You turn on the faucet, expecting clear water, and instead get a glass that looks slightly yellow, orange, or brown. Maybe the faucet sputters, too, for good measure.
It’s reasonable to worry if you find yourself in this scenario.
Rust in drinking water looks unpleasant, and you probably don't want to drink anything that looks like it came out of an old pipe. The good news is that a tiny amount of iron oxide (rust) generally won't poison a healthy person.
Still, that doesn't mean you should ignore rusty water. Rust can point to corrosion somewhere in your plumbing system. It can also affect the taste, appearance, and quality of your water.
This is why it’s always advisable to have a plumber in Asbury, PA investigate. The uniformed team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing uses advanced tools to get at the root of the problem, not just the symptom(s).
Is Rusty Water Dangerous?
Take a deep breath. You don’t need to panic after you drink water with a small amount of rust. Iron oxide itself doesn't pose the same kind of acute danger as many toxic substances.
In any case, rust doesn't belong in your drinking water. Rust can make water taste metallic and leave orange or brown stains on sinks, tubs, toilets, and laundry.
Perhaps most urgently, rust can signal that metal plumbing components have started to corrode. This is certainly a case for a plumber to investigate.
Seeing rusty water? Don't guess at the cause. Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing to have a plumber look into the extent and severity of the problem.
Why Does the Faucet Sputter?
Discolored water and sputtering faucets often appear together, and that combination deserves attention.
Think about it. Sediment and rust can settle when water sits in a pipe. Changes in pressure can disturb that material and send it toward your faucets.
Air inside the plumbing system can also cause sputtering. If you've recently had water service interrupted, a plumbing repair performed, or work done on the water line, then you may notice air and sediment coming from the faucet afterward. That’s typically expected.
Sometimes the problem affects just one fixture. Sometimes it affects the entire property. These are all clues that a plumber uses to see the big picture.
Start With the Faucet
Before you panic that the whole plumbing system has a major problem, check whether the discoloration affects one faucet or several.
If only one faucet produces rusty water, the problem may involve that fixture, its supply line, or nearby plumbing. If multiple faucets produce discolored water, the problem may sit farther upstream.
And if the water looks clear after running for a while but repeatedly turns rusty after sitting, corrosion somewhere in the plumbing deserves a look.
The plumbing team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing will come out with the tools, parts, and materials to handle most plumbing repair service the first time around. We’re also licensed and insured, and we can handle installation and replacements, too.
Get Clear Answers About Your Water
You shouldn't have to wonder whether that orange tint comes from the city, an old pipe, a faucet, or something else in your water line installation.
Call or message Mr. Rooter Plumbing to have a local plumber come out and investigate the true cause. We’re happy to schedule an appointment, arrange a consultation, or have a plumber dispatched to your home or business ASAP.
