It can be alarming when you first notice that your home’s water appears to look rusty. There are many reasons that it may look like this, and it can vary from plumbing damage to work being done on a fire hydrant. Here is a quick guide to understanding why your water may look rusty. 

Understanding Why Your Water Looks Rusty

1. Rusty Mains

Water mains supply the liquid to entire neighborhoods and can become rusty over time. Work can be done on mains and hydrants, which can flush the rusty sediment through the pipes leading to your home. The discolored water will be flushed out of the pipes within a short period of time. This is completely normal, and no reason for alarm. However, don’t do your laundry during this time since it can cause discoloration.

2. Rusty Hot Water 

Water can occasionally appear rusty when you are using hot water. When this occurs, it could be caused from your own hot water tank. Sediment can build up in the tank, causing the water to appear rusty. Additionally, the tank’s glass jacket can break, causing the water to come in contact with the metal and rust over time. Lastly, older homes may have compromised pipes, causing rusty water from the pipes to leak out of your sink or showerheads. When the rust is coming from your hot water, no matter the problem, you’ll want to call a plumber right away. Leaving the problem alone will only make it worse, and possibly more expensive to repair later on.

3. Galvanized Pipes 

Older homes may experience rusty water because of the older plumbing within the home. This is because galvanized pipes are coated with zinc to prevent corrosion, but after years of water passing through them, they become rusty. Galvanized plumbing should be replaced once they become rusty, as they can pose a danger to your family’s health. These corroded pipes can release lead and other dangerous chemicals into the water. Replacing your galvanized plumbing will be an expensive but necessary repair. 

If you’re experiencing rusty water in your home, consider the experts at Niebuhr Plumbing & Heating in La Crosse, WI. The team has 100 years of experience when it comes to heating, cooling, and plumbing needs. Additionally, they offer 24/7 emergency repair services. Call (608) 782-1700 to request an estimate or schedule repairs, and visit their website to learn more about their services.