Seeing brown or yellow water come out of your tap is unsettling. The good news: in most cases it’s an aesthetic issue caused by iron or manganese stirred up in the system—not a health emergency.
The bad news: discoloration can also signal aging plumbing or a problem after utility work. Below, Pershing Plumbing explains common causes, how to troubleshoot safely, and when to call in help. Throughout, our Pasadena Plumbing experts recommend practical, code-conscious steps tailored to older Pasadena homes and newer builds alike.
Quick Answer
- Most brown/yellow water is caused by mineral sediment or rust from hydrant flushing, main breaks, or old galvanized pipes. It often clears after flushing your lines.
- It’s usually safe, but don’t drink or do laundry until the water runs clear. Use a certified point-of-use filter or bottled water if you’re unsure.
- If you also have low pressure, chemical or sewage-like odors, or the discoloration persists beyond 24 hours, contact Pasadena Water & Power and a licensed plumber. Our Pasadena Plumbing experts recommend addressing recurring discoloration promptly to prevent staining and hidden damage.
The Most Common Causes in Pasadena
- City system disturbances
- Hydrant flushing, valve exercises, or a nearby main repair can dislodge mineral deposits (iron/manganese), turning water tea-colored for a short time.
- Aging galvanized steel pipes
- Internal corrosion sheds rust flakes, especially after pressure changes. Homes from mid-century eras are frequent candidates. Our Pasadena Plumbing experts recommend planning repipes when corrosion becomes recurrent.
- Water heater issues
- Sediment buildup or a deteriorating anode rod can tint only the hot water yellow/brown. If discoloration is hot-side only, the heater is the prime suspect.
- Construction or service line work
- Roadwork, meter swaps, or earthquake-related shifts can stir debris in your service line.
- Failing water softener media
- Damaged resin can release amber “beads” or tint water. Bypass the softener and retest.
- Source changes and hard water
- Pasadena’s hard water can loosen scale during pressure fluctuations, carrying minerals into taps.
Is Discolored Water Safe?
- Likely safe for short-term exposure
- Iron and manganese are typically aesthetic concerns. Brief discoloration that clears is usually not a health risk.
- Red flags to take seriously
- Sudden brown water with a drop in pressure, oily sheens, chemical odors, or cloudy water that doesn’t settle. Heed any boil-water advisories.
- Sensitivities and appliances
- Discolored water can stain laundry and fixtures. People with compromised immune systems should be cautious. Our Pasadena Plumbing experts recommend using NSF-certified filters and avoiding ingestion until water runs clear and odor-free.
This guidance is informational; when in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Simple Tests to Pinpoint the Source
Our Pasadena Plumbing experts recommend these quick diagnostics before you touch a wrench:
- Hot vs. cold
- If only the hot water is discolored, focus on the water heater (flush, anode check).
- Both sides affected usually points to the utility or main plumbing.
- One fixture or whole house
- One faucet only: remove and clean its aerator and supply lines; the problem may be local.
- Multiple fixtures: sediment is in the main or water heater.
- Clear glass test
- Fill a clear glass and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- If particles settle, it’s sediment.
- If color remains uniform, it may be dissolved iron/manganese.
- Check utility notices
- Look for nearby hydrant flushing or main work. If your neighbors see the same issue, it’s likely a temporary system disturbance.
What To Do Right Now
- Avoid laundry and dishwashing
- Iron can permanently stain whites and porcelain. Wait until water runs clear. Run an empty cycle afterward if a load was affected.
- Flush from a no-aerator tap
- Run cold water from a bathtub spout or outside hose bib for 5–10 minutes. This moves higher volume to help clear sediment. Our Pasadena Plumbing experts recommend using cold first to avoid pulling sediment into the heater.
- Clean aerators and faucet screens
- Unscrew and rinse screens; debris here can make water look worse at certain fixtures.
- Use filtered or bottled water for drinking and cooking
- Choose a point-of-use filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standards 42 (aesthetics) and 53 (health) if you’re concerned.
- Document
- Note time, duration, which taps are affected, and any odors. It helps pros diagnose faster.
