If you turn on the faucet and yellow, orange, or brown water comes out, the most likely culprit is rust. Any part of your plumbing or the supply pipes that feed into the system could be rusting, causing water discoloration and some issues with taste. If this happens, it may not be cause for alarm, depending on a few factors.

Health Conditions

If rust is the only issue with the water, a healthy person can drink it safely. It will have a higher iron content than usual, but this isn't a problem for most people's health. However, if you have hemochromatosis, your body has a difficult time regulating iron levels, causing it to accumulate in your organs. If this is the case, you shouldn't drink rusty water. But this condition is relatively rare; less than 1% of people in the US are diagnosed with it.

Sudden Appearance

Before you write off the rust, however, consider where it is coming from. If this is a long-term problem or has built slowly over time, then it is likely safe. However, if your water gets rusty suddenly, this can mean a sudden change in your plumbing system; for example, there could be a leak or break that needs plumbing repair. When this happens, the water is more likely to have other contaminants from outside the pipe, such as bacteria, making it unsafe.

Personal Preference

Finally, most people prefer not to drink rusty water due to the taste. If this is the case, a plumber can help you determine the cause of the rusty water and remedy it. For some, the source of the water causes it to taste rusty, which may be helped with an additional purifier.

If you have rusty plumbing that needs repairs, call Chugach Sewer and Drain in Anchorage, AK. This locally owned business serves the surrounding area, and they use modern technology to provide the most advanced plumbing services, including hydro jet cleaning. They also offer septic pumping services. To schedule a visit, call (907) 929-5072 or visit their website.