A brief flush of brown or rusty water after returning from vacation or leaving pipes unused is generally not a major plumbing disaster, but it does indicate localized oxidation. When water sits stagnant inside metal supply pipes (such as older galvanized steel or iron lines) for extended periods, it reacts chemically with the interior pipe walls, forming loose iron rust sediment that discharges as brown water the moment a faucet is opened. Verification: Run your cold water taps steadily for a few minutes to flush out the stagnant water; if the water runs completely clear, the system is fine.
1 votes
Marked as accepted