A cold climate often makes hot showers a necessity for comfort, in which case having a tankless water heater is extremely convenient. However, your nice relaxing bath time can be marred by water discoloration. There are several things that can cause the water in your plumbing system to turn unusual shades of colors. The color itself is a clue to what’s causing the issue.
Here our plumbing experts at McLay Services explain the most common discoloration problems in your water supply and the reasons behind them, as well as what you can do to resolve the issue.
Yellow, Orange & Red Water
The first three colors of the rainbow can indicate that your pipes are rusting. It’s important to call your plumber immediately if you notice this kind of discoloration. Usually, rusty plumbing is a sign of aging pipes, but it may also come from the water main. Replacing your pipes can resolve the former but, for the latter, there’s little you can do outside of calling your city’s water supply district. Showering with rust in the water is safe, but drinking it is not.
Bluish-Green Water
Copper pipes and fittings can sometimes react differently to the small amounts of minerals found in your water supply. When this happens, your faucet may produce water with a bluish-green tint. Copper in the water itself can also give the water this color. Contact your plumber right away if you notice this problem, as copper can be dangerous to your health.
Black & Dark Green Water
In addition to problems with outdoor tankless water heaters, you should also contact your plumbing service to investigate black water. This is a clear indication of mold in your pipes, and may even be a health hazard. Likewise, dark green water can also be a sign of a different kind of mold or, more commonly, algae, in your plumbing.
At McLay Services, you can count on our professional plumbers to help you get your water back to its natural, healthy, colorless state. Give us a call at (909) 392-2202 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation and request a free estimate on plumbing and HVAC services today. We serve homeowners in La Verne and other neighboring communities.
