Some homeowners encounter problems with
discolored water in their homes. This can be quite disconcerting when odd colored water is coming out of the faucet. This could be a temporary problem that occurs in different parts of the home at different times. It could also be an indicator of a more serious underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Let’s take a look at this problem and some ways to tackle it effectively.
Water Testing:
Certain water related issues can be identified easily, but the only way to be 100% sure about your water quality is to carry out a water test. A DIY water testing kit can be purchased quite easily, but for the best results a sample should be sent to a certified laboratory, The most common causes of water residues that cause discoloration, are: magnesium, iron, algae and resin beads. It may also be the case that the pipes are old and corroding.
Identifying the Problem:
There is a simple test that you can try before resorting to a water test. Check the toilet flush tank, if the tank is clean and white, the problem may not be in your water supply. If you see any black deposits, there could be iron or manganese in your water. There may be a rusty color or actual rust deposits in the water, and this could indicate corrosion in your pipes. These materials are not harmful to health in low concentrations, but most people want them removed and prefer cleaner looking water. Many water issues can be easily corrected with an appropriate water filtrations system and /or a water softener.
Black Water and Resin Beads:
If you’re using a
water softener, the resin beads will need to be replaced on a regular basis. The resin beads occasionally escape from the resin bed. This can cause the water to look black, or you may notice small black or yellow deposits in the water. Ingesting the resin is not harmful, and resin beads are non toxic, but the resin may need to be flushed out of your plumbing pipes.
Pink Water and Residue:
If the water is orange or pinkish in color, it usually means that there is iron present in the water. If your water is supplied from a well, it can be common to have differing mineral content in your water from time to time. A water filter system and a water conditioner are vital to eliminate unwanted minerals and to maintain a consistent water quality.
Rusty Sink Water:
If you have rusty water in your sink and the water will not drain away, it’s likely that your drain is clogged. The color of the water, in this case, comes from either the pipes or the grease that has built up in your drains. The drain clog will have to be removed, and the discolored water drained away. It should be noted, that if this problem persists after the drain has been unclogged, further investigation will be needed as there is an underlying problem. There could be iron present in the water or the pipes in your home could be corroding due to high levels of copper or high pH levels. The only real way to be sure is to test the water and seek professional help.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
