Why my hot water is brown but cold is clear? If you are getting brown water in only the hot side of the faucet, it means there is an issue with the hot water supply of the faucet. A faulty water heater is the main cause of sudden brown hot water from the faucet. Apart from the faulty water heater, there may be other causes also which we will discuss further in the article.
Water is an essential part of our daily lives from cooking to bathing. When you get brown hot water from the faucet, you may concern about the quality of water and safety. Keep reading to know why hot water turns into brown color but cold is clear. By using solutions, you can get a clear hot water supply in the house.
Why Is My Hot Water Brown All of a Sudden?
Rust and Sediment In Water Heater
Rust and sediment in the water heater are a common cause of hot water being brown but cold is clear. Water heaters that are made of steel are susceptible to corrosion over time.
When oxygen reacts with the metal part of the water heater, corrosion occurs. When hot water travels through the water heater, corrosion particles get mixed into the water and change the color of the water into brown. This is particularly noticeable when using hot water but not as apparent with cold water.
Corroded or Deteriorating Pipes
Corroded or deteriorating pipes affect the quality of water and change its color. If you are using iron or metal pipes for hot water supply, with time they become prone to rust formation.
When hot water flows through these corroded or deteriorating pipes, the rust particles can break free and mix with the water. These particles lead to discoloration of the water. The corroded parts of the pipe give a brown or rusty appearance to the water. When you use hot water, you will see the brown color of it.
With time, the pipe deteriorates and small sediments of the deteriorated pipe can become dislodged. These sediments flow through pipes with water and result in brown hot water.
Water Supply Issue
When the water supply of the hot water experiences disruptions, it can lead to temporary changes in the quality of the water. Municipal water systems often have mechanisms in place to flush and clean the water lines after maintenance, but temporary discoloration can still occur during and after the work.
In the case of a private well as the water source, issues such as a broken well casing or sediment infiltration can introduce impurities into the water supply.
If the well casing is damaged or compromised, it allows external elements such as soil, sediment, or even rust from surrounding structures to enter the well water. This can result in the water taking on a brown color when it is used, especially in the hot water supply.
Old Water Heater
An old water heater is another cause brown color of hot water. Parts of the old water heater won’t be in good condition. Its parts would be more susceptible to rust and sediment. The interior lining of the tank may deteriorate with time and the result is rust particles mixed into the water.
There is an anode rod in the water heater. This rod protects the water heater tank from rust and corrosion. But with time, this rod becomes depleted or ineffective and can’t prevent rust and corrosion in the water heater.
If your water heater is old and you are seeing brown hot water, it is a clear sign that you need to change the water heater.
How To Fix Hot Water Is Brown But Cold Is Clear?
Clean Rust and Sediment
Turn off the water supply of the water heater. If your water heater has an electric power supply source, turn it off. If you are using a gas water heater, turn off the gas supply.
Now drain the water from the water heater. There may be sediment or debris inside the water heater and they may block the sink drain. So, connect a garden hose to the water heater and drain out its water at a safe place. This process will help flush out any accumulated rust or sediment.
When the draining process is completed, close the drain valve and remove the drain hose. Fill the tank halfway with clean water and then agitate it by stirring or swirling the water to loosen any remaining sediment.
Again, drain this water. You have to repeat this process until you don’t see clean hot water from the faucet. When you see clean hot water, close the drain valve and refill the tank with clean water.
Repair or Change Corroded or Deteriorate Pipes
For this, you need to check the pipes that are connected to the water heater. Visually examine every pipe. Look for any sign of corroded or deteriorate pipe. If there is any hidden pipe, you should check it also.
Corroded pipes may exhibit brown or rust-colored spots, stains, or visible signs of flaking or scaling.
When you find the corroded or deteriorated part of the pipe, it is important to find out the damaged parts of the pipe. Now you need to replace that part of the pipe or the whole pipe. If the pipe is visible, you can replace it easily. For hidden pipes, you need to take the help of a plumber.
