What causes brown water when I first turn the tap?

Brown water from your tap is typically caused by sediment buildup in your pipes or disruption in the municipal water supply. This is usually temporary but shouldn't be ignored, especially if it persists.

The most common cause is iron sediment that has settled in your home's pipes, particularly in older homes with galvanized steel plumbing. When water sits stagnant overnight or during periods of non-use, iron particles can accumulate and create that rusty brown color when you first turn on the tap. Similarly, if there's been work on water mains in your Ottawa neighborhood, sediment can get stirred up in the municipal lines and reach your home.

Mineral deposits are another culprit, especially in areas with hard water like many parts of Ottawa. These deposits can break loose from pipe walls during pressure changes or when the water hasn't been used for several hours. If you're only seeing brown water from hot water taps, the issue likely stems from sediment buildup in your water heater tank, which is common in older units that haven't been regularly flushed.

In Ottawa's older neighborhoods like the Glebe or Westboro, aging infrastructure can contribute to this problem. Galvanized pipes installed decades ago are prone to internal corrosion, and the City of Ottawa occasionally performs water main maintenance that can temporarily disrupt water clarity throughout affected areas.

Safety-wise, don't drink or cook with brown water until it runs clear. Let your cold water taps run for several minutes - if the water clears up, it's likely just sediment that needed to be flushed out. However, if brown water persists after running taps for 10-15 minutes, or if it's accompanied by a metallic taste or odor, you should contact a licensed plumber for inspection.

Prevention involves regular water heater maintenance (annual flushing) and considering pipe replacement if you have old galvanized plumbing. For persistent brown water issues, a plumber can perform a camera inspection to assess your pipes' condition and recommend solutions like whole-home filtration or repiping.

For a thorough assessment of your plumbing system and water quality concerns, Ottawa Pro Plumbing offers free consultations to help determine the best solution for your home.