Why Is My Water Coming Out Brown?

If you’ve ever turned on your faucet or shower and seen brown water flowing out, you’re not alone — and you’re right to be concerned. At Revelation Plumbing, we help Pittsburgh-area homeowners get to the bottom of discolored water issues every day.

Brown Water Coming From The Sink

In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the common causes of brown water, why it sometimes shows up in only certain fixtures (like your tub or sink), and what you can do about it. We’ll also explain when it’s time to call a licensed plumberto prevent costly damage or health risks.

What Causes Brown Water in My Home?

Brown or discolored water usually comes from sediment, rust, or minerals suspended in your water supply. This can happen for a variety of reasons:

• Rusty pipes in your home’s plumbing system

• Corroded water heaters releasing rust flakes into the water

• Sediment disturbance in municipal water mains after repairs or maintenance

• Aging galvanized steel pipes that are flaking apart internally

• Well water issues with iron or manganese buildup

Most of the time, brown water isn’t harmful — but it can stain clothes, damage appliances, and signal deeper plumbing issues that need professional attention.

Why Is My Water Coming Out Brown at the Tub Only?

If you’re seeing brown water only when you run the tub, it’s usually because:

• Sediment buildup in the tub faucet: Older or rarely used tub faucets can collect rust or minerals inside.

• Partially corroded pipes feeding the tub: The line supplying your tub might be older or more corroded than lines feeding your sinks or kitchen.

• Water heater issues: If you only notice it when running hot water, it may point to sediment or rust inside the water heater.

What You Can Do:

• Run the tub for a few minutes to flush out any loose sediment.

• Check if the problem happens with hot water, cold water, or both.

• If it persists, call Revelation Plumbing. We can inspect the line, test your water, and recommend solutions.

Why Is My Water Brown at the Sink Only?

If your kitchen or bathroom sink shows brown water, but the tub and other fixtures are fine, common culprits include:

• Corroded sink supply lines

• Old or failing faucet components

• Localized rust in a section of pipe leading to that fixture

What You Can Do:

• Remove the aerator on the faucet and rinse out any collected debris.

• Run the water for a few minutes to see if the issue clears up.

• If the problem keeps coming back, you may need a plumber to inspect or replace sections of pipe.

  
  

Is Brown Water Safe to Drink or Use?

In most cases, brown water comes from rust or sediment — which isn’t typically dangerous to health, but can:

• Stain clothes and laundry

• Clog faucet aerators and showerheads

• Damage water-using appliances

• Indicate more serious corrosion or plumbing issues

If you notice a sudden, unexplained change in your water color, it’s a good idea to stop drinking or cooking with it until you know the cause.

How to Flush Brown Water from Your Pipes

If the issue is caused by municipal maintenance or sediment stirred up in your pipes, you can often clear it by:

1. Turning on the cold water in your bathtub or a large faucet.

2. Letting the water run for 10–15 minutes or until it clears.

3. Avoiding the use of hot water during this time (to prevent pulling sediment into your water heater).

If flushing doesn’t work or the water stays discolored, it’s time to call in the pros.

When to Call Revelation Plumbing

Persistent brown water can point to serious underlying issues that need a licensed plumber, such as:

• Failing or corroded water heater

• Deteriorating galvanized pipes

• Problems with your home’s main water line

• Well system contamination or buildup

At Revelation Plumbing, we offer:

• Same-day service in Pittsburgh and surrounding neighborhoods

• Comprehensive water testing and pipe inspections

• Honest recommendations and transparent pricing

• Expert repairs and replacements to restore clean, clear water

Why Pittsburgh Homeowners Trust Revelation Plumbing

We’re not just another plumbing company — we’re a local, family-owned business that takes pride in helping our neighbors. Our licensed and insured master plumbers show up on time, diagnose the problem correctly, and get the job done right the first time.

We know the water challenges specific to Pittsburgh — from aging city pipes to well system issues in surrounding townships. That local knowledge means faster solutions and fewer headaches for you.

Schedule Your Plumbing Service in Pittsburgh Today

If you’re dealing with brown water and can’t figure out why, let us help. Call Revelation Plumbing at (412) 518-7170 or book your appointment online. We’ll come out quickly, inspect your system, and make sure your water is safe, clean, and clear.