Why is My Hot Water Discoloured & How to Fix it

What Causes Discolored Hot Water?

There are multiple reasons for brown or discoloured tap water:

• Corroded pipes and mineral buildup. Over time, accumulation of minerals like iron in pipes and the water heater can lead to brown or rusty discolouration in the hot water your tap delivers.
• Sedimentation. Dirt, sand, and mineral particles can accumulate and stir within pipes, resulting in the flow of brown water when the tap is used.
• A failing water heater. If the tank inside your water heater is corroded and rusting, brown flecks can rust your hot water.
• Sudden changes in water supply or pressure. If the municipal drinking water you receive changes chemically, it can dislodge sediment and make your brown tap water flow.

Mostly, brown hot water issues originate from problems within your tap system rather than the broader municipal water system. Variables including ageing iron pipes, mineral build-up, and sediment can result in rust contamination of your water supply; hot water pipes are especially vulnerable as the heat expedites corrosion and the dissolution of compounds like iron and manganese.

While discoloured water can be unsettling, it is usually not a health risk and is safe for consumption in most situations. However, if the water is very dark or has particles in it, avoid using the dirty tap water or consuming it for cooking until the source of your tap water is identified.

Consulting a licensed plumber can help diagnose and remedy the root cause.

Common Causes

Below are frequent causes of discoloured hot water:

• Corroded pipes. Over time, galvanised steel or old iron pipes may rust, introducing oxidised particles into the water.
• Mineral accumulation. Sediments from longstanding mineral deposits may discolor water when agitated by hot water flow.
• Water heater deterioration. If the internal tank is corroding, professional assessment is essential to address the rust contamination in your hot water.
• Sudden changes in water supply. Variations in water pressure or chemistry from the utility can dislodge internal sediment.

Generally, discoloured water issues are due to ageing plumbing rather than external water quality. Hot cold water fluctuations tend to leach more sediment and minerals such as iron out of pipes due to the temperature variations.

Despite its appearance, discoloured hot water is commonly similar to well water and often safe for temporary consumption. However, severe discoloration or visible particles in your brown tap water are signs that professional diagnosis and repair are necessary.

Corroded Pipes

A common cause of discoloured hot water is corroded galvanised steel or old iron pipes. Over many years, these pipes slowly rust from the inside out due to oxidation and contact with minerals when water comes through. This process leaves behind rust deposits and flakes that can be picked up by water coming out of the pipes.

With its higher kinetic energy, hot water is more proficient at leaching iron and other minerals from pipes compared to cold, leading to distinct differences in the quality of water flowing inside your home. This indicates hot water can affect both hot and cold water taps, turning the hot tap water brown or yellow, even when your cold water seems clear.

Replacing old iron and galvanised pipes with copper or PEX piping can prevent this issue, but it involves a major plumbing overhaul. In some cases, a water softener or filter may help by removing minerals and controlling corrosion. However, to permanently resolve brown discolouration stemming from corroded pipes, replacing them is the safest option.

If you notice discoloured hot water along with very low water pressure, it likely indicates advanced corrosion and pipe thinning internally. This scenario requires the expertise of professional plumbing services immediately to avoid leaks or other catastrophic failures down the line.

Sediment Buildup in Water Heater

Sediment from municipal water lines and brown-discolouring compounds like calcium can build up in your water heater over time, only affecting your hot water supply. This sediment eventually gets stirred up when hot water flows out for use. The abrupt movement dislodges debris settled at the bottom, causing it to start coming through the pipes to your taps.

Sediment buildup is most likely if you have hard water, old galvanised pipes, or a tank-style water heater, impacting the water your home receives. Particles accumulate in the tank instead of directly entering your water, contrasting with a tankless system. Years of accumulation can solidify into a mass along the bottom of the tank, affecting clarity when water is heated.

A professional flush of the water heater by a licensed plumber can effectively remove these deposits.

Annual preventive flushes help stop major buildup. Tankless heaters also solve the problem altogether by eliminating standing water.

If your water heater is over 8-10 years, consider proactive replacement to get ahead of any leaks or failures. Modern energy-efficient models with durable tanks and protective coatings resist sediment buildup better over their lifespan.

