If you notice yellow in your tap water, you may be concerned about whether it's safe to drink and how to fix the problem.Yellow water is usually harmless and easy to treat.The first thing to do is to decide if your water provider or internal plumbing has turned the water yellow.Hire a professional to help you decide on the best treatment option after finding the cause.
Step 1: Don't use the tap water until you know why.
The safest option is to stop drinking water until you know what turned it yellow.Drink bottled water and avoid cooking or washing with the tap water until you know what's going on.
Step 2: If the water turns clear, turn on your sink.
The issue with your house plumbing is likely if the water clears out after a few minutes.You will need to get in touch with a plumbing professional.It is probably an issue with your city's mainline if it does not stay yellow.If the water turns clear, you should not drink, cook, or wash with it until you know what the problem is.
Step 3: Ask your neighbors if they've noticed any changes in the water.
You can use this to evaluate the extent of the problem.If your neighbors have noticed that their water is discolored, then the issue probably goes beyond your home.The issue of your neighbors' water turning yellow will likely need to be investigated by a plumbing professional.If you want to know the extent of the water discoloration, you can ask your neighbors or people from a different neighborhood.
Step 4: Call your water provider if you have any questions.
The water may be discolored if it isn't strictly within your home.Call your water provider to find out if your household should drink bottled water until the problem is fixed.If your water provider has recently changed their source, you should ask.
Step 5: You should check to see if you live near the marsh.
If you live in an area with a lot of marshlands, the yellow water in your new home may be harmless.The water that moves through the soils is usually a yellow color.Yellow water that was initially in the marsh is not harmful.These conditions are usually found in the Southeast, Northwest, New England, and Great Lakes regions.
Step 6: There is a difference between yellow or greenish water.
Green or greenish-blue water is usually a sign that the copper piping in your home has been damaged.If you can't find the cause, switch to bottled water.Drinking water with copper can cause problems.
Step 7: If there is a problem beyond your home, try to remove it from your water.
If you live near marshlands or your city is experiencing a problem with the water, you may want to get rid of it.To make sure the water is safe to drink, contact your water supplier.A water purification system can help clear the water.Most home improvement stores sell a filtration system.
Step 8: Ask a professional about the best system for you.
A water quality expert can help you find a system that is easy to install and can get rid of the source of your discolored water.Ask a few professionals for their opinion before buying a system.
Step 9: You should install a water filter if you're concerned about a lot of things.
Most water filters have a mechanism to remove debris from the water.They do not eliminate viruses.A water filter may be able to solve the problem if you know what's causing it.If you have an issue with your water, you can use a water filter that has a charcoal element in it.
Step 10: If you want your water to be sterile, choose a purifier.
Water purifiers use UV lights or chemicals to remove harmful organisms from the water.The downside to purifiers is that they can make your water smell or taste bad.If your main concern is the taste or smell of your water, you may want to consider a different system.
Step 11: Unless you have experience, don't attempt to replace rusty plumbing.
The amateur plumbing professional doesn't like to fix or remove rusty plumbing.Unless you have experience working on interior pine lines, don't attempt to fix a plumbing issue.It can be dangerous to fix rusty plumbing on your own.Although fixing rusty plumbing on your own may seem like it will save money, you may end up worsening the problem and costing you more in the long term.
Step 12: You should call a professional to find the cause of the discolored water.
The best way to fix your plumbing issue can be found by a plumbing professional.If you have determined that the water is not caused by a mainline problem, you should contact a plumbing company.Check the reviews of the company you are searching for.A bad plumbing company can cause more damage to your home.
Step 13: Ask several plumbing professionals for a more rounded opinion.
Before choosing an option, contact at least 2 or 3 plumbing professionals for a house inspection.You will be able to learn more about the cause of your water discoloration and the best way to treat it.When it comes to plumbing, the cheapest option is not always the best choice.The person with the most experience can offer references or positive reviews from their previous clients.
Step 14: If plumbing issues are covered, review your home warranty.
Depending on the cause and suggested fix, rusty or corroded plumbing may be covered by your warranty.After you have identified the cause, contact your insurance company to find out what the out-of-pocket cost will be.Contact your insurance company if you don't have a copy of your home warranty.You should get a new copy as their client.