When you replace a water heater, the anticipation and nervousness are high, considering the investment and promised efficiency it is supposed to bring. However, witnessing brown water after the installation is such a nasty experience. If you are a homeowner based in Snellville, Georgia, and have faced such an issue after the water heater replacement, let me tell you, you aren’t the only one. This is not uncommon and is usually a temporary issue with elementary solutions. In this article, True Blue Plumbing looks to expand on water heaters and why this happens, whether it’s okay to use hot water like this, how the issue can be rectified, and when is the right time to consider getting a plumber.
Why Would Your Water Be Brown After Replacing Water Heater
In most cases, brown water after the replacement of a water heater should not be a cause of too much concern as it can be explained by certain factors in your water supply or plumbing system, and this usually includes the following:
Sediment Disturbance: Getting a new hot water heater is an investment, but the circumstances behind its installation can alter the water quality you receive. For example, sediment that has built up in the pipes can get dislocated when the hot water supply is cut off and restored during the heater’s installation. In such cases, hot water can appear brownish due to minerals, rust, or debris build-up. The sediment resting in the pipes gets disturbed due to pressure changes, which can lead to temporary discoloration.
Installation of Hot Water Tanks: A new hot water heater has the potential to spoil the mineral sediments in your plumbing circuits. The iron deposits within the pipes loosen as hot water flows through the plumbing, which can then show as brown water on the taps.
Corroded Plumbing System: Most plumbing systems installed many years ago have galvanized steel pipes, which are vulnerable to rust and corrosion. With the influx of water heaters, these galvanized pipes easily riposte during temperature and pressure changes, resulting in rusty water.
Dangers of Contaminated Water
Unsurprisingly, brown water is considered unsafe to drink due to unknown contaminants. However, below are some practical uses of this kind of water:
Drinking and Bathing: Brown water, which results from rust or sediment, would be considered safer, but it is not recommended. But if the water appears yellow and contains many other minerals, then boiling or washing clothes with it is out of the equation as it includes a metallic smell that’s uncomfortable for many people.
Possible Health Dangers: Although the rust and sediments may not be of concern, they could hint at a polluted water supply. If chemicals or bacteria are present, the supply mustn’t be consumed until it is tested.
Damage to Fixtures and Appliances: Brown water is a nuisance that can discolor laundry, porcelain surfaces, and dishes. When iron content is comparatively high, marks can stain sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and more, resulting in extensive cleaning or hiring professional services.
Resolving The Issue Of Brown Water
In case a water heater installation doesn’t resolve the brown water issue for you, there are some steps that you can take to fix this problem:
Open the Cold Water Lines: This step purges any rust and sediment from the line where the water heater has been installed. This step can be performed easily by using the water line closest to the Mainline to get cold water. Be sure to let the water run for a few minutes rather than turning it on and off.
Drain And Clean The Heater Supply: A new water heater will likely still have some debris that must be cleaned out. By doing so, you are clearing any dried buildup from underneath the tank. To do this:
- Switch Off The Water Heater: First, cut off the water heater supply. Then, grab a garden hose and attach it to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Run the hose to a proper drainage site, then open the valve. Opening the tank’s valve allows it to empty. When it’s empty, close the valve and refill the tank. Recheck whether the water is no longer cloudy after switching the power back on.
- Check The Piping: While inspecting your water pipes, look for signs of rust accumulation or leaks. If your water is rusty, your pipes may be rusting. Don’t take chances; have a professional plumber check your pipes and fittings if need be.
- Water Quality Assessment: If the discoloration remains after the water settles, it may be essential to test its composition. This is particularly vital when contamination is suspected. You can use a kit or seek special services from professionals like True Blue Plumbing.
When To Seek Help
Though many cases of brown water are often temporary, these most often resolve on their own; there are still occasions when assistance from professionals is needed:
Kinky Water: Any plumbing problem that leads to a water supply that does not remain clean for over twenty-four to forty-eight hours should lead to seeking a professional, considering one uses hot water often. So, should one consider selling the house if water consistency gets worse? Well, no. Do consider this problem severely, though, as this could be a signal or problem of an even worse one in plumbing pipes and wires.
Subpar Water Pressure: The combination of brown water and reduced water pressure likely indicates corrosion, a blockage, or a buildup within the pipes that warrants an immediate solution to avoid escalation of damage.
Putrid Water: If the water has a foul smell, this may indicate the presence of bacteria or other danger-posing elements. Such complications must be evaluated by a professional, and corrective measures must be in place so that the quality of water does not pose a threat.
Maintenance To Consider Having On A Routine Basis
Yearly check-ups: Sediment formation can be avoided by having the water heater checked yearly and the tank regularly cleaned. This, along with having your system routinely checked by a plumber for optimal performance without rusting or corrosion, goes a long way.
Water Softener Installation: For areas with a higher concentration of hardness in the water, water softener installation is one way to reduce the sediment concentration in the water pipes and heater.
Replacing Pipes: If your home still has old galvanized steel pipes, it is recommended that they be replaced with PEX or copper pipes. Not only can this investment prevent rusting problems, but it can also enhance the overall quality of water.
All In All
Replacing the water heater with a wrongly set up new system may make the water brown. However, this problem is only temporary. The roots of the contamination may be sediment, rust, or corrosion from using a different system, which allows you to take the right actions to solve the issue.
If brown water has been a problem consistently over time or if plumbing problems have been troubling you lately, reach out to True Blue Plumbing. Our Licensed Plumbers and plumbing experts in Snellville, GA, can repair and install hot water heaters and offer plumbing services while ensuring that there is quality water in your house.
