The faucets may start leaking brown water when you are taking a shower or doing dishes. The experience can be dreadful for you, as it has been for us. Thinking of what has gone wrong, it’s important to find out why well water is brown all of a sudden and what can be done to overcome the situation.
Is it the corrosion in water lines causing the water to turn brown, or has it been contaminated? You can get rid of this problem only if you are able to find the cause. For well water to turn brown, there can be multiple reasons. Increased contamination, damaged water lines, improper well construction, all lead to turning well water into brown.
Surely, we are not going to use the brown water even for household chores, let alone drinking.
Thus, let’s explore the potential reasons causing the well water to turn brown so that we know how it can be fixed.
Why does well water suddenly turn brown?
It might get clear in a few minutes, but if not, you have to find out the reason behind it. There is a need to call in a professional immediately when it’s easy and a quick process to determine the problem. So, without any more explanations, let’s explore the points of what may be the reason causing your well water to turn brown.
Rusting
When it comes to reasons why the water in the well turns brown, this is by far the most common. It can be there, starting from the well to the point when it comes out of the faucet. Rusting usually happens in pipes or plumbing fixtures. It is therefore, you may not get the brown water from all parts of your home.
Apparently, the water was clear in the well, but it got brown while passing through the affected lines. Water flowing through the rusty pipes will turn brown, and the rest will be clear.
Note that if you are getting brown water only from the hot tap, it’s the water heater causing the problem. The water heater container might be affected by the rust, or it may be the hot pipelines.
Besides, for any reason, if the water supply is turned off for a while, you will get the brown water once you open the tap. The reason for this is that when the water supply is turned back on, any rust in the system will be dislodged.
Iron
Well water is said to be containing minerals and nutrients in high quantities. While some may not change the properties, there are a few elements that result in water discoloration. Among those, iron and magnesium are the most popular.
The presence of iron in well water is not harmful at a certain level, but if it exceeds, it contaminates the water and also changes its color.
If nothing else seems to be wrong, it could be the iron that is causing the water to turn brown. Get your water tested, and you will have the results. If it is present in high quantities, you need to take steps to remove iron from well water.
It’s the mud
Obviously, you will get brown water if the mud is dissolved. It typically happens when the water level drops in a well. If the pump continues to run despite the low water level, it will draw muddy water to the home.
Moreover, if any sediments get into the well through any means, it will affect the water, including discoloration. Any form of sediment can be harmful and may also cause damage to the plumbing system.
What to do after the water in your well turns brown?
Things will in due course get better, so don’t worry. First, let the water keep flowing for a few minutes, and it will be clear again. If it’s not, find out the reason.
Performing a water test is the most reliable option to get to know about water properties. It will let you know about contamination and what other elements it contains. Based on the results, you will be able to take appropriate actions.
Do inspect the water lines connected with the well and check if any of it is rusted or damaged. Go for replacement, assuming necessary. If there are no problems with water lines, you need to check the well.
The well may have got any damage, or it might be the water table fluctuation resulting in brownish water.
Wherever the problem lies, you must use a water softener and water filter for the well pump along with sediment filters. As a result, you will get filtered, pure, and clean water in the end. In case required, you can also go for a thorough water treatment plan, such as a reverse osmosis system.
Conclusion
The water from a well pump is typically clear, but if brown water comes from your faucet, it could be from a number of different things. Whether it happens due to sediments, iron, or dropping water levels, it is necessary that you identify the cause and get it resolved since brown water is good for nothing.
Another common issue is yellow well water, but once you figure out the cause, you can find a solution.