Is Your Tap Water A Different Color Than It Should Be?

Most people expect to see clear colorless liquid when running tap water in their home. However, at times you may see water that has a strange tint. If this is the case, you are naturally concerned about what you are drinking, washing clothes in and showering with on a regular basis. Different colors are caused by different types of contaminants, some of which are harmless and some of which may present health hazards. Following are some of primary abnormalities in tap water and the risks and hazards with which some of them are associated:

Yellow Or Brown Discoloration

In most cases, orange, red or yellow water indicates the presence of rust. Although rust does not typically cause major health issues, it is certainly not pleasant to the taste and can discolor clothing and linens. Rust may also turn water brown. When this occurs, it typically has an accompanying smell that is unmistakable. A faulty hot water tank can lead to a buildup of rust and a brownish tint to water. Causes of rusty water are typically either old pipes in your home that are failing or rust in the water main at your municipal water source. Typically, if the color changes quickly, it is a city water main issue. Most municipalities do an annual flush of water mains to eliminate sediment and if this is the case, the problem will disappear on its own. If it does not go away within a few days, the issue likely stems from pipes in your own home. If you only notice the brown discoloration when you are running hot water, it is probably due to a faulty hot water tank. Brown water may also be the result of too much manganese or iron in your water supply. When contaminated with either or both of these metals, the water may stain clothing and linens, but is still generally safe to drink, even if it does feature an odd taste.

Black Water

If a dark gray or black tint is seen in your tap water, the source could be mold and a plumber should be called immediately. This is a serious situation, as the presence of mold can result in a broad range of health hazards, including respiratory problems, fatigue, persistent allergies, asthma attacks, anemia, skin rashes and in severe cases, thyroid problems.

Green Water

There are two primary reasons for a green or blue tinge in your water. Problems with deteriorating brass or copper plumbing fixtures often result in an almost teal colored tinge to the water from your faucet, as well as your toilet tank. Copper in your water can be detrimental to your health, as ingesting large amounts of this mineral can cause liver, kidney or gastrointestinal problems. Pure green water is a sign that algae is present somewhere in your water supply. Although when absorbed in small amounts, this poses no health hazard, ingesting large quantities of algae can cause neurological problems and possibly neuromuscular disorders. It is always wise to seek professional evaluation if you suspect that any type of contaminant has made its way into your tap water supply. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to keep your water clean and eliminate health hazards that come from impurities. Therefore, do not hesitate to get in touch with a reputable plumber if you suspect your home's water is contaminated. If you have discolored water in your home, it is important that you address this issue immediately. For a professional plumber in your area, Robinson Plumbing can assist you with any plumbing questions that you might have as well as address any of your plumbing needs. Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, quality service. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

Is Your Tap Water A Different Color Than It Should Be? was originally written and published on Robinson Plumbers