Having tap water that appears dirty is not a good look. Your home’s water is typically crystal clear, but if your tap water suddenly looks discolored, it means sediments are getting into it. While your tap water should always be safe to drink, the water may sometimes not be as crystal clear as it should be. Here are the most common causes of dirty water and what you can do to resolve the problem.
Your Pipes are Old
Historically, plumbing pipes were constructed using metals such as steel, iron, and copper. Over time, these kinds of pipes will age, wear out, and corrode. If your water is dirty because of old metal pipes, what you’re seeing inside your water is small flecks of metal and debris. To confirm whether this is the case for your home, enlist the help of a professional plumber who will assess the condition of your home’s pipes by testing your tap water. Afterward, they’ll likely recommend replacing your metal pipes with new PV or other modern plumbing piping.
Temperature Changes
Have you noticed that your tap water comes out of the faucet cloudy at first, then turns clear? If you have, air bubbles in your home’s plumbing system can be to blame. Air bubbles can form inside your plumbing system when temperatures change, which is why you might notice cloudy drinking water more often during colder seasons. If this is the case for your water, there’s no need to worry or do anything about it. But if you still have concerns or debris in your water in addition to air bubbles, contact your plumber to get to the root cause of the problem.
Water Heater Issues
Another cause of dirty water is water heater problems. When your water heater has sediment in its tank or is beginning to rust or corrode, the hot water supply will be affected. Traditional water heaters last around 10 to 15 years, so if it’s been a while since you’ve replaced your water heater and are noticing dirty water, consider having it replaced. You can test to see if your water heater is to blame for your home’s dirty water by alternating turning your hot and water on and seeing if water clarity changes with the temperature of the liquid.
Main Water Break
A main water break in your home’s plumbing system can cause your home’s water supply to become discolored. In addition to having discolored water, you’ll also experience a decrease in water pressure. A main water break is a serious plumbing problem and can leave your entire home flooded. So if a main water break is the cause for your dirty water, it’s important to stop the flow of water into your home and call an emergency plumber in MD. They’ll need to replace your main water line, and afterward, your water supply should return to its normal clear color.
Make Your Water Clean Again
When you’re dealing with dirty water, there’s no one better to turn to than the plumbing experts at Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating. With emergency plumbing services, convenient scheduling, and quality workmanship, there’s no wonder why more people are choosing Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating to be their trusted plumber.
Click here to request an estimate, or call us at (866) 532-0130 to schedule an appointment.