Did you ever take a shower or wash your hands and find the water was not right? The water had a brownish color and a foul odor. You feel the need to address this issue immediately when red flags start appearing in your head. Rusty water can be caused by many things, but the most common are listed below.
Sediment Build-Up
Galvanized pipes can deteriorate and rust will combine with the dirt. The sediment builds up at the bottom of the pipes and then it is agitated by increased pressure, causing the release of rusty water.
Rusty Pipes
Many homes in Houston were built decades ago, when galvanized steel pipes were still very popular. These pipes are nearing the end of their lifespan and have a life expectancy of 50 years. Your pipes may be leaking if they have rusty water. If the pipes are galvanized, lead contamination can also occur.
How to Get Rid Of Rusty Water
First, locate the source of the corrosion. Do you think it is coming from your main water supply? You have two options after this:
Flush the Pipes
Attach a hose to the main supply and let the water run for 20-30 minutes. To flush out dirt and rust from your plumbing, turn on all cold water taps in your house at maximum pressure. This should take approximately 20 minutes.
Replace Rusty Pipe
Flushing works only if there’s minimal rust. Repiping your home is the best option if the pipes are damaged by age.