns brown.

  • It may contain too much manganese or iron. If brown water starts coming out of your faucets, you’ll definitely want to have your water quality checked to see if it has been contaminated. Iron, for example, can make its way into your water lines from the soil that surrounds your pipes.
  • Another reason this may happen, however, is that a pipe has become rusted. When water pressure fluctuates, any rust that has accumulated on the inside walls of a pipe can come loose and turn water brown as a result.
  • If this only happens when you use hot water, the problem is in your water heater. More than likely there is a faulty anode rod inside the unit that needs to be replaced. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, you should consider purchasing a new one and have it installed by a professional.

 Is it Dangerous?

If the issue is due to an excess of iron or manganese, that won’t pose a health risk. However, if your pipes are rusted, that can lead to an accumulation of harmful bacteria as well as other contaminants. A rusty pipe will soon become a leaky pipe – if it hasn’t already. Any sort of leak can lead to mold and mildew growth that can cause a host of health problems.

There’s no need for you to deal with the unpleasantness that occurs when your water turns brown. Contact the professionals with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Dallas online or call us at (972) 895-7775 and we’ll emit someone to your home to take care of the problem as soon as possible.