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Fix Water Supply Issues
If there is an issue with the municipal water supply, you can’t do much in this situation. You can contact the municipal office and tell them about the issue. If there is any ongoing maintenance or issues with the water supply, you have to wait until the maintenance work is completed.
Replace Old Water Heater
If the water heater is too old, it won’t work properly and will give dirty or brown water. You need to replace the water heater.
Before removing the old water heater, turn off its power supply or gas supply. Drain the water from the water heater. After the tank is empty, close the drainage valve.
Use an adjustable wrench to remove the connected water supply of the water heater. Now carefully, remove the old water heater from its location. Clean the installation area.
Place the new water heater in the designated location, making sure it sits level on a suitable surface. Connect the water supply lines using new fittings, ensuring a tight and secure connection. Apply Teflon tape or pipe joint compound to the threads to prevent leaks.
Is Brown Hot Water Safe?
In general, brown hot water is safe to drink or to use for daily washing and bathing works. Brown water is not dangerous for cooking or washing but it is not advisable to drink or use if for cooking.
Brown water is a clear indication that there are many issues with the water such as rust, corrosion, sediment, and buildup. The color of the water is brown due to the high quantity of iron in the water and iron is not bad for the health.
But apart from iron, there are some other causes also for the brownish water such as sediments, rust, etc. So, it might not be good to use.
If the water is brown due to rust, it is harmful to the human body because of harmful substances in the brown water. You should avoid brown water to drink.
Brown Water From Faucet For a Few Seconds
If the brown water comes out from the faucet only for a few seconds, it may happen due to a temporary disturbance in the water supply system.
- Water utilities sometimes flush the water mains to remove sediment and debris from the pipes. Due to flushing, you will see temporary discoloration of the water.
- When there is a sudden change in the water pressure, sediments in the pipe can stir up and result in a temporary brownish color.
- If the water source of the faucet is changed, you will see the temporary brown color of the water from the faucet for a few seconds. If there is maintenance going on in your area or house, the water source will be changed.
- In some cases, the cause of brown water for a few seconds may be due to internal plumbing problems within your property. Corrosion or sediment buildup in your own pipes could result in temporary discoloration when you first turn on the faucet.
Why Brown Hot Water After Plumbing Work?
Brown hot water after plumbing work is not a big issue. It happens sometimes for a temporary period and can be solved easily.
During plumbing work, if you or the plumber have repaired pipes of the water supply, chance that sediments or rust may accumulate in pipes and come out with the water. When sediments or rust mic with water, it changes the color of the water to brown.
Plumbers may perform flushing or testing of the system after completing the work. This can involve running water through the pipes at high pressure, which can dislodge sediment or rust and result in brown water coming out of the faucet.
In some cases, the plumbing work itself can introduce contaminants into the water system and cause brownish-hot water from the faucet. For example, if new pipes or fittings were installed using materials that are not properly flushed or cleaned before installation, it can result in brown water.
FAQs
Is It OK To Shower In Brown Water?
Showering in brown water is generally considered safe for short-term exposure, as long as the water is not contaminated with harmful substances. However, it is still advisable to avoid showering with brown water if possible, as it may contain impurities, sediment, or contaminants that can irritate your skin, hair, or eyes.
How Long Does It Take To Flush a Water Heater?
The time it takes to flush a water heater can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the tank, the condition of the water heater, and the water pressure. However, a typical water heater flush can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
Does Hard Water Cause Brown Water?
Hard water itself does not typically cause brown water. Hard water is characterized by a high mineral content, usually consisting of minerals like calcium and magnesium. While hard water can have some negative effects on plumbing systems and appliances, it does not directly cause water discoloration.
Can a Water Softener Cause Brown Water?
The presence of brown water from your water softener can often indicate a buildup of iron and manganese in the mineral tank, which can affect the softener resin. Additionally, brown water may suggest sediment accumulation in the tank, corroded pipes, or be a consequence of water main flushing.
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.