You turn on the tap and wait…what’s that color?
When your water is cloudy, brown, or even red, it’s natural to feel alarmed. It’s a frequent scenario in Houston, and it can leave you wondering if your water is safe.
Here are some common scenarios, and what you should do if you see strange tap water.
#1) Rusty Pipes
Rusty pipes are the most common reason for tap water discoloration. It’s brown or it’s red, and it happens because your old, aging pipes have started to rust.
While rusty water isn’t really a health concern, it’s still worth taking seriously. Let the problem continue for long enough, and you’ll end up with low water pressure and pipe damage.
You’ll often see this problem in older neighborhoods, such as Katy’s Cane Island or the Hill in Sugar Land.
#2) Sediment and Minerals
If your water is cloudy or sandy, you’re likely looking at either a disturbed water main or mineral deposits in your lines.
Houston has hard water, so we often see this in homes all over the metro area. While hard water is mostly harmless, it can damage your shower heads and faucets. It can also damage your clothing when you wash your clothes.
#3) Air Bubbles
If you see milky water that clears up as you run the tap, then you’re probably looking at a case of air bubbles.
Air bubbles can happen when work has been done on the pipes, either at the city level or on your home. Air bubbles are harmless, and will go away after awhile. You don’t even have to call a plumber for this one!
#4) Algae or Bacteria
If your water is green or foul smelling then you should turn off the tap immediately. Do not drink or use this water!
This could be the result of a toxic algae bloom in standing water, or in contaminated water sources. Using this water can make you and your family members very sick, and the problem needs immediate attention.
Troubleshooting
So what should you do if the water looks funny?
- Check with your neighbors to see if they’re experiencing the same problem.
- Call the city to report potential water main issues.
- If you are the only person on your street with the problem, then call us for a professional inspection.
When in doubt, call for help. While we can give you general guidelines here, there’s no reason to do guesswork or to continue using water that makes you uncomfortable.
You deserve clean, safe water!
If your water seems strange, call (832) 503-4262 or schedule an appointment online. We’ll come inspect and repair your pipes ASAP. You can expect nothing less but the highest level of professionalism and expertise when we do!