source: Reddit
I was browsing through Reddit the other night when I stumbled upon an image that somebody had posted, brown water simply pouring into their bathtub like something from a horror film. The caption was essentially “what is this?” and to be honest, I felt that in my soul. It looked disgusting, completely out of the blue, and eerily silent, not a single gurgle or dramatic flair, just steady brown water coming from the faucet.
My first reaction was, I would freak out too. However, as bizarre as this appears to be, it’s quite a normal occurrence. Therefore, if you’re reading this because you have brown water coming out of your bathtub as well, let me walk you through what it typically means, what it likely does not mean, and what you should do about it, without the Reddit panic spiral.
What the Reddit Post Shows
It wasn’t black water that resembled tar or anything else frightening, but rather water with a muddy appearance with no discernible odor (or at least none that they reported). Moreover, it occurred out of the blue, and as I’ve since learned, it’s precisely why people become frightened by such occurrences. There is no warning, you’re getting clean water one minute and dirty-appearing water the next.
It’s also exactly the type of post that blows up on Reddit. As you would expect, the comments were filled with wild guesses, ranging from “it’s just rust” to “you’re definitely being poisoned.” Let’s try to keep our feet firmly planted here.
Most Common Cause: Rust and Sediment
So here’s the most common cause you’d see brown water from a bathtub: it’s almost always either rust or sediment. Older plumbing systems, particularly those made of iron, tend to corrode over time, resulting in rust particles breaking off. Typically, this is nothing to worry about, the rust simply remains in the pipes. However, when the plumbing system is disturbed (such as due to nearby construction, water-main repair or replacement, etc.), the rust particles will be dislodged and enter your drinking water.
Minerals and other debris accumulate over time inside the pipes, creating a sediment layer. When the water pressure changes (for example, after the faucet has not been used for a while), the accumulated debris will become dislodged and travel directly to your faucet.
That is why the water appears brown as opposed to cloudy. It is not bacteria or contaminants, it is actually particles of rust or sediment from the pipes or water lines. I’ve seen this occur numerous times in older plumbing apartments, and in my experience, this is not hazardous, merely unpleasant.
A Few Other Possible Causes for Brown Water
While rust and sediment account for the majority of cases of brown water, there are a few other possible explanations for temporary discoloration of your water:
Municipal Flushing
Cities sometimes perform routine flushing of the water distribution system to maintain cleanliness, and this may stir up sediment within the municipal piping system.
Sediment Inside Your Hot Water Heater
If only your hot water is brown, it could be a result of sediment accumulating inside your hot water heater.
Quirks of Shared Plumbing Systems
When you reside in multi-unit dwellings where multiple units share a common plumbing system, a neighbor’s plumbing repairs or increased usage may alter the water pressure in your unit.
Temperature Changes
The temperature fluctuation in a home’s plumbing system can cause a minor burst of brown-tinted tap water.
What This Typically Means
These causes generally resolve themselves after a short period of time. If you allow the water to run for a few minutes, it usually clears itself up.
What This Probably Doesn’t Mean
Some people immediately think of sewage, but it is extremely unlikely that brown water is leaking from your faucet due to sewage. Sewage will not simply flow out of faucets and will not do so without a distinct, unmistakable odor. Additionally, the water will likely contain waste, not particulate matter.
When to Call a Plumber
If you notice that the water backs up into your tub (via the drain), that is a significantly different scenario. However, for faucet-related issues, it is probably not as disgusting as it appears.
How to React If You Notice Brown Water at Home
Here’s what I would recommend doing if you encounter this at home:
Stop using the hot water until further notice. If the sediment is coming from your water heater, you don’t want to draw more sediment into the system.
Allow the cold water to run for several minutes. Test the other faucets in your home (bathroom sink, kitchen, etc.), does it seem to be clearing?
Contact your neighbors or building maintenance. If you reside in an apartment complex, contact your landlord or property manager. They may be aware of recent plumbing repairs or maintenance in the building.
If it persists, contact the city or a plumber. If the water does not return to its normal color after running the faucets for several minutes, or if it continues to appear brown, it would be wise to have someone inspect the system.
From my personal experience, occasional discolored water from the tap is typically not indicative of a catastrophic plumbing disaster. Nevertheless, it is always best to remain vigilant.
