Have you ever wondered why your water becomes brown when it comes out of the faucet? Not only does brown water look unappealing and not very clean, it can also be a sign that something’s wrong. If you’ve been experiencing this issue in Toronto, there may be a few reasons why. Check out this article to find out more!

Why is My Water Brown?

Brown tap water is a common problem in homes. It can be the result of the pipes being rusty, sediment buildup, or a clog that needs to be removed. When water sits stagnant in pipes, it will start to turn into an undesirable color and smell. This is because of the break down of particles in the water. If left untreated, these particles can lead to serious health problems for your family.

One of the most common causes for brown water comes from the in-home plumbing. A build-up inside pipes may cause water to turn brown. Rust and sediment will also make water turn brown when they are stirred up by the use of a faucet, or when the toilet is flushed. If you are experiencing discolored water, check your plumbing first before calling your local municipality or town officials.

Is Brown Water Dangerous or Harmful?

It depends on the quality of the water and what is in it. Water that is brown due to natural reasons (like decomposition of leaves or “bio-degradation”) and contains small amounts of organic compounds, some minerals and small amounts of bacteria can be consumed without any issue. This water may be used for cooking purposes and household consumption.

If the source of brown colored water is the presence of sewage in it then the microbes present will cause diarrhea if ingested. The color changes depending on how dirty / polluted it is:  Green color – Presence of algae; Greenish yellow color – Presence of oils, greases; Brown color or black – Presence of decomposed organic matter, iron particles, tannins;

Water Use?

Brown water doesn’t mean that life has to stop! It just means that the convenience of running water is gone for a while. Don’t wash your clothes in brown water, as the rust will stain most bright colors and especially white. We don’t recommend cooking or cleaning with rusty water either

Tired of Brown Water?  Contact the Professional Plumbers at Plumbera!

If your water tastes or smells bad, the chances are that you have a build-up of minerals in your pipes. This can cause sediment to build up and turn your water brown. If you want to get rid of the problem for good, you need to hire a professional plumber who can work on the problem for you.

Plumbera offers 24 hour emergency plumbing throughout Toronto and GTA. Rusty water, leaking pipes and a clogged drain are all signs of dangerous and unhealthy plumbing in your home. Contact Plumbera for professional 24-hour emergency plumbing repair throughout Toronto and GTA.

Read More:

Test your sump pump before it floods the basement!