Do you have rust-coloured water coming out of your tap? This can be alarming, especially if it’s the first time it’s happened. But don’t worry! In most cases, it’s not a cause for concern. A little rust in the water is normal, but too much could signal a problem with your pipes or your water supply and should be addressed by a licensed professional. It could also mean that there are other contaminants in your water that are causing problems like a bad taste or an odour. If you’ve never had to deal with rusty water before, here’s what you should do:
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Check the shut-off valve.
One way to check if your shut-off valve is causing water to be rusty is by turning off the water supply at the main line leading into your home. If you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing, it will usually stop dripping once you turn the water off from that source.
It’s also important to check and make sure that you don’t have any leaks anywhere else in your house; this can happen if someone accidentally leaves a faucet running or something like that (I’ve done it).
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Wait 24 hours.
If you don’t notice rust after 24 hours, you’re in luck. Your water is likely safe to drink and use for other purposes around the house. However, if you do notice rust after 24 hours, there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. If this happens and it’s not an isolated event (i.e., happening once every five years or less), then call a Plumber Clayton and get them to look at your water pipes immediately so they can determine why they’re rusty and how best to fix them moving forward.
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Check the aerator.
If the water from your tap is rusty, it could be because of a problem with the aerator. The aerator is a small plastic ring that’s attached to the end of your faucet and controls how much air mixes in with water.
Remove and clean the entire aerator by unscrewing it from its base under running water; then rinse all parts thoroughly before reinserting them back into place. If rust persists after cleaning, consider replacing this part entirely.
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Get a water test.
Before you do anything else, get a water test. The best way to know if your tap water is safe is to have it tested by a licensed plumber. You can also purchase your own testing kit from hardware stores and use this to find out the levels of iron and manganese in your water.
Invest in an under-sink filter with a high-capacity sediment filter (or use bottled water).
Install an aerator on all faucets that dispense drinking water so that the flow rate slows down enough for particles of rust and minerals like calcium carbonate to drop out before entering your glass or cup.
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Determine if you need to treat your water.
If you have a well, talk to your local water company. They can help you determine if your water is safe for consumption. If you have municipal water, check with the city’s health department to see if they’re aware of any problems with the drinking water supply in your area. If they are, ask them when they expect it to be fixed—and if it isn’t fixed soon enough for you, get some bottled water from the store until they do fix it!
Some rust in the water is normal, but too much rust could signal a problem with your pipes or your water supply and should be addressed with a licensed professional.
If you have rust in your water, there’s no need to panic. However, some amount of rust is normal and not concerning for long-term health effects—but if you notice more than just a trace amount in your tap water, it could be an indication that something’s not right. If this is the case, then you should contact a Plumber Clayton and get a water test done to determine whether or not it’s safe to drink.