Water that turns yellow at the tap is a reason to think about whether it is safe to drink and how to fix this problem. In most cases, yellow water is a completely safe and easily remedied problem. The first step is to determine why the water turned yellow - through the fault of the water utility or because of the pipeline. Once you've identified the cause, hire a professional to help you choose the best solution to the problem.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Determine the cause
Step 1. Do not use tap water until you have identified the cause of the problem
Even if the discoloration of the water is harmless, for safety reasons it is best to stop drinking the water until you can determine the cause of the yellowness. Until you know what caused the water to turn yellow, drink only bottled water and do not cook or wash with tap water.
Step 2. Open the tap for a few minutes to check if the water turns clear
If the water is clear again after a few minutes, the problem is most likely due to the plumbing system at home. Contact a plumber to determine the exact cause. If the yellowness does not go away, then the problem is related to the city highway.
If the water does become clear, then it should still not be drunk, or used in cooking or washing, until the exact reason is established
Step 3. Ask the neighbors if they have noticed any changes in the tap water
This information will help you ascertain the extent of the problem. If neighbors also noticed a color change in the tap water, then the problem extends beyond your apartment. If the neighbors' water does not turn yellow, then you will need the help of a plumber to find a solution.
To determine the extent of the problem, ask neighbors who live far away from you, or even people from a nearby area
Step 4. Call your local water utility and inquire about possible citywide water problems
If the yellowing of the water is not limited to your home, it may be caused by deposits in the main pipelines. Contact the water utility immediately to find out the cause of the yellowing and whether you should drink bottled water until the problem is resolved.
Ask the water utility staff if they have recently changed the source, as this could cause the water to turn yellow
Step 5. Find out if you live in a swampy area
If you recently moved to a new home in a swampy area, and the water is yellow, then this color of the water may be harmless. Moving through the peat soil and passing through filtration, water usually retains its yellowish tint. Although it looks unpleasant, the yellow water from the swamps can be drunk without risk to health.
In Russia, these conditions are found in the most marshy areas
Step 6. Distinguish between yellow and greenish water
While yellow water is often harmless, greenish or greenish-blue water usually indicates corrosion of copper pipes in the home. Call a plumber immediately and switch to bottled water until you fix and fix the problem.
Drinking water with traces of copper can cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset
Method 2 of 3: Filtration of water
Step 1. If the problem is not limited to your home, try filtering your water
If you live near swamps or your city has problems with sediment in the pipeline, then you better start filtering the water. Check with the water utility to make sure the water is safe to drink. If the water is safe and you want to remove the yellow color, then a filtration system will help you with this.
You can buy a water filter at most home improvement stores
Step 2. Ask a professional which filter is best for your needs
Check with a plumber or water quality expert to help you find a system that is easy to install and that will eliminate the source of yellowness. Before buying a filtration system, you should consult with several experts.
Step 3. Install a water filter if you are worried about deposits in the piping
Most water filters are capable of cleaning water from sediment, debris and parts of bacteria, but they do not save you from viruses. If the yellowing is caused by rust or peat moss sediment, then a water filter will eliminate this problem.
A filtration system with a charcoal filter will remove unpleasant taste (if any)
Step 4. Buy a water sterilizer
Water purifiers use UV radiation and chemicals to kill pathogens, viruses, sludge and debris that are naturally present in the water. The main disadvantage of water purifiers is that after them the water has an unpleasant taste and smell.
If the taste or odor of yellowed water is your biggest concern, choose a different filtration system
Method 3 of 3: Replacing Rusty Piping
Step 1. Do not try to replace rusty piping without experience
Generally, repairing or replacing a rusty pipeline is too dangerous a job for an inexperienced plumber. If you are not a professional plumber and have no experience with piping, do not try to fix the piping problem yourself.
- Trying to fix a rusty pipe problem could result in injury or serious damage to your home.
- Of course, if you fix the problem with rusty pipes yourself, you will save a lot, but at the same time you risk aggravating the situation and spending even more money.
Step 2. Call a specialist to determine the cause of the yellowing of the water
The plumber will be able to identify the piping problem and find the best solution for it. Call your plumber if the yellowing of the water is not caused by a problem with the main line.
When choosing a plumber, be sure to read reviews about their office on the Internet. Do not work with companies with a lot of negative reviews, as a bad plumber will only cause more damage to the home
Step 3. Consult with several plumbers to get a more or less clear idea of the problem
Consult at least 2-3 plumbers before making your choice. You will learn more about the cause of yellowing and how to better and more economically correct the problem.
When it comes to piping, the cheapest option is not always the best. Choose a plumber with a lot of experience and positive reviews from past clients
Step 4. Review your home insurance details to see if it covers plumbing work
Depending on the cause and the intended solution, replacing rusty pipes may be covered by insurance. When you figure out the cause of the problem, contact your insurance company to determine how much of your savings you will need to pay.