my tap water is the wrong color

cindyc · #1 02/07/08, 01:13 PM

What gives? You turn on the water and it comes out a paleish yellow/brown/red. The RO drinking water is emptying out after a few cups. I had to go buy water today. We are on a well, and I wonder if the drought this summer is comming back to bite us? Or the old pipes (1922 house- don't know when the plumbing went in) are rusty? Any ideas?

Cindyc.

RiverPines · #2 02/07/08, 01:15 PM

Rusty pipes.

cindyc · #3 02/07/08, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiverPines

Rusty pipes.

What do I need to do about it? It is a rental. The house is not mine. Am I just buying water for a while?

Cindyc.

RiverPines · #4 02/07/08, 01:23 PM

Simple rust often doesn't qualify as a health prob.
So unless your landlord is willing to replace the plumbing, not much you can do but let the water run for awhile till its clear then use it.

When was the last time the well was tested?
You may be able to request a testing at your landlords expense through your state.

But talk to your landlord. The water may be tested and is ok by your states standards. Your landlord would have the paper work on the last testing.

The landlord is responsible for healthy water but rust is often not considered a health prob.

Bonnie L · #5 02/07/08, 01:26 PM

Tell the landlord. In the meantime, don't wash anything white! If the problem is in the well, a gallon of plain bleach dumped in will take care of it for a while. If its the pipes, they need to be replaced.

WindowOrMirror · #6 02/07/08, 01:39 PM

get it tested

YoungOne · #7 02/07/08, 02:03 PM

If it is rust, flushing the lines will help ALOT. Keep in mind that to flush the well you need to run it non stop at highest capacity for 3 well volumes (lots-a electric) if the metal WELL casing is the source of rust.

If it is a mineral deposit that has broke free because of a falling water table it can be cleaned by surging the well (not something a home owner does) and pumping for a VERY LONG TIME. I would start by flushing the lines in the house, each faucet full open 5 minutes each. If your on septic don't run it down your drains because of the amount of water needed to flush the lines. If the flushing the lines doesn't work then I would talk to the landlord about getting the water tested.

Beeman · #8 02/09/08, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cindyc

What gives? You turn on the water and it comes out a paleish yellow/brown/red. The RO drinking water is emptying out after a few cups. I had to go buy water today. We are on a well, and I wonder if the drought this summer is comming back to bite us? Or the old pipes (1922 house- don't know when the plumbing went in) are rusty? Any ideas?

Cindyc.

Look at the pipes and see what material they are.

Go to the faucet closest to the well and take a sample, this would eliminate most of the plumbing. If that sample looks bad it's probably the well or pipes in the well.

Ernie · #9 02/09/08, 06:31 PM

My well water is often discolored for the first few seconds after I turn it on. Some lines are worse than others. Much of the plumbing has been replaced by PVC pipe, but I have some metal pipes leading to the kitchen and outside hydrants still.

Your landlord needs to have the water tested and provide you with the report. I like to have my well water tested twice a year. Makes me feel better.