Disturbances in Municipal Supply

Sometimes, municipal water supply issues can lead to discoloured or dirty water in homes. Construction, pipe repairs, or chemical treatment changes by the water utility can causes brown sediment that flows into houses.

If the same problem with brown water in your taps arises suddenly and is only coming out in your home, it might be an indication to check for internal disturbances like rust in your pipes or system. High demand from nearby construction can also strain the water system and dislodge internal debris temporarily.

If discoloured water remains problematic, further investigation is required.

Run both the hot and the cold tap in your house to help flush out rust and other sediments from the lines. Refrain from using hot water for cooking or drinking until it resumes a clean, clear quality.

Is Discolored Water Safe?

In most cases, discoloured hot water is unpleasant to look at but generally safe in the short term. Slight discoloration from things like mineral deposits or old pipes usually does not make the water dangerous.

However, water with a murky rustic hue, whether dark brown, reddish, or yellow, might pose a safety risk if consumed or used in food preparation. It likely indicates corroded pipes or a failing water heater releasing sediment, rust particles or organic contaminants into the supply.

Avoid drinking or using visibly discoloured water for food preparation, and refrain from bathing small children in such water. Installing filters, inspecting your water heater, and thoroughly flushing pipes can help remove any contaminants.

If discolouration persists beyond a day or two, consider having your home’s water tested by a certified lab. Contact your utility provider to rule out any supply issues on their end. In some cases, replacement of corroded pipes or the water heater may be needed to permanently resolve discoloured water problems.

Steps to Take When You Notice Discolored Water

If you notice discoloured or dirty water coming from your taps, here are the steps to take:

1. Don’t panic; though discoloured water can be startling, it doesn’t typically pose an immediate health threat.
2. Determine whether the issue is exclusive to hot water or also affects the cold tap. This can help diagnose if it’s an issue with your hot water only system only.
3. Run the cold water tap closest to your water metre for a few minutes to flush the lines and verify if it clears up.
4. Contact your local water utility provider to ask if any repairs or changes to the supply system may be stirring up sediment.
5. If the problem persists more than a few hours or seems isolated to your home, contact a licenced plumber to inspect your plumbing system and water heater.
6. Avoid drinking or cooking with very discoloured water until the cause can be verified and the situation resolved.

In many cases, flushing pipes, filters and minor repairs can eliminate discoloured water issues. But significant rust colour or floating particles likely indicate water discoloration from corroded plumbing in need of replacement.

Identifying the Source

Identifying the source of discoloured hot water in your home system can start with the following recommendations:

• Check if the issue only affects your brown water hot taps or if cold water is discoloured as well. Localised issues usually point to your hot water system or pipes specifically.
• Inspect your water heater tank for signs of rust and corrosion, which can flake off into the hot water. If you find any issues with corrosion, then you need to call a professional.
• For electric water heaters, check the heating elements for mineral buildup or burns that could be releasing debris.
• Flush out the water heater per the manufacturer’s instructions to clear sediment from the tank.
• Examine under sinks and pipe connections for any sign of rust or leaks that could be picking up rust particles.
• Consider replacing old galvanised steel pipes if present, as these corrode internally over time.

After these investigative steps, if you’ve excluded home plumbing issues, consult your local water provider to check if supply line sediment might be disturbed due to changes in water chemistry or pressure.

Flushing the Water Heater

Flushing your water heater periodically helps remove sediment buildup inside the tank that can cause discoloured water. This straightforward maintenance task can preclude more severe issues in the future.

Follow these steps to flush a standard tank-style water heater:

1. Turn off power to the water heater at the breaker box and the gas supply valve if gas-powered. Let the tank cool down completely first if it has been used recently.
2. Attach a garden hose to the drain spigot at the bottom of the tank and route it to a garden tap or outside area.
3. Open the pressure relief valve at the top of the tank. Open the drain spigot to release water pressure and allow the pipe can be flushed.
4. Let water drain out until it runs clean. Flush for 5-10 minutes, using the hose to thoroughly rinse sediment from the tank walls and floor.
5. Close the drain valve and relief valve once complete. Turn power and gas back on and refill the tank before using.

