You have just come home after a long tiring day and want to bathe to make your body refresh. You turn on the bathtub faucet but instead of clear water, brown water comes out from it. If you check other faucets of the bathroom but all have clean water then why is brown water coming out of bathtub faucet only?
The brown water from the bathtub faucet can be a puzzling and concerning problem for many homeowners. Should you worry about the brown water? Do you take a bath in this brown water? The brown water may give you stress but don’t worry read through this article to know its cause and solutions. Stick with the article to get clean water from your bathtub faucet.
Brown Water: Should You Be Concerned
Brown water is not an everyday occurrence, but it’s not entirely uncommon either. At first glance, it may be disconcerting, but don’t worry, it won’t harm you or your family member if you take a bath in the brown water.
The major reason for the brown water is the high level of iron content in the water. High-level iron is not good for the faucet and your clothes. It also leaves unsightly stains.
Read also – Brown Hot Water, Clear Cold Water: What’s Happening in Your Plumbing?
Can I Take Bath In Brown Water?
You might hesitate to take a bath in the brown water. The water might not look appealing, but it’s essential to remember that appearance doesn’t always indicate harmfulness.
As long as you don’t ingest the water while showering (which you definitely shouldn’t do with regular water either), there shouldn’t be any health risks associated with this peculiar occurrence. In rare cases, the brown water could be a sign of a more severe issue that requires attention.
Why Is Brown Water Coming Out of Bathtub Faucet Only?
Brown water is a common issue for many homeowners and you are not alone. In most cases, brown water is the result of minerals, sediment, or rust accumulating in the water over time.
One question will come to mind why only bathtub faucet water is only brown not all faucet water. It means the issue only has with the bathtub faucet and its water connections. There is no issue with the main water supply of the house or municipal supply, if it would have been the reason, you would get brown water in all faucets.
Inside the bathtub faucet rust and sediment accumulate with time. These cause water to turn brown. Sometimes water heater is also responsible for the brown water. with time, its inner body gets rusted and causes brown water.
Read also – Is Your Faucet Dispensing Gray Water? Here’s the Solution
How To Get Rid of Brown Water From Bathtub Faucet?
Getting rid of brown water from the bathtub faucet is simpler than you think. Here are simple solutions to get back clean water from the bathtub faucet.
Flush The Bathtub Faucet
Start with a simple solution. Sometimes by flushing the bathtub faucet, you can get rid of brown water. simply let the faucet run for a half hour.
Turn on the cold water and let the water run. You might think why cold water only because it will help you determine whether the discoloration is an ongoing problem or just a temporary hiccup in your water system.
Turn off the faucet after a half hour. Now check the condition of the water. if the water is coming out clean then you have solved the brown water issue and more solutions you need to try. But if that unwanted brown water is still there, it’s time to move on to the next steps.
Remove Rusted Part
Rust is a common reason for brown water. When only the bathtub faucet water is brown, it means the rust issue is with only its connected pipes not in any other part of the house plumbing.
Find the origin of the rusted part. Maybe the bathtub faucet is corroded from the inside. If this happens, you need to replace the faucet.
To confirm the condition of the bathtub faucet, remove its handle by unscrewing it and check the conditions of its parts. if you see rust and corrosion on faucet parts, remove the bathtub faucet and install a new one to permanently fix the brown water issue of the bathtub faucet.
If the bathtub faucet parts are in good condition, it means rust is inside the water supply lines of the faucet. in this situation, remove the water supply lines by using a wrench and install new lines.
Check Water Heater
Water heaters also cause brown water. If your bathroom water heater is giving water to all faucets of the bathroom but brown water is only coming out from the bathtub faucet, it means, the water heater is in good condition, and no need to repair it.
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If the water heater is only connected to the bathtub faucet then maybe the issue persists inside the water heater.
Probably corrosion and sediment buildup inside the water heater tank. The water heater tank requires cleaning. You can clean the water heater tank if you have little knowledge of plumbing or you can call a plumber for the cleaning. The plumber may charge you more than $100.
FAQs
Is Brown Water From The Bathtub Faucet Harmful To Health?
Brown water from the bathtub faucet is harmful to health or not, it depends on its origin. If the brown water is caused by sediment or rust particles, it is not bad for the health but if the brown water is caused by corroded pipes, it could potentially pose health risks.
How Often Should I Flush My Plumbing System To Prevent Brown Water?
The frequency of flushing your plumbing system to prevent brown water depends on various factors, including the quality of your water supply and the condition of your plumbing infrastructure. In general, it is a good practice to flush your plumbing system at least once or twice a year.
Will Replacing Old Pipes Eliminate The Problem of Brown Water?
Replacing old pipes can significantly reduce the occurrence of brown water, but it may not always guarantee the complete elimination of the problem. The presence of brown water in your bathtub can be caused by various factors, and aging pipes are one of the common culprits.
Final Thoughts
So, the next time you encounter brown water flowing from your faucet, remember not to panic. By understanding its origins and taking necessary precautions, you can restore the clarity of your water. Fortunately, there are a number of actions you can do to resolve the situation. Practical troubleshooting techniques include running cold water for a predetermined amount of time, flushing the plumbing system, checking the water heater, and getting in touch with your municipal water provider.
James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.