It’s normal for nature to call. Brown water in your toilet, however, is not normal. If you’ve just opened your toilet seat lid to discover brown water, don’t panic. Discolored toilet water can mean a few things:
Rust. Rust can appear in both your pipes or the toilet. Corrosion can cause rust particles to flow into the water flow. Parts of a toilet such as the tank corrode due to age or poor maintenance.
Dirt and Minerals. Sediment can sometimes collect in water lines, creating a murky brown color.
Iron Bacteria. Organisms that survive off of iron create a rust-colored substance.
If your toilet water color has changed, make sure you call a plumbing professional. The color can indicate that there is an issue with your plumbing, which can escalate if not resolved. For plumbing assistance, contact a pro from Scott Hale. Our experts assess any plumbing issue and provide efficient solutions.
How To Fix Brown Toilet Water
Thankfully, there are solutions to get rid of your brown toilet water. Flushing rust is a quick and easy solution, but not a permanent one. Rust means corrosion, and corrosion warrants pipe replacements. For rusted piping or toilet parts, enlist the help of a professional plumber to stop future contamination.
Murky brown water caused by minerals should be tested. You have a few options after evaluating the mineral content. For iron or similar chemicals, soak areas of the toilet with white vinegar and let it rest overnight. This will cause the mineral buildup to break down. If the mineral buildup is due to hard water, installing a water softener or a descaling agent helps.
Why Is My Toilet Water Red?
The red coloration in your water is from one culprit, rust. Due to corrosion older pipes will disperse iron particles in the water. If your pipes are not corroded, your water supply may have already had a high iron content. Thankfully, iron will not affect your health but causes staining when in contact with your plumbing fixtures. A Scott Hale plumbing expert identifies the rust source and provides an efficient solution.
Why Is My Toilet Water Yellow?
Calcium and rust are the common causes of yellow toilet water. Calcium is typically present in hard water, building up over time in areas like the bowl. After building up in parts, the water gradually turns yellow. Another cause is a high level of manganese in your water supply. Manganese gives water a yellow tint if found in large concentrations. While not an emergency, it is best to have a Scott Hale plumber check your bathroom plumbing.
Why Is My Toilet Water Black?
Black toilet water indicates serious problems with your plumbing. The first possible cause is due to the appearance of mold or bacteria in your water. Mold or bacteria can grow in stagnant water, eventually discoloring your water.
A different cause is a sewage backup. This is where sewer water is pushed back into your plumbing system. A backup is a very alarming plumbing problem as it can expose you and your family to harmful bacteria. If either of these problems shows themselves, get help immediately. Scott Hale’s experts tackle these alarming problems swiftly before your health becomes affected.
Why Is My Toilet Water Green?
If you have had brand new copper pipework installed, this can cause a greenish tint in your water. Copper can create a green hue depending on how concentrated it is.
If you don’t have copper piping, the green hue can be caused by a large concentration of phosphorus. Phosphorus may appear due to a bigger sewage issue, where contaminated water is being pushed into your plumbing. When suspecting a sewer problem, call for professional assistance from Scott Hale.
What Is the Cost of Fixing Brown Toilet Water?
The cost of fixing your brown toilet water varies based on the cause. To put it into perspective, fixing brown water can cost as low as $50 to $4,000. The higher end of the cost usually involves pipe replacement. For example, switching over rusted metal piping to PVC plastic can cost thousands of dollars. When you call Scott Hale, we’ll assess your plumbing. From there we will find the best possible solution to resolve your water discoloration.
Plumbing Maintenance Recommendations
The best way to prevent brown water from making a comeback is with maintenance. Use vinegar to remove stains and caulk the toilet with silicone to ensure a proper seal. By caulking around the base, you can prevent any water leaking from the fixture.
If your toilet is continually running, there might be a problem internally. The usual culprits are the rubber flapper or fill valve. Lastly, listen to the water flow in your plumbing for a loud banging sound. If you hear the water slam into the piping, this is called a water hammer. When fluids are forced to stop and change the direction in the plumbing this will cause a loud noise. This can cause long-term damage to your plumbing if not resolved.
If you’re experiencing plumbing issues or have concerns, it’s time to call Scott Hale. Our licensed team of plumbers has years of experience providing top-notch plumbing services. Regardless of the color of the toilet water, our experts quickly address any problem with thorough solutions. From sewer lines to bathrooms, we ensure your plumbing runs smoothly.
