Brown Water From the Faucet: Is It Safe and How Do You Fix It?

Brown water from the faucet is almost always rust or sediment. Where it shows up tells you whose problem it is.

Cold and hot, every faucet, started suddenly

The water utility has likely flushed hydrants or repaired a main, stirring up sediment. Run the cold tap in a bathtub for 10 to 15 minutes. If it does not clear in a few hours, call the utility.

Hot water only

The water heater is rusting inside or is full of sediment. Flushing may clear it. A tank that keeps producing rusty water is close to leaking, so plan for water heater replacement or have water heater repair check the anode rod.

First thing in the morning, then it clears

Water sat overnight in corroded galvanized steel pipes inside the house. This is common in older New Jersey homes. It gets worse and brings low pressure and leaks with it. The lasting fix is whole house repiping in PEX or copper. If the rust comes from the buried line to the street, see water line repair.

Homes on wells

Brown or orange water from a well usually means iron or manganese. A filter sized from a water test handles it, often alongside water softener installation.

Is it safe?

Rust-colored water is generally not a health hazard, but do not drink or cook with it until it runs clear, and hold off on laundry because it stains. If your home has a lead service line, discolored water after street work deserves extra caution: use bottled water and ask the utility about testing.

Not sure which case you have? A plumbing inspection identifies the pipe material and the source.

Common questions