According to recent reports, approximately 20% of Australians have experienced brown or discoloured water from their tap at some point. Seeing brown water flowing into your sink or bathtub can be unsettling, raising immediate concerns about water safety, plumbing damage and potential health risks.
Although alarming, brown tap water is a common household issue in Australia and usually results from rust or sediment build-up within the plumbing system or disturbances in local water supply lines.
The good news is, in most cases, this discolouration can be easily remedied with straightforward steps. Understanding the common causes and the right actions to take can quickly restore clear, clean drinking water to your home.
Common Causes of Brown Water from the Tap
Brown water from tap fixtures often signals an underlying issue in your home’s plumbing or external water supply. Identifying the common causes helps address the situation effectively.
1. Rusty Pipes
Rust inside ageing water pipes commonly causes discoloured water from tap outlets. Older Australian homes frequently have galvanised steel water pipes prone to corrosion due to age and ongoing exposure to moisture. Over time, rust particles detach and blend into your home’s water supply, leading to noticeable brown water from tap fixtures, including indoor taps and your outdoor garden tap.
- Ageing galvanised steel pipes commonly rust internally.
- Rust particles mix into the water supply, causing brown discolouration.
2. Sediment Build-Up in Pipes
Sediment naturally collects within water pipes due to constant water flow and mineral deposits. Normally, this sediment stays settled on pipe bottoms. However, citywide maintenance on the water main or construction activities nearby can disturb pipe sediment, allowing it into your water supply. Changes in water pressure during these disturbances further contribute to dislodging sediment, resulting in brown water from tap outlets.
- Sediment accumulates naturally in household water pipes.
- Construction or water main maintenance can stir sediment.
- Sudden changes in water pressure may cause sediment discolouration.
3. Issues with the Hot Water System
Corrosion or sediment accumulation inside your home’s hot water system can also cause brown water. This issue typically becomes obvious when turning on hot taps only, with cold water remaining clear.
- Corrosion or sediment in hot water tanks discolours hot water.
- Discolouration from hot water systems usually affects only hot taps.
Immediate Steps When You Notice Brown Water From Your Tap
Experiencing brown water from tap fixtures can be unpleasant. Follow these immediate steps to identify and potentially resolve the issue quickly.
1. Run Cold Water Taps
Running your cold tap can clear dirty tap water caused by sediment or rust from mains water disturbances.
- Turn your cold tap on fully and leave the tap running for around 20 minutes.
- Check frequently to see if the tap water brown colour starts to clear.
- If your cold tap water remains discoloured after 20 minutes, further investigation is required.
2. Check Hot Water System
Sometimes, your hot water service or water heater could cause water to turn brown due to internal corrosion or sediment build-up. To confirm:
- Run hot taps separately and observe if brown water comes exclusively from the hot tap.
- If only your hot water appears brown, the water heater might be faulty or require maintenance.
- Contact a licensed plumber to inspect and service your hot water system promptly.
3. Consult Local Authorities
External factors like local water maintenance or disturbances can cause brown water coming out of your tap:
- Visit your local water corporation website or contact them directly.
- Confirm if works near your water meter or maintenance on local water supply lines have recently caused water discolouration.
Is Brown Tap Water Still Safe for Drinking?
Seeing brown water coming from your household taps can cause concern about its safety for drinking and cooking. Understanding if the discolouration is harmful or simply unpleasant can help you take appropriate precautions.
Temporary Discolouration
In most cases, temporary brown water is caused by sediment or rust particles that accumulate in water pipes. These particles can loosen and enter the water supply when maintenance work or disruptions occur nearby.
Although the brown colour and taste of water coming from your tap can be unpleasant, temporary discolouration is usually harmless if consumed in small amounts. However, it is always best to wait until the water running from your taps is completely clear again before drinking or cooking with it.
Risks and Precautions
If you still have brown water after running the tap closest to your water meter for several minutes, avoid drinking or using it for food preparation. When discoloured water enters your home’s water supply or comes from the hot tap connected to your hot water heater, seek guidance from a hot water system expert. Use bottled water or a water filtration system temporarily until clear water returns.
