Why is Your Water Discolored?
When people turn on their sinks to get a drink of water, the last thing they want to see is discolored water coming out of the faucet. However, people everyday experience this problem.
While in many cases the cause of the discoloration is something that is harmless, there are circumstances where the discoloration can mean much more trouble than anticipated.
Therefore, it’s imperative to know exactly what’s causing the discoloration in order to find a solution that will return things to normal. If you are experiencing discolored water, here are some possible reasons why.
Rusty Pipes
One of the most common reasons behind discolored water involves pipes that are very old and have rust accumulated inside them. Very common in homes more than 50 years old, this is a discoloration problem that is considered to be relatively easy to fix. In most cases the water will be colored red, yellow, or orange.
But in some cases where the water is colored bluish-green, it could indicate copper or brass present in the water. This is considered to be very dangerous, and a plumber should be called right away to assess the situation and make the necessary repairs.
Black or Brown Water
If a Arlington home’s water is discolored to the point of looking brown or even black, there are several possible causes. Dirt or minerals may be present in the home’s water line, and in some cases mold or even sewage could be the cause. Whatever the cause may be, the water should not be drank until it has been tested and analyzed.
A plumber can often perform this test using simple mobile testing kits, which can provide answers quickly to anxious Arlington homeowners. As an added precaution, the water here should not be drank until the problem has been identified.
Green Water
If your water suddenly has a distinct green color, that probably means you have algae in the water. Usually considered harmless, it’s still best to test the water prior to using it to ensure algae is indeed the issue.
This can also occur if the water turns pink, which indicates organisms in the water. Either way, a plumber needs to be contacted as soon as possible to test the water and determine the exact cause of the odd coloring. Green or pink water usually occurs in bathroom water, such as that which flows into a bathtub or from a shower.
If your water is discolored in your Arlington, VA home, call The Plumbing Dr. at (703) 525-9280 today, and we’ll solve the problem for you!
