Symptoms
- Water runs brown, orange, or rusty especially first thing in the morning
- Discoloration clears after running the tap for a minute or two
- Hot water is more discolored than cold, or vice versa
- Staining appears on fixtures or laundry over time
Likely causes
- CommonCorrosion inside old galvanized steel pipesRust builds up inside these pipes and can dislodge into the water, especially after periods of no use.
- CommonSediment buildup in the water heater tankRust and mineral sediment settle at the bottom of the tank and can discolor hot water specifically.
- PossibleMunicipal water main work stirring up sedimentNearby utility work or fire hydrant use can temporarily discolor water for the whole neighborhood.
- PossibleWell water with naturally high iron contentGroundwater with iron or manganese can cause chronic discoloration regardless of pipe condition.
What to do
- Run the cold water tap for a few minutes and see if the discoloration clears; if so, it's likely sediment that was sitting in the pipe.
- Compare hot versus cold water color; discoloration mainly in hot water points to the water heater rather than the supply pipes.
- If it's the water heater, drain a few gallons from the tank's drain valve to flush out loose sediment, and consider a full flush if it hasn't been done recently.
- Check with neighbors or your water utility if the whole street's water seems affected, which usually resolves on its own after utility work.
- For well water, consider a water test for iron and manganese content to determine if a treatment system is warranted.
- If discoloration is chronic and from galvanized pipe corrosion, understand that gradual repiping is the long-term fix (see the galvanized pipe guide).
- Avoid drinking discolored water until it clears, and consider a water filter as an interim measure if discoloration is frequent.
Tools and parts
- Bucket (for water heater draining)
Water heater drain valve or hoseSearch: “water heater drain valve”
When to call a pro
Call a plumber or water treatment specialist if discoloration is chronic, especially for well water with confirmed high iron content.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.