Cloudy water isn’t exactly an appetizing option for quenching your thirst, and it’s likely to cause some alarm when you see it pouring out of your faucet. Unfortunately, most homeowners have witnessed water discoloration at one point or another – whether it’s the result of a rainstorm, clogged drain, broken pipes or other plumbing problems.
The initial reaction is usually the same: Call the plumber. But before you contact the professionals, it’s helpful to pinpoint the cause of your colorful H2O. As odd as it sounds, various colors of murky water indicate different problems with your water lines.
Your immediate reaction is likely to be disgust, and you may automatically assume there’s a health risk. In reality, however, not all incidents of discolored water are dangerous. And the solution might be as simple as letting your faucet run for a few extra minutes.
So, the next time you see discolored water streaming from your faucet, stop and take a closer look.

When It’s Cloudy

It doesn’t exactly look toxic, and it doesn’t have a distinct color. It just appears as though a mint was dropped into your glass. The cloudiness spreads, but it eventually dissipates. Is it ok to drink?
Yes. Those “clouds” in your glass are air bubbles. They do clear up sooner or later, as the bubbles rise to the top. If your water is cloudy, it means that your water pressure is slightly stronger than average. You’re going to notice more of these bubbles when the pressurized water from your pipes meets the still surface of existing water.

When It’s Temporarily Murky

Your city or town’s water supply may have been shut down (or disturbed) and then turned back on. If the water flowing from your faucet is dirty at first and then becomes transparent after several minutes, the cause is likely to have been some backed-up pipe water.

When It’s Continuously Murky

You’re dealing with a corroded or dirty pipe. The only way to fix this problem is to replace the pipe. If you’re in an apartment complex and you notice that only some (not all) of your faucets are streaming murky water, the building has a corrosion problem.

When It’s Red, Brown Or Orange

This typically means that your pipes are rusted and your faucet water is carrying the sediments. But, rest assured: Rusted water is not dangerous. If accidentally swallowed, this water doesn’t pose any health threats. Just be sure to hold off on doing any laundry. This is the time to call in a professional plumber for pipe replacement.
Problems with your water often indicate an internal plumbing problem. But, if you identify the root of your discoloration issues, you’re able to determine whether you need to contact a professional plumber and decide if it’s safe to use your water in the meantime.
Ready to learn more about properly diagnosing water discoloration problems? Contact a MoreVent technician today to get MoreValue out of plumbing services in Chester County, Delaware County or Montgomery County, PA. Call to set up an initial consultation! 

• Chester County: 610.431.1616

• Delaware County: 610.565.9999

• Montgomery County: 610.879.0511