5 Possible Causes of Dirty Faucet Water and How to Fix Them

If you notice your tap water has a strange hue, don't be alarmed. It may simply be because of some outside influence, not an issue with your plumbing. That said, seeing a differently-colored water than the usually clear water can truly be horrifying. After all, you've been using said water from the faucet, and seeing it dirty might make you wonder if you've used the dirty without realizing it.

Well, either way, you need to overcome this problem. Unfortunately, the problem can be vast. It can be a simple issue like a corroded faucet that needs replacement down to contamination at the water source. Today, we're going to delve into these possible causes and what you can do on your end to try and fix it:

1. Corrosion

Corrosion is the natural breakdown of metal pipes over time, which can cause discoloration and a bad smell in your water. To fix this issue, you should consider replacing your old pipes with new ones. This can either be easy or hard, depending on where the corrosion took place.

2. Chemical Contamination

Chemicals such as chlorine, arsenic, lead, and mercury can contaminate your water and make it unsafe to drink. To fix this issue, you should contact your local water authority and have them test your water to determine the source of the contamination. You can't directly fix this issue, but you can at least notify them of the problem, if any, allowing them to take action to ensure a safe water source.

3. Bacteria

Bacteria can cause a variety of health problems, including diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, and bacteria can be found essentially anywhere. To fix this issue, you should install a water filter on your faucet or have your water professionally tested for bacteria. This way, you can access clean water.

4. Sediment

Sediment can accumulate in your pipes over time and cause discoloration and bad taste. There's simply no way to avoid this, and you will have to address this issue after some time. Now, to fix this issue, you should flush your water lines and have a plumber inspect your pipes for any blockages. They can help clear any sediment buildup to ensure your water flows freely and cleanly.

5. Hard Water

Hard water is caused by high levels of calcium and magnesium in your water, which can cause scale buildup in your pipes and fixtures. To fix this issue, you should install a water softener in your home to reduce the levels of these minerals. Doing so will also protect other things like your sink from hard water, prolonging the life of your pipes and so on.

Conclusion

Sediment, clogs, and hard water are all common issues that can affect your pipes and water supply. To fix these issues, you should flush your water lines, have a plumber inspect for any blockages, and install a water softener to reduce the levels of calcium and magnesium. Doing these things will help ensure your pipes and water supply remain clean, clear, and safe.

Millennial Plumbing & Tankless is a local plumbing company offering long-lasting solutions for any plumbing issue. Hire a plumbing service provider to help with your dirty faucet water problem, get in touch with us today!