Flushing once a year removes mineral deposits before major buildup occurs. This extends your water heater’s lifespan, boosts efficiency, and guards against tap sediment issues that can discolor water.

Calling a Professional Plumber

Should flushing of pipes, heating elements, and the water heater tank fail to address your discoloured hot water troubles, it’s time to call professional help.

A licenced plumber has the expertise to fully diagnose the root cause, whether it be corroded galvanised pipes, a failing water heater, sediment buildup, or other problems. They have the equipment to inspect the full plumbing system and water quality to identify issues.

Solutions like professional drain cleaning, pipe replacement, and water heater replacement can resolve issues with discoloured hot water for good. This avoids hassles and health risks compared to makeshift repairs.

For a fast response from licenced, local plumbers in the Mortdale area, call Mortdale Plumbing at 1300 349 338 or email jobs@mortdaleplumbingservices.com.au.

Preventing Future Discoloration

There are several steps you can take to help prevent discoloured water problems from recurring in the future:

• Install a water softener and filter system. Water softeners remove minerals like calcium and magnesium that contribute to scale buildup. Filters trap sediment, rust flakes, and other particles before they reach your drinking water.
• Replace old pipes. If you have galvanised or corroded pipes, replace them with new copper or PEX piping to prevent ongoing rust issues.
• Service your water heater annually. Have a licenced plumber inspect, flush and maintain the water heater to extend its life.
• Flush water pipes. Periodically run taps on full to eliminate brown water as it flushes out any such iron accumulations within pipes.
• Check water pressure. Consistent water pressure between 50-80 PSI minimises disturbances that could dislodge debris.

Combining proactive maintenance with high-quality plumbing materials provides reliable protection against future discolouration. Contact a professional plumber if problems persist despite preventative efforts.

Installing a Water Softener

Installing a water softener is an effective measure to help prevent issues with discoloured water. Water softeners use a process called ion exchange to remove minerals like calcium, magnesium, and manganese from the water supply.

These minerals are notorious for causing scale buildup and sediment issues that may discolour your water over time. By entrapping these compounds, water softeners help preserve the clarity of water hot and cold alike.

Seek out a quality water softener that matches your household’s water consumption. Work with a licenced plumber for professional installation, as proper setup is key to maximum effectiveness.

The plumber will connect the softener to your main water supply line. The system filters all the water flowing into the home, including supplying appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and taps. Hot water pipes and heaters may need secondary treatment.

Maintaining a water softener with regular salt refills keeps it working properly to curb scale. Over time, reduced mineral buildup helps improve water flow, pressure, quality, and clarity.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your plumbing system is critical in preventing discoloured hot water. This includes:

• Annually flushing hot water heaters to clear sediment buildup.
• Replacing water filters every 3-6 months to remove particles before reaching tap water outlets.
• Checking pipes under sinks for leaks, corrosion and loose connections letting in sediment.
• Having a plumber inspect and service pipes, water heater, pressure, and temperature every 2 years.
• Monitoring water pressure at various taps to ensure it stays between 50-80 PSI.

Preventative maintenance keeps all components of your plumbing system working properly. It optimises water flow, extends equipment lifespan, and avoids sediment disturbance issues leading to discoloration. Paired with equipment upgrades such as water softeners and corrosion-resistant pipes, this strategy ensures robust protection against future issues.

Replacing Old Pipes

If your home has old galvanised, iron or steel pipes, these can corrode internally over time leading to discoloured water from rust particles. Replacing them with new copper or PEX piping solves this issue.

The benefit of new pipe installation is preventing ongoing rust and sediment problems that affect water flow, pressure and quality. Modern pipes have smooth non-reactive surfaces that maintain water clarity.

While pipe replacement may appear expensive initially, it’s cost-effective when considering the long-term expenses of patching leaks, addressing low water flow, mitigating flooding risks, and water treatment compared to a singular investment in durable piping. New piping protecting health and property value.

Have a professional plumber inspect your pipes to assess lifespan and corrosion levels. They can provide pipe replacement quotes factoring accessible, with minimal tearing into walls. Combining pipe replacement with other renovations helps cost-effectiveness through saved labour time.