If you’ve noticed that your toilet water has turned brown, don’t be too alarmed.
Yeah – it’s gross, but this is not always an indication that there’s something wrong with your plumbing.
If you are experiencing brown or pink-colored toilet water, it is likely due to a buildup of rust and sediment in your pipes.
This buildup can be caused by hard water or high levels of iron in your well.
Read on to learn more about how this happens and what you can do to fix the problem.
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Why Is My Toilet Water Brown After Flushing? 5 Reasons
The reason for brown-colored toilet water is usually a result of rusting pipes.
Brown-colored toilets are usually caused by high levels of iron found mostly in well water where there’s no chlorine to counteract the iron.
Here are some additional reasons as to why you may be experiencing brown water in toilet tank:
Corroded Pipes
As water is used, it travels through your pipes and they can rust or corrode over time.
This corrosion leaves sediment in the bottom of your toilet tank that mixes with chlorine-free well water to produce brown-colored stains on towels and toilets.
Well Water Issues
If there is any organic material that has contaminated your well water, such as animal or human waste, you may notice brown water in your toilet.
This is because the organic material has reacted with iron minerals in your water, causing a reaction that creates rust stains.
A Broken Water Pump Filter
If your water pump has a broken filter, sediment and rust can spread throughout the plumbing system.
This is why it’s important to regularly check all of the filters in your home – including air conditioning units and hot tubs.
Floods in Your Water Supply
If there is a strong storm or heavy rainfall, your water supply’s drainage system can become overwhelmed.
This causes flooding in the pipes and toilet tank which can allow mud and dirt into your water source, which will lead to your pipes, faucets, and toilet bowl.
A Clogged Drain
If you have an older drain, it may become clogged over time.
Human waste can back up in the toilet over time, which can cause your toilet water to turn brown.
If you regularly need to plunge your toilet and the brown water comes with a foul smell, this may be a possible reason why.
Related: Can You Flush Condoms?
Can This Affect My Toilet?
Yes. The buildup of iron in your toilet can damage the finish over time, which is why you should try to treat the discolored toilet water as soon as possible.
The finish of your toilet will become dull and stained due to the iron.
The toilet bowl is made out of vitreous china, which is a porous material.
The buildup of iron and sediment can also affect the porcelain over time because it creates an acidic environment where rusting will occur.
How Do You Fix Brown Toilet Water?
There are several ways you can try to fix brown water in the toilet, assuming your toilet water is brown because of mineral build-ups.
One way you can combat this issue is by installing a rust remover filter that will prevent iron build-up from affecting your bathroom fixtures and pipes.
This filter attaches directly to your main water source, treating all of the incoming water before it enters your home’s plumbing system.
Another way to treat the brown water in your toilet is by treating it with a rust and sediment cleaner.
This type of product will help to break down all particles that are affecting your home’s pipes including calcium, magnesium, and iron deposits that might be causing buildup and staining on the inside of your toilet bowl or other bathroom fixtures such as your sink or tub.
How to Clean the Rust off of My Toilet Bowl
There are several ways to clean the rust off of your toilet bowl, depending on how long it has been there.
You can try using a commercial cleaner that is specifically designed for bathroom fixtures.
If you’re looking for something more natural, use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide combined with baking soda – this will help remove stains without being too harsh on the porcelain.
Another tip is to use a pumice stone to clean off rust build-up in your toilet bowl – this can be helpful if you’re looking for something more gentle than harsh chemicals that may affect the porcelain finish over time, but still want results quickly and effectively.
You can also try a home remedy such as using lemon juice to degrease the water and toilet bowl surface from rust stains.
This is done by filling an empty spray bottle with freshly squeezed lemon juice and spraying it directly onto the surfaces that are affected by brown water in order to remove all of the iron deposits.
What if I Have a Corroded Pipe?
If your toilet water is brown and you think the issue may be on account of corroded pipes, it’s important to call a professional plumber.
This kind of problem can lead to larger issues such as leaks that could cause damage throughout your home if not taken care of immediately.
Make sure to take note of the water pressure coming into your home, as well.
If you notice that the pressure of incoming water is low while there are no obstructions in the system, this could be an indication of severely corroded pipes and should be taken care of immediately by a professional plumber.
Replacing the plumbing may cost between $350 to $2,000 depending on the scale and size of the repair.
This repair will last for decades to come, which makes it well worth the initial investment.
How to Fix Clogs in the Toilet
You should start by trying a plunger first.
This will remove any kind of blockage without making too big of an impact on your wallet or bank account.
If the plunger isn’t effective, try using a toilet auger to dislodge any debris that is causing the clog.
If neither of these options work, you can call a plumber or at least have them take a look under your sink just in case there are other issues affecting your plumbing system.
If it turns out that the issue has something to do with your sewer line, you can check out a sewer video inspection to see what exactly is going on and how much damage has been done.
If necessary, try using a chemical drain cleaner – just make sure to use it sparingly as this may cause more harm than good if too strong of chemicals are used for minor clogs or blockages.
Final Thoughts
In general, brown toilet water isn’t harmful and is usually the result of iron deposits in the water.
If you diagnose and treat your toilet water issues quickly, these kinds of problems can be easily resolved with minimal damage to your toilet as well as a minimal impact on your budget.
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