Dealing With Brown Water – Long-Term Solutions
Addressing rusty water or persistent sediment issues requires effective long-term solutions. Here are practical ways to ensure clear and safe drinking water from your taps consistently.
1. Regular Pipe Maintenance
Scheduling regular plumbing inspections helps identify rust in the water pipes before it affects your water quality or has damaged the water system permanently. Routine inspections can:
- Detect early corrosion or sediment build-up.
- Allow plumbers to promptly flush pipes or repair minor issues.
- Ensure water clears effectively and maintains a reliable mains water supply to your home.
2. Installing Water Filtration Systems
Water filters help remove sediment, rust and impurities, improving water clarity and providing safe drinking water. Different filtration methods include:
- Whole-house filtration systems: Installed directly onto your mains water supply, filtering water entering your home.
- Under-sink filters: Conveniently fitted beneath kitchen taps, providing clear drinking water.
- Cartridge filters: Affordable options to remove sediment and rust effectively.
Benefits of filtration systems include improved water taste, reduced contaminants and extended pipe lifespan.
3. Replacing Old Pipes or Hot Water System
If regular inspections reveal extensive rust or ongoing issues related to your local water supply, consider replacing old pipes or your hot water system. Signs replacement is necessary:
- Frequent rusty water or sediment issues despite maintenance.
- Noticeable leaks or reduced water pressure.
- Advice from your water provider after they inspect your water.
Upgrading ensures long-term improvements in water quality, safety and significantly reduces future maintenance costs.
Preventing Water Discolouration Issues
Taking proactive steps can help you avoid future issues with discoloured water. Here are practical tips to maintain clear water in your home.
1. Regular Checks and Inspections
Regularly checking your taps, pipes and hot water systems can prevent rust, sediment build-up and leaks. Simple steps include:
- Inspecting visible pipes and taps monthly for signs of corrosion or leaks.
- Checking hot water units every few months for rust spots, unusual noises or leaks.
- Running taps occasionally to flush any minor sediment accumulation from pipes.
2. Stay Updated with Local Water Authority Notices
Keeping informed about your local water authority’s planned maintenance or disruptions helps you prepare for potential water quality issues. Be proactive by:
- Regularly checking updates on your local water authority’s website or social media pages.
- Signing up for text or email alerts on upcoming water maintenance works in your area.
3. Consult Plumbing Professionals
Engaging professional plumbing services regularly ensures early detection and resolution of potential water quality problems. Experienced plumbers can:
- Perform thorough assessments of your home’s plumbing systems.
- Identify and repair early signs of pipe deterioration or sediment issues.
- Recommend suitable long-term solutions for maintaining consistent water clarity.
Clear Water, Peace of Mind – Act Quickly on Brown Tap Water Issues
Addressing brown tap water promptly protects your family’s health, safeguards your plumbing and ensures consistent water quality throughout your home. Early action helps prevent minor plumbing issues from escalating into costly repairs or replacements later.
For reliable advice and professional plumbing solutions, trust All Kind Gas & Plumbing. Our experienced team specialises in resolving brown tap water problems and all general plumbing matters quickly and effectively. If you’re experiencing discoloured water or other plumbing concerns, contact All Kind Gas & Plumbing today to book an inspection or service.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is my tap water brown only when I turn on the hot water?
If brown water appears only through your hot tap, sediment build-up or rust inside your hot water tank may be the cause. Have a plumber inspect your hot water system to pinpoint the issue and recommend repairs.
2. Can rusted pipes affect my health?
Rust from pipes generally isn’t harmful, but it causes poor water taste, appearance and reduced quality. Long-term exposure to rusty water isn’t advisable, so replacing affected pipes or installing water filtration is important.
3. How long should I run the tap to clear brown water?
Usually, running your cold water taps for around 20 minutes clears minor sediment or rust build-up. If the water from your tap remains brown after this, contact a plumber for further assistance.
4. Should I boil brown tap water before drinking?
Boiling won’t remove rust particles or sediments from brown tap water. Instead, avoid drinking discoloured water until it runs clear again, and use bottled or filtered water temporarily.
5. Who should I call for brown water issues in Brisbane?
For professional plumbing support, contact All Kind Gas & Plumbing. Our experienced team can quickly assess and resolve brown water problems.
