What You Should Do If Your Water Is Brown
Turning on the tap in and seeing brown or rusty colored water is unsettling, and understandably so. The good news is that brown water is usually traceable to one of a handful of causes, and most of them are fixable. Here is what typically causes brown water in East Valley homes, and what you should do about it.
Key Takeaways:
Brown water from only the hot tap usually points to water heater sediment or corrosion
Brown water from both hot and cold taps often signals aging or corroding pipes
Municipal water main work can cause temporary, neighborhood-wide brown water
Maricopa County's hard water (12 to 18 grains per gallon) contributes to mineral buildup that can loosen and discolor water
Persistent or recurring brown water should be evaluated by a licensed plumber
1. Water Heater Sediment and Corrosion
If the brown water only shows up when you run the hot tap, your water heater is the likely source. Sediment naturally settles at the bottom of the tank over time, and in Maricopa County, where hard water runs 12 to 18 grains per gallon, that sediment builds up faster than in many other parts of the country. As the tank ages, the sediment layer can stir up and discolor your hot water, or the tank itself can begin to corrode from the inside. A rotten egg smell along with the discoloration is a sign the anode rod is failing and should not be ignored.
2. Aging or Corroding Pipes
If both hot and cold water run brown, aging pipes are a common culprit. Many East Valley tract homes built between the 1990s and 2010 used a mix of piping materials, and older galvanized steel sections are prone to internal rust as the protective zinc coating wears away. Once corrosion starts inside a pipe, it tends to worsen over time, and rusty water is often one of the first visible warning signs before a leak develops.
3. Municipal Water Main Work
Sometimes brown water has nothing to do with your home's plumbing at all. Cities across the East Valley, including Mesa, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek, periodically flush hydrants or repair water mains, which can stir up sediment in the municipal lines and send discolored water temporarily to nearby homes. This type of brown water usually affects an entire neighborhood at once and clears up within a few hours. Checking your city's water department website or calling their service line can confirm if work is underway in your area.
4. Hard Water Buildup Loosening Mineral Deposits
Because Maricopa County's water is naturally hard, mineral deposits accumulate inside pipes and fixtures over the years. A sudden change in water pressure or a nearby repair can knock loose scale and sediment that has been building up for years, temporarily clouding your water with a brownish tint. This is more common in homes without a water softening or filtration system, since untreated hard water leaves more mineral scale behind for years.
5. What to Do When You Notice Brown Water
Start by running only the cold water at a bathtub or outdoor spigot for three to five minutes. If it clears up, the issue is likely in your water heater or is isolated to hot water lines. If the cold water stays discolored, check with neighbors or your city's water department to rule out municipal work. Avoid running your dishwasher or washing machine until the water clears, since rust particles can stain clothing and dishes. Do not drain your water heater yourself if you suspect internal tank corrosion, since an aging tank can be prone to leaks once disturbed.
When to Call a Plumber
If brown water persists for more than a day, keeps returning, or is paired with low water pressure, a sulfur smell, or visible sediment in your toilet tank, it is time to call a licensed plumber. These are signs of pipe corrosion or a failing water heater, both of which tend to get worse, not better, on their own. A plumber can inspect your water heater's anode rod and tank condition, evaluate your home's piping for corrosion, and recommend leak location services if there is any concern about hidden pipe damage.
For 45 years, Superstition Plumbing has helped East Valley homeowners get to the bottom of water quality issues, from failing water heaters to aging pipes. As a family-owned company serving Mesa, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and the surrounding communities, we know the specific plumbing challenges that come with Phoenix's hard water and older tract home construction. If your water isn't running clear, give us a call and we'll help you find out why.
