Month: June 2022

Many people have at one time or another complained of the sudden appearance of brown or yellow water coming out of their faucets. If this has ever happened to you, it is important to know that there could be a few possible causes for this. The water may be completely safe to drink, or it may be contaminated and pose a serious health risk. It’s good for you to know the difference or to know when to call the professionals at Air Design Systems to help.

Why is My Water Brown?

If your water is brown it could be because of sediment, minerals or rust that have built up in the pipes over time. Sediments like these can break loose and enter your home’s water supply, causing the water to appear brown or discolored.

Another cause could be because of nearby construction work or some other occurrence that has disturbed the area around your water main. When this happens, just wait a few hours and the water should clear up. If this doesn’t happen, you’ll need to call a professional plumber to diagnose the cause of the discoloration.

The most common cause of brown water coming out of your home’s plumbing system is a recent pipe replacement in the home or from broken water pipes. When rust breaks off the pipes and into your water supply, your water will turn brown. During plumbing repairs, there’s a change in water pressure which can dislodge some of the rust. The rusted or damaged pipes should be found before they cause a leak that could result in water waste or water damage.

Build-up of minerals in the water lines could also be a cause of brown or yellow water. This is more common in homes that have well water. These minerals can build up over time and cause the water to become discolored. You see this sometimes in sprinkler systems that deposit orange coloring on the sides of the house. If you use a water softener, your will want to clean it out on a regular basis to remove the deposits. If you don’t have a water softener, installing one could help with this issue. Alternatively, many people prefer to replace the well pump as they might have calcium deposits which can degrade the quality of water. Such people tend to hire firms that provide well pump installation in Redmond, WA or in their vicinity, who can replace the well system.

If you still have brown water:

If you have looked into these issues and still aren’t sure why your water is brown please give Air Design Systems a call at 202-COOL and let us help you. If your concerned that the brown water might be poisonous or undrinkable make sure you check with your local water utility to see if it is safe.

Don’t Put Food Down the Kitchen Drain

Even with a garbage disposal, you should still avoid putting food down the kitchen sink. Garbage disposals are used for small amounts of food scraps. They shouldn’t be used to dispose of large amounts of food on a regular basis. Completely scrape food off plates and into the trash before washing the dishes.

Always Use a Sink Strainer

The top way to keep scraps of food out of your kitchen drain is to use a sink strainer all the time. It’s well worth it to invest in a high-quality mesh strainer. Choose one that fits easily into the drain without overlap. Make sure to always check that the strainer is firmly in place before washing the dishes.

Have Your Home Septic System Regularly Inspected

If you have a septic system, you should have it inspected every few years. Issues with the septic system can lead to major issues such as clogs in the drains of your home. You can’t inspect your own septic system without the correct gear and equipment to do so, hiring a professional is the best way to go. It’s a small price to pay every few years to keep from any major back up issues. If there’s ever a back up or clog that has gone unnoticed, you may have to look for sewage clean up services located in Boise, Idaho. Or wherever you live. They can handle the problem before it spills over, literally.

Only Flush Appropriate Things Down the Toilet

Clogged sinks are no fun, but clogged toilets can be a nightmare. Watch what you flush down the toilet. Waste and toilet paper are the only things that should ever go down that drain. Although many feminine hygiene products state that they are safe to flush, it’s best to just throw them in the trash instead. Flushable toilet wipes have become a big deal lately but will still clog your toilet. If there are small children in the house, make it clear that nothing that doesn’t belong in the toilet goes in the toilet. Many plumbers have pulled toys our of drains and that can be very expensive.

Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

When you have a clog in your drain, your first thought may be to run out and get a really harsh drain cleaning product such as drano. Tv commercials make these products look really fast and effective, but what they don’t say are the risks that are involved. Most notably, chemical products can erode drains and pipes over time, especially, cast iron pipes. These products don’t usually clear away the entire clog. Because of that, you can end up in a cycle where you have to use these products over and over again. Instead, you could call for professional plumbing service that offer drain cleaning as well; in this way, you could also have some of your other pipes looked at to make sure everything’s in order.

Never Pour Paint or Paint Thinner Down the Drain

When working on a painting a project, you’re going to have leftover paint or paint thinner. The fastest solution may be to pour it down the drain, but that’s the opposite of what you should do. Chemicals in paint and thinning products can wreak havoc on your drains and pipes.

Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain

Once a week, boil a large pot of water and pour it down the kitchen drain. Repeat the process for the other drains in your home. Boiling water works wonders when it comes to clearing away old grime and buildup that can contribute to clogs.

Never Pour Grease Down the Drain

Grease may seem soluble, but it should never be poured down any drain in your home. Things like sausage grease solidify when they cool down. Liquid grease becomes thick over time and can create a buildup that will eventually cause a clog. After cooking with grease, allow it to cool down all the way.
Pour it into a disposable container of some kind, and then throw the container in the trash. You can also soak it up with some paper towels and then throw in the trash.

If you follow these tips you will be less likely to suffer from a clogged drain but, it can happen to the best of us. That is why Air Design Systems is available night and day to help you in any emergency.