Why Does Well Water Turn Brown

Iron and manganese, rust, silt, tannins, and the well itself can be the cause why well water suddenly turns brown. While water discoloration can be a problem, there is no need to immediately hire the services of a plumber. It can be contaminated with rust which causes it to turn brown.

Is it normal for well water to Brown?

Rust in your water is not always a health concern. In fact, your well water may naturally contain high levels of iron or manganese, resulting in the same brownish, reddish, or yellowish tone. However, in some cases, rust can indicate corroding pipes that may end up leaking down the road.

Why is my water suddenly Brown?

Minerals, sediment, or rust that accumulates in the water mains over time is the cause of brown or discolored water. Brown water happens because rust becomes dislodged from the water pipes and finds it’s way into your home water supply. The pressure in the pipes change during repairs.

Why is my well water suddenly dirty?

The most common cause of dirty well water is simply a broken well pipe that is allowing dirt and surface run-off water to enter the well water. This can leave the water with an odor, bad taste and dirt in the bottom of your drinking glasses.

How can I make my well water clear?

You can boil the well water for 5 minutes. With this, all the bacteria inside it will be eliminated. However, boiling will not be able to remove the solids and other materials inside the well water. The use of chlorine drops or iodine tablets can effectively kill the bacteria in the well water.

Why does well water turn brown after rain?

While you may not always taste the bacterial contamination, brown-colored water after a heavy rain can signal you may have a contamination problem. Typically, this is caused when surface rainwater infiltrates your well through the wellhead. Brown water is always cause for concern and must be addressed immediately.

How do you fix rusty well water?

One of the perfect ways to remove rust is by using a water softener. Addition of water softeners adds salt to your well water, eliminating rust and other particles that are hard to remove through filtration. Another alternative is by combining an enhancement product with a water softener.

How do you remove iron from well water naturally?

Filtration is the best way to remove this while also removing: sand, mica, dirt, or sediment if present in your well water. Sometimes the Kinetico® Mach Super Kit cartridge filter can work in removing ferric iron. If levels are high a chemical-free backwashing filter is a better filtration option.

How do you fix brown well water?

Use a Water Softener Pro– can remove resin if not too high. Cons– the resin bed may fail and need replacing every 2-3 years. Air Aspirated filter – this is for Ferrous iron and puts oxygen into the water. Then, it makes ferrous into ferric. Carbon filters– they get rid of any taste of chlorine or odor in the water.

Is it OK to shower in brown water?

While it may be alarming to see brown water coming from your shower, it’s not likely harmful. Brown shower water may indicate high levels of iron or other sediment deposits. It’s okay to shower in brown water, but you’ll want to avoid drinking it.

Is it safe to take a bath in brown water?

Brown water coming out of your shower or any other plumbing fixture in your house will probably cause alarm. While the water looks disgusting, the cause of the brown water may be simple to correct, thereby restoring clear water in your house. Brown water poses no threat to your health.

How often should you service your water well?

Wells should be checked and tested ANNUALLY for mechanical problems, cleanliness, and the presence of certain contaminants, such as coliform bacteria, nitrates/nitrites, and any other contaminants of local concern, (for example, arsenic and radon).

What causes rusty well water?

What Causes Rust in Well Water? Rain and snow can cause iron to dissolve into the water when they fall upon metal surfaces and when they seep out from soil or rock containing iron. The presence of iron can also be a result of corrosion from iron or steel well casings or water pipes.

Why is my water brown in only one bathroom?

The most likely culprit is rust leeching from an aging galvanized iron pipe. If you mainly notice the discoloration first thing in the morning—or after being away from your home for a while—chances are it’s a supply line. That’s especially true if only one faucet in your home is spewing the brown stuff.

Why is my well water brown and smells?

If your well water smells like dirt… Not surprisingly, this is a consequence of high levels of iron in your well water. You may notice that this smell is accompanied by bad-tasting water and reddish/brownish slime on your plumbing fixtures.

Can you drain a well?

If your private well is running low on or has run out of water, you have a few options to consider. Possible solutions include lowering the water pump, deepening the well and drilling a new one. Depending on your location, drilling can also be performed to deepen your well and reach more water.