- Key Takeaways
- Why Your Water Might Look Rusty
- How to Narrow Down the Cause
- What to Do Next
- Is Rust-Colored Water Harmful?
- How Voyager Plumbing Can Help
- Don’t Wait for It to Get Worse
Seeing rust-colored water coming from your faucet can catch you off guard. It’s more than just unpleasant—it can stain your sinks, tubs, and laundry, and it often points to a deeper problem inside your plumbing system.
At Voyager Plumbing, we help homeowners throughout San Diego get answers fast. We’ve seen it all—brown water, orange streaks, and unexpected discoloration—and we know how to find the cause and fix it the right way.
Rusty water might not seem urgent at first, but it rarely goes away on its own. Let’s break down what could be causing it—and what you can do next to get clean, clear water flowing again.
If you’re dealing with discolored water in your home, contact us today to schedule a professional inspection.
Key Takeaways
- Rust-colored water is often caused by corroded pipes or sediment in the water heater.
- Testing hot vs. cold water and checking with neighbors helps narrow down the source.
- Common fixes include flushing the water heater, inspecting pipes, or repiping.
- Rust in water is usually not harmful but can lead to staining, clogs, and appliance issues.
- Voyager Plumbing offers expert inspection and repair services to resolve the issue quickly and correctly.
Why Your Water Might Look Rusty
Rusty or discolored water is usually caused by corrosion or sediment buildup in your plumbing system. In many older San Diego homes, galvanized steel pipes are still in place. These pipes can rust internally over time, sending iron flakes or rust particles into your water supply.
Here are the most common causes:
Old Galvanized Pipes
Galvanized steel pipes were commonly used in homes built before the 1960s. These pipes have a zinc coating that wears down over time. As the coating deteriorates, the exposed steel underneath begins to rust, which can lead to brown or orange water.
Sediment Buildup in Your Water Heater
Minerals and rust particles often settle at the bottom of water heaters, especially in areas with hard water like San Diego. If the water heater isn’t flushed regularly, that sediment can get stirred up and appear as discolored water—mainly in hot water taps.
Municipal Water System Maintenance
Sometimes, the city works on water mains or hydrant flushing programs. These maintenance activities stir up mineral deposits and rust inside city pipes. This discoloration usually clears up within a few hours and doesn’t require repairs to your home’s plumbing.
Corrosion in Fixtures or Localized Pipes
If you’re only seeing discoloration at one fixture or in one area of your home, the issue could be a corroded pipe, connector, or valve nearby. This type of corrosion can occur even in newer homes depending on water chemistry and materials used.
How to Narrow Down the Cause
Before you assume the worst, there are a few simple things you can do to figure out where the discoloration is coming from. These quick checks can help you rule out common causes and decide whether it’s time to call in a professional.
Step 1: Compare Hot and Cold Water
Turn on the hot and cold water separately.
- If only the hot water is rusty, the water heater is likely the source.
- If both hot and cold water are affected, the issue may be inside your home’s pipes or in the city water supply.
Step 2: Ask the Neighbors
Check in with your neighbors to see if they’re experiencing the same problem. If they are, the city’s water system might be the cause. If not, the issue is likely within your own plumbing.
Step 3: Let the Water Run
Run the faucet for a few minutes. If the water becomes clear, it may have just been a temporary disturbance. But if it stays rusty—or returns often—there’s likely a deeper issue that needs attention.
What to Do Next
Once you’ve checked a few basics, it’s time to move forward with steps that address the problem directly. Whether it’s maintenance or repairs, taking action early can help avoid bigger plumbing issues down the line.
Flush Your Water Heater
Flushing your water heater helps remove sediment and rust particles from the bottom of the tank. It’s recommended that water heaters be flushed at least once a year—more often if you live in a hard water area. If your hot water is discolored and the tank hasn’t been maintained in a while, flushing could restore water clarity. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, Voyager Plumbing can handle it for you.
Schedule a Pipe Inspection
Discolored water can be an early sign of pipe corrosion. Left untreated, this can lead to clogs, water pressure issues, or even leaks. A camera pipe inspection allows us to see inside your plumbing system and spot rust, mineral buildup, or deterioration without tearing into walls.
Consider Repiping if Needed
If your home still has galvanized pipes or other outdated materials, repiping with copper or PEX might be the best long-term solution. Copper is resistant to corrosion and PEX is known for its flexibility and long service life. Replacing old pipes not only improves water quality—it helps prevent future leaks and water damage.
Is Rust-Colored Water Harmful?
Rust in water is not usually a health hazard. According to the EPA, iron and other common minerals that cause discoloration are considered secondary contaminants. That means they affect taste, color, and appearance but don’t pose a health risk under normal circumstances.
However, rusty water can still cause problems such as:
- Staining sinks, tubs, and laundry
- Metallic taste in drinking water
- Clogged faucet aerators or showerheads
- Damage to appliances over time
Even though it’s not dangerous, it’s a warning sign you shouldn’t ignore.
How Voyager Plumbing Can Help
At Voyager Plumbing, we’ve helped homeowners across San Diego handle rust-colored water, pipe corrosion, and full repiping projects. When you work with us, you get:
- Clear answers backed by experience
- Non-invasive camera inspections
- Water quality testing and analysis
- Transparent recommendations and pricing
- Reliable repairs that solve the problem at its source
Whether you need a simple water heater flush or a whole-home repipe, we’ll explain the process, show you what’s happening, and guide you through the next steps with no pressure.
Don’t Wait for It to Get Worse
Rusty water often shows up before bigger plumbing problems do. If you wait too long, a simple issue like pipe corrosion can lead to leaks, water damage, or complete system failure.
If you’re seeing brown or orange water in your San Diego home, now is the time to act. Voyager Plumbing is ready to help with fast, honest, and lasting solutions.
Call us today or book your inspection online. Let’s get your water back to clean and clear—so you can turn on the tap without worrying.
