Brown Water From the Faucet: What It Means and When to Worry

Brown water is rust. The question is where it's coming from.

Only from the hot tap?

Your water heater's tank is corroding from the inside, usually because the sacrificial anode rod is used up. If the unit is under 8 years, a new anode and flush may save it. Otherwise it's time for water heater replacement before it leaks.

Hot and cold, but only first thing in the morning?

Rust sitting in your home's pipes overnight. This is the signature of aging galvanized steel plumbing. It will get worse, and pressure will drop as the pipe closes up.

Whole neighborhood at once?

The utility flushed hydrants or repaired a main. Run cold water for 10–15 minutes. If it doesn't clear, call the utility.

After you've been away?

Stagnant water in the lines. Flush every fixture for a few minutes.

The permanent fix

If the rust is in your pipes, no filter solves it. A whole house repipe in PEX or copper replaces the old lines, restores pressure and clears the water. Most Florida homes are done in 1–3 days with only small drywall openings. It also removes the liability of polybutylene pipe that many insurers now flag.

Related reading

• Toilet Keeps Running? Here's What's Wrong and How to Stop It
• Low Water Pressure in the House: 7 Causes Florida Plumbers See Most
• Sink Drains Slowly? Why It Happens and What Actually Works