You expect to get fresh, clean water every time you turn on the tap in your Birmingham home. When that water suddenly turns rusty, it can throw your whole routine into chaos. Rusty water isn’t necessarily dangerous to drink, but it’s certainly unpleasant and can be a sign of bigger problems. One common reason for this pesky issue is that you need water heater repairs. If your water has become problematic, here’s what you need to know to fix rust-colored water issues.

The Causes of Rusty Water

The water in your home can turn rusty for a variety of reasons. Among the most common is corrosion from the inside of a storage-type water heater. This is the most likely culprit if your water appears rusty only when you’re using hot water. If the water always appears discolored, it’s more likely your plumbing system itself is corroded. Note that broken water mains, damage to the plumbing, and other issues can also cause rust-colored water.

Water Heater Repairs

If the problem can be traced to your water heater, there are a couple of potential causes. The most common is a rusted anode rod. These rods are specifically designed to attract corrosive elements to protect the rest of your unit. As such, they need to be replaced occasionally. This is among the simplest and most common of water heater repairs. More seriously, the lining of your tank itself may be rusting. This often happens near the end of its expected service life, meaning it’s usually better to replace the system entirely.

Professional Plumbing Services for Rust-Colored Water

If the problem lies outside of your water heater, a professional will have to assess your plumbing to determine the cause. It’s likely that sections of piping are beginning to corrode and may need to be replaced. You may be able to narrow down the problem by checking each of the faucets and fixtures in your home. If only certain fixtures are affected, the problem is likely inside the pipes that supply them.

No matter the cause, rusty or discolored water is a major inconvenience. It’s also a sign that your plumbing system is in need of prompt attention.

To learn more about how to handle rust-colored water in your system, explore Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Birmingham professional plumbing services or call (205) 351-0706 to speak with our helpful experts.