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True Trade Path

Diagnostic guide

Brown Water from Taps

Rusty or brown water from your faucets — determine whether it is a municipal issue, a water heater problem, or corroding pipes in your home.

System
Plumbing
Causes covered
7
You can check
2 without a technician

Stop and read this first

  • Do not drink brown water until the cause is identified and the water runs clear.
  • If only hot water is brown and the tank is over 10 years old, plan for replacement — internal corrosion precedes tank failure.
  • Brown water after a boil-water advisory means follow the utility's instructions before consuming.

Work through these in order

Ordered from most to least likely. Working top down means you rule out the cheap, common causes before paying anyone to look at the expensive, rare ones.

  1. Municipal water main disturbance

    CommonYou can check
    How to check
    Brown water at all fixtures, hot and cold. Neighbors report the same issue. City was flushing hydrants or repaired a main recently.
    The fix
    Run cold water for five to ten minutes until it clears. If it persists more than 24 hours, contact the water utility.

  2. Corroding water heater tank

    CommonNeeds a pro
    How to check
    Brown water only from the hot tap. Tank is over 8 years old. Rumbling or popping noises during heating.
    The fix
    Flush the tank. If rust returns within a week, replace the unit ($1,200 to $2,400 installed). A corroding tank will eventually leak.

  3. Corroded galvanized supply pipes

    CommonNeeds a pro
    How to check
    Brown water at first draw, clears after running. Home built before 1970 with galvanized pipes.
    The fix
    Whole-house repiping with PEX or copper runs $6,000 to $12,000. Galvanized pipes corrode from the inside out.

  4. Disturbed sediment after plumbing work

    CommonYou can check
    How to check
    Brown water started after a water heater replacement, main valve repair, or municipal work on your street.
    The fix
    Run all faucets for 10 to 15 minutes. Sediment clears on its own within a day.

  5. Well water iron or manganese

    PossibleNeeds a pro
    How to check
    Home is on a well. Brown staining on fixtures and laundry. Water clears after sitting.
    The fix
    Test the well water. An iron filter or water softener runs $800 to $1,800 installed.

  6. Failed anode rod in water heater

    PossibleNeeds a pro
    How to check
    Hot water only is brown. Tank is under 8 years old. Sulfur or rotten-egg smell accompanies the discoloration.
    The fix
    A plumber replaces the anode rod ($150 to $300). If the tank lining is already damaged, replacement is the better option.

  7. Break in a supply line drawing in soil

    UncommonNeeds a pro
    How to check
    Brown water persists at all taps. Yard is soggy near the water line. Water meter runs when fixtures are off.
    The fix
    A plumber locates and repairs the break. Yard line repair runs $500 to $2,000.

Once you know what it is

Step one

Know what it should cost

Get the range before you call, so the first number you hear is not the only number you have.

Step two

Decide repair or replace

On equipment near end of life, the repair is usually the first of several.

Step three

Check the quote

Compare against the typical range and confirm the terms before you sign.

Water Heater Replacement cost guideRepair or replace calculatorEstimate repair costAnalyze a quote

What the fix costs

Tools for this decision

Other symptoms