Brown Water From the Faucet: What Causes It and How to Fix It

Brown or rusty water from your faucet can come from the water main, corroding pipes, a rusting water heater or iron in well water. Here is how to diagnose it.

Only hot water is brown

The water heater tank is rusting from the inside. It is on its way to leaking and should be replaced.

Only after the water was off

A municipal main break or hydrant flushing stirs up sediment. Run cold water for a few minutes and it clears.

Always brown on a well

Dissolved iron or manganese in Vermont well water stains fixtures orange and brown. An iron filter or water softener with iron removal solves it.

Brown at all taps, all the time

Galvanized pipes are corroding. Repiping is the permanent fix.

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