Discolored Water: A Hidden Water Line Problem

Water Main Breaks

If your tap water turns brown, yellow, or any other color, there’s a possibility of a water main break caused by tree root damage, excessively high water pressure, or soil movement. It means the break is big enough to allow dirt, sediment, and other contaminants to enter the water supply.

Normally, the discolored water is accompanied by a drop in water pressure and unexplained soggy spots near the main water line. Left unaddressed, a main water line break can lose thousands of gallons of water in a few days, thereby driving up your water bills. Watch out for signs of a main water break and contact a local plumbing service to make repairs.

However, it reaches a point where main water line repairs do not offer a long-lasting solution. Frequent breaks and water quality issues clearly indicate that repairs won’t suffice. You should consider water line replacement when you notice recurring problems.  

An Aging Water Heater

Discolored water coming out of hot water faucets while cold water faucets have clear water most likely indicates a corroded water heater. In some cases, the culprit may be sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. A corroded water heater tank only means one thing—it’s time to call a nearby plumber to replace the unit. The longer you leave the problem unresolved, the more you expose your home to water damage.

Sediment buildup is fairly easy to resolve by flushing the hot water tank. The process is simple and doesn’t need professional intervention unless you don’t want to do it yourself. Turn off the power to the water heater and the water supply. Next, attach a garden hose to the bottom drain valve and open the valve to drain the tank. After that, open the cold water supply to rinse off any remaining sediment. This process will take nearly one hour, depending on the size of your hot water heater tank. Flushing your water heater tank not only produces clean and clear water but also keeps the unit working properly.

Why Discolored Water Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Discolored water is not just unpleasant—it can pose health and safety concerns. Rust and sediment may carry bacteria or contaminants that compromise water quality. While occasional discoloration may not be immediately harmful, prolonged exposure increases the risk of ingesting unsafe substances.

Beyond health risks, discolored water can damage appliances such as water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers. Sediment buildup reduces efficiency, shortens appliance lifespan, and leads to costly repairs. Stained sinks, tubs, and laundry are also common consequences of untreated water line issues. It’s best to call a plumbing service to inspect and resolve your water line issues. Your family deserves clean, safe, and great-tasting water.

Do You Need Water Line Replacement? Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Trust Mr. Rooter Plumbing when you’re looking for a dependable plumbing company to replace your failing water line. For years, we’ve successfully helped residential and commercial property owners resolve a wide range of water line problems. Our company is built on the values of honesty, integrity, and reliability. That’s why we stand behind our work, perform accurate assessments, and offer honest pricing with no hidden fees. Give us a call or get in touch with us online to book an appointment.