Discolored Water: Causes, Fixes & Prevention
Good health, clean water and comfort is important to all homeowners. Over time, however, water can sometimes become discolored, and may even turn black from water running in kitchen and bathroom sinks and tubs. When this happens its best to call a professional plumber, understand the cause and what can be done about it.
Most water discoloration problems are brought on by mineral and chemical buildups in pipes. Minerals, such as magnesium, iron and algae, resin beads, along with pipe degradation can cause water discolorations. This includes black water. Black water is most common in toilet tanks, due to mineral buildups mixed with water and oxygen. If the inside of the tank is black most likely the cause is magnesium, and possibly iron.
Another cause of discolored water is steel pipes. Steel pipes and galvanized pipes can sometimes result in mineral flake buildups from exposed iron. This leads to rust buildup in the pipes. With other mineral deposits in the pipes, such as magnesium, the water becomes a black color. Resin beads, usually resulting from water softeners, can also cause black water. Resin beads are especially present in water system with water softeners that are not operating to full capacity, or those that are malfunctioning.
Pink or orange stains on tub or sink fixtures generally indicates rust build-ups. Orange water can often mean the presence of rust in the pipes, and could also indicate potential clogs and plumbing problems. If, along with the rusty water, the water is not draining properly there may be other problems, such as grease or hair clogs that need removed.
The best course of action when experiencing discolored water is to call a professional plumber to have water tested. Professional plumbers and technicians test water for the presence of mineral buildup and chemicals. A high mineral buildup indicates pipes that need cleaned, and possibly a filter installed to remove minerals from entering the water system. A rust buildup indicates pipes in need of maintenance, and a build up of resin that water softeners are not operating efficiently. Pipe degradation can also be part of the problem. Hiring a professional plumber to analyze the problem is the best method for indicating the specific problem, and the solution.
Regular cleaning of the pipes will also prevent future problems, damage to pipes, and other more costly problems. Regular pipe cleaning and maintenance also allows professional plumbers to indicate problems before water discolorations, and other problems occur. This saves money and time, and keeps water running clear.
Bring in a plumber into your Stuart home to look over your plumbing system and make the necessary corrections. Call Allore’s Plumbing at (772) 288-0998 today!