Discoloured Water: Causes & Fixes
What Is Discoloured Water?
Turned on the tap, and the water came out brown, yellow or cloudy. That usually means something has entered your water that shouldn’t be there. Usually it’s rust, dirt or air working its way through the pipes before it reaches your tap.
Often it’s an old pipe rusting on the inside or sediment that’s been stirred up somewhere in the line. It can clear up on its own, but if it keeps happening, it’s a sign something needs looking at. Leave it too long and the problem usually gets worse.
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How To Tell If You Have Discoloured Water
Brown or Yellow Water
The water comes out of the tap with a brown, yellow or rusty colour instead of running clear.
Cloudy or Murky Water
The water looks milky or cloudy when you fill a glass and doesn’t settle clear.
A Strange Smell or Taste
The water has an odd metallic, earthy or musty smell or taste that wasn’t there before.
Stains on Sinks and Basins
You notice brown or orange marks building up around your sinks, basins or toilet bowl.
It Affects More Than One Tap
The discoloured water shows up at more than one tap, not just at a single spot in the house.
What Causes Discoloured Water?
Rusty Old Pipes
Older metal pipes slowly rust on the inside as the years go by. Bits of that rust break loose and mix into your water, which is what turns it brown or gives it that yellowish, metallic look at the tap.
Stirred-Up Sediment
Over time dirt and sediment settle inside your pipes and water heater. When the flow gets disturbed, it all gets stirred back up, which leaves your water looking cloudy, murky or a muddy brown.
Mains or Supply Work
Sometimes the problem starts outside your home, like repairs or work on the water mains. That work loosens sediment in the supply line, and it travels through to your taps before the water runs clear again.
Is it a serious problem?
Discoloured water is easy to brush off, but it’s usually a sign that something in your pipes or supply isn’t right. Most of the time, it is due to rusty pipes, stirred-up sediment, or work on the water mains. The thing is, if it keeps happening, it won’t fix itself, and it can get worse over time.
A bit of colour might seem harmless, but rusty or dirty water can stain your fittings and clothes and may point to pipes that are breaking down. If it carries on, it’s worth getting checked, since the water you drink and wash with should always run clear. Sorting it early stops a small problem turning into a bigger one.
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DIY Checks You Can Try
Before you pick up the phone and call a plumber, there are a few things you can try yourself. They’ll help you work out whether it’s something small or something that needs a professional.
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