If the water remains discolored after several flushes or 12–24 hours, contact the utility and Pershing Plumbing. Our Pasadena Plumbing experts recommend not waiting days—persistent issues point to plumbing that needs attention.
Hot-Side Only? Focus on the Water Heater
If discoloration is limited to hot water, take these steps:
- Flush the tank
- Turn off power (electric) or set to vacation and close the gas valve (gas). Shut the cold inlet. Attach a hose to the drain, open a hot tap to vent, and drain until clear. Refill slowly and purge air from hot taps. Our Pasadena Plumbing experts recommend annual flushes to prevent sediment buildup.
- Inspect or replace the anode rod
- A heavily depleted anode can contribute to discoloration and odor. Aluminum-zinc anodes can help in certain water chemistries; powered anodes are a premium, long-life option.
- Check age and condition
- Tanks over 10–12 years old often have internal corrosion. Replacing the heater may be the most reliable fix.
Not comfortable servicing a heater? Pershing Plumbing can flush, service, or replace safely and up to code.
When the Problem Is Inside Your Pipes
- Galvanized corrosion
- Look for repeating episodes, low pressure at far fixtures, and brown water after periods of non-use. Sectional repipes or whole-home repiping to copper Type L or PEX-A with proper permits may be the long-term solution. Our Pasadena Plumbing experts recommend a plumbing assessment if you see brown water frequently.
- Service line sediment
- An aging or partially occluded service can shed rust and scale. High pressure spikes make it worse; verify your pressure regulator is working and set around 55–70 PSI.
Prevention: Keep Water Clear and Appliances Safe
- Annual heater flush and inspection; check the anode every 3–5 years.
- Replace galvanized sections proactively; prioritize the worst runs first.
- Install a 5-micron sediment filter at the main to capture particulates; pair with a whole-home carbon filter for taste/odor if desired.
- Clean aerators twice a year; replace discolored supply lines.
- Maintain your pressure regulator and thermal expansion control.
- Coordinate around city flushing
- If you hear about hydrant flushing nearby, our Pasadena Plumbing experts recommend avoiding laundry that day and running a cold tap until clear afterward.
When to Call Pershing Plumbing (and the Utility)
Call Pasadena Water & Power if:
- Discoloration appears suddenly across the neighborhood, especially after a pressure drop.
- You suspect a main break or see street work near your service.
Call Pershing Plumbing if:
- Discoloration lasts beyond 24 hours or recurs weekly.
- Only hot water is affected (heater service needed).
- You find grit, orange/brown flakes, or black specks in aerators.
- You have an older galvanized system, low pressure, or intermittent banging/hammer.
- You want to install sediment/carbon filtration or plan a repipe.
Our Pasadena Plumbing experts recommend addressing recurring brown/yellow water now to prevent stains, pinhole leaks, and appliance damage later.
FAQs
- Can I shower in brown/yellow water?
- Usually yes for brief discoloration due to iron, but wait if water is heavily discolored, smells odd, or you have sensitive skin. Use clear, cool water once it runs clean.
- Will it stain my laundry?
- Yes—iron can permanently discolor fabrics. Hold laundry until water clears. Use a rust remover product if staining occurs.
- Does brown water mean lead?
- Not typically. Lead is colorless. However, corrosive conditions that release iron could also release metals from old solder or fixtures. Our Pasadena Plumbing experts recommend flushing taps before drinking and using a certified filter if concerned.
- Can a filter fix this?
- A whole-home sediment filter helps with particulates; carbon improves taste/odor. Persistent discoloration from internal pipe corrosion requires repair or repiping for a lasting fix.
Clear Water, Zero Guesswork
Discolored water is common—and solvable. Whether it’s a temporary utility disturbance, a water heater overdue for maintenance, or aging galvanized lines, Pershing Plumbing can diagnose the cause and restore clear, great-tasting water.
Our Pasadena Plumbing experts recommend starting with a quick assessment, targeted flushing, and, if needed, strategic upgrades that fit your home and budget.Need help today? Contact Pershing Plumbing for fast, friendly service and code-compliant solutions that keep your water—and your fixtures—sparkling clear.