Imagine turning on your kitchen faucet expecting crystal-clear water and instead watching brown, murky liquid splash into your glass. It’s an unsettling moment. You’re not alone—many homeowners experience this from time to time. While it may look alarming, brown water isn’t always dangerous. Still, it’s something that should be investigated.
Understanding what causes brown water, how to troubleshoot it, and when it’s time to bring in professional help (like a plumber or restoration company) can save you a lot of stress—and possibly a hefty repair bill down the road.
Let’s take a deep dive into the most common reasons brown water might be coming out of your faucets, how to determine the cause, what steps to take on your own, and how to tell when a professional should step in.
What Causes Brown Water?
Brown water is usually a sign that rust or sediment has found its way into your plumbing system. This can come from your own pipes or from the larger municipal supply. The discoloration itself typically results from the presence of iron or manganese particles. These minerals aren’t necessarily harmful in small amounts, but they’re not exactly appetizing either.
In some cases, the discoloration is harmless and short-lived. In others, it may point to a bigger issue—such as corroded pipes, sediment buildup in your water heater, or even underground plumbing damage. Here are a few of the most common causes:
Aging or Corroded Pipes
If your home was built before the 1970s and still has its original plumbing, the pipes could be made from galvanized steel or cast iron—both of which are prone to corrosion over time. As these pipes deteriorate, rust flakes can break off and mix with your water supply. You may notice this especially after the water has been off for a while or when there’s a sudden change in pressure.
In some cases, the discoloration may only occur in one part of the home, indicating a localized problem. But if it's happening throughout the house, your main water line may be affected.
Sediment Buildup in the Water Heater
Your water heater is another common source of discolored water—especially if the problem only shows up when you run hot water. Over time, sediment and minerals collect at the bottom of the tank. If this sediment gets stirred up (perhaps after the heater has been idle or during high demand), it can travel through your hot water lines and out of your faucets.
Flushing the water heater might resolve the issue, but if it’s been many years since it was last maintained—or if it’s nearing the end of its life span—it might need repair or replacement.
Municipal Water System Maintenance
Not all plumbing issues start inside your home. Sometimes, the local water utility performs work on public water lines or flushes hydrants as part of routine maintenance. These activities can stir up rust, sediment, and other debris that’s normally settled at the bottom of the pipes. When this happens, your tap water may appear brown or yellowish temporarily.
This is especially common in areas like Everett, WA, where frequent rain and shifting ground conditions can lead to sediment entering the system more easily.
Environmental Factors
Weather events like heavy rain, flooding, or even minor earthquakes can disturb the ground around water lines and introduce soil or sediment into the water supply. This is a less common cause but still worth considering—especially in parts of the Pacific Northwest where the weather can be unpredictable.
How to Tell Where the Problem Is Coming From
If you notice brown water, don’t panic. The first step is to do a little detective work. You might be able to isolate the issue yourself and avoid unnecessary repairs.
Start by checking multiple faucets throughout your home. If only one faucet produces discolored water, the problem is likely localized—perhaps a rusty fixture or pipe in that part of the house. If all your taps are affected, the problem may lie with your water heater, your main water line, or even the municipal supply.
Next, test both hot and cold water. If the cold water runs clear but the hot is brown, your water heater is probably the culprit. If both are discolored, you may be dealing with a more widespread plumbing issue.
It’s also helpful to run the water for several minutes. In many cases, this simple flush will clear the discoloration, especially if it was caused by a temporary disturbance.
And don’t forget to call your local water utility. They can tell you whether there’s ongoing maintenance, a water main break, or hydrant flushing that might be affecting the water quality in your neighborhood.
DIY Solutions for Brown Water
If your initial troubleshooting points to a minor issue, there are a few things you can try before calling in help.
For starters, flush your faucets. Turn on the cold water and let it run for about 10–15 minutes. This can help push out any loose rust or sediment that’s collected in your pipes.
If you suspect your water heater is the cause, it might be time to drain and flush the tank. This is especially important if it hasn’t been done in over a year. Sediment at the bottom of the tank can be removed by draining it through the valve at the bottom, but make sure you follow manufacturer instructions or consult a professional if you’re unsure.
Also, check your faucet aerators—the small screens at the tip of your taps. These can collect debris and should be cleaned out periodically.
If your plumbing is old and showing signs of wear, you might also consider upgrading to modern piping materials like copper or PEX, which are more resistant to corrosion. This can be a more expensive solution, but it’s a smart investment if your current system is well past its prime.
When Brown Water Points to a Bigger Problem
Unfortunately, not all brown water issues are quick fixes. If you’ve tried flushing the system and cleaning your fixtures but the discoloration keeps coming back—or if it gets worse—it’s time to call a professional plumber. Chronic rust issues often require pipe replacement, especially if they’re corroding from the inside out.
And while brown water itself may not be harmful in small doses, it can lead to larger concerns over time. Corroded pipes are more likely to develop leaks, which can go unnoticed behind walls, under floors, or in basements. Hidden leaks are one of the leading causes of mold and structural damage in homes. If water begins seeping into your walls or flooring, you might not see the damage until it’s become extensive—and expensive.
Mold is another concern. If a slow leak goes undetected, moisture can build up behind drywall or under carpets. Mold thrives in these hidden areas, and once it starts growing, it can spread quickly and affect indoor air quality.
When to Call in Help
If you’re experiencing persistent brown water and suspect it’s more than a simple plumbing hiccup, it’s wise to call a licensed plumber to inspect your system. They can check for corrosion, test your water quality, and determine whether any repairs or replacements are needed.
In situations where brown water has led to staining, musty odors, warped wood, or visible water damage, you’ll also want to reach out to a water damage restoration specialist. While restoration professionals don’t diagnose plumbing issues or make repairs, they’re trained to handle the aftermath—like drying out water-damaged areas, removing mold, and restoring your home to a safe condition.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with brown water is never fun, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Most of the time, it’s caused by rust or sediment and can be cleared up with a little flushing or routine maintenance. However, if the problem is persistent—or if it’s leading to signs of water damage inside your home—it’s time to take action.
Brown water can be a warning sign that something deeper is going on in your plumbing system. And while a glass of rusty water won’t necessarily harm you, ignoring the underlying issue could result in damage to your home’s structure or your health.
If you’ve discovered signs of water damage as a result of ongoing plumbing issues, contact ServiceMaster by SRS at 425-541-7680. We’re here to help Everett-area homeowners restore their homes and peace of mind.
