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Common Causes of Discolored Water in Oceanside CA

February 11, 2022

Common Causes of Discolored Water in Oceanside CA

It’s important that the water flowing through your home is clean and pure. So what do you do when the water coming out of your faucets is brown, red, or yellow? Call 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration, of course!

Suspended and dissolved material in the water can tint its appearance. There are a number of materials that can affect the appearance, taste, and smell of your water. These materials can be the result of natural processes, human activity, or both.

How Does Water Become Discolored?

Some common causes of water discoloration in Oceanside, CA include:

  • Brown water

Brown discoloration can come from many sources. The color may be caused by iron from rusty pipes. If you’ve been away for a while, iron and other minerals in the water may have settled in the pipes. It can also be caused due to organic contaminants. In a lot of instances, minor rust particles can be removed simply by running the water until they’ve been washed out. If the coloration persists or is accompanied by a foul odor, you have a problem that requires a plumber.

  • Black water

Black water may indicate the presence of manganese or organic matter. Call a plumber!

  • Yellow water

Yellow-hued water is often caused by dissolved organic matter, such as tannin leached from leaves, branches, and other vegetable matter. If your water is yellow it may indicate that your water lines are being contaminated by runoff water.

  • Green water

Green water could indicate algae growth in your piping. or worse, contamination from a ground source. You should avoid using green water and call a plumber immediately.

  • Red water

Red water can be caused by suspended particles of rusted iron. Again, you can get rid of the discoloration by letting the water run until the rust has been removed from the system. Call a plumber if the problem persists.

  • Milky Water

If your water has a milky white or cloudy color when it comes out of the faucet, it could be caused by excessive air trapped in the water. Letting the water sit while the bubbles rise to the top usually restores transparency. While not a health risk, you may want to consult a plumber if the problem persists.

Discolored Water? Call 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration

The water coming out of your faucets should be clear and pure and safe to use for drinking, cooking, washing clothes, and bathing. If your water has a persistent brown, yellow, red, green, or black discoloration, give 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration.

Our team of highly trained and licensed plumbers will quickly pinpoint the source of the problem, explain the nature of the problem, and provide professional advice on the best solution. In most cases, your plumbing problems can be repaired on the spot without the need to schedule another appointment. The sooner the water in your home is safe, the better!

Don’t put the safety of your family or the value of your home at risk. If you have any kind of plumbing problem reach out to 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration without delay. You can contact us through our website or call us at 866-437-0205. We provide emergency 24/7 plumbing services to Oceanside, CA, and surrounding communities.