Symptoms
- Brown, yellow, or orange tinted water
- Discoloration worse on hot side, cold side, or after water was off
- Clears up after running the tap a minute
- Sediment or grit visible in a glass of water
Likely causes
- CommonSediment stirred up after nearby water main or plumbing workDisturbed pipes can release rust flakes temporarily.
- CommonWater heater sediment (hot side only)Rust and mineral buildup inside an aging water heater tank discolors hot water.
- PossibleCorroding galvanized steel pipeCommon in older homes and worsens gradually over years.
- PossibleCity water main break or flushing nearbyCan temporarily discolor tap water across a neighborhood.
What to do
- Run the cold water at that faucet for 3–5 minutes and see if it clears; if so, it was likely temporary sediment.
- Test if the discoloration is hot-side only, cold-side only, or both, since that narrows down the source.
- If it's hot-side only, the water heater tank may need draining and flushing, or may be near the end of its service life.
- Check with neighbors or the local water utility to see if there's known main work or flushing in the area.
- If cold water is consistently discolored across multiple faucets, suspect aging galvanized pipe rather than a single fixture issue.
- Avoid drinking discolored water until it clears; use bottled or filtered water in the meantime if needed.
- If discoloration is persistent rather than occasional, have the water tested and consult a plumber about pipe condition.
When to call a pro
Call a plumber if discoloration is constant, affects multiple fixtures, or you suspect aging galvanized or lead pipe, since a water quality test may be needed.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.