Discolored water coming from faucets and toilet bowls...please help!?

Question

Occassionally we have black (purple) water come from our faucet when first turned on..it eventually goes away. There is virtually no smell to this discolored water and it has come from the kitchen sink faucet, bathroom sink faucet, toilet bowl and now I believe our swimming pool (as the water is very murky all of a sudden)....does anyone have any idea what this might be?

Answer 1

Is you water system connected to a processing plant?

If it's well water, well, that happens.

Answer 2

Discolored Water From Faucet

Answer 3

First of all there are some things that you haven't told us, such as: are you on a city or county water supply, a well or cistern. If you are on a city or county water supply you might want to call the city to see if they have flushed the mains here lately. If you are on a well it might be a good idea to have your well water tested to see exactly whats in it, (they take a sample at the faucet and the well to determine if the problem is in the well or the plumbing itself. Last but not least, If you are on a cistern, your cistern might need to be cleaned out and you might need to consider getting a new water supplier. What it all boils down to: "is it the water or the pipes"

Answer 4

Bad news you're going to have to empty out your water heater, and pool filters. It's best to hire a plumber to do a scan of your main water line and sewage pipes while they are at it. They have these small cameras mounted to a snake and they can also use a moisture detector to locate breaks in the water line. Sometimes tree roots or a small leak in the pipes allow dirt and other debris into the pipes. You might already have mold growing in the pipes.
It's best to stop using all the water and buy water for drinking and cooking. See if you can use family or friends showers or at the gym.
This is an immediate hazard to you and your family and not something you can put off.

Answer 5

If you have city water, you may want to call the water company and ask if it is comming from their end. If not, have a plummer inspect your home piping. You should also see about getting your water tested to make sure that it is safe to drink. The city hall should have info on how to go about doing that.

If you get your water from a well, have the well water tested.

I don't know what would cause purple water, but you should definately track down the source before you or your family drinks this.

Good luck!

Answer 6

if your house was vacant for a while it could be from the water standing in the pipes. i moved into a house that was vacant for 2 years. prior to remodelling i had a discoloration issue. i ran the water in the pipes for a half hour out of each spigot/faucet and it seemed to help alot.

i'd suggest getting a water test to find out what's in your water that ,might not belong there.

Answer 7

Actually I'd have to ask my boyfriend because he works for Roto-Rooter. Don't drink it, though! Go on a plumbing site and see if there's any answers or call your local village if there's any water discrepancies. If you have a well system, that may be part of your problem. I'll ask my man and get back with you. Good luck and buy bottled water until you know it's safe!

Answer 8

in older homes its common for galvanized pipe to rust from age and exposure
if you have a well you could be pulling sediment from bottom
no way to stop pipe deterioration you'l need to replace water lines with copper pipe, you can also install water filters at taps until you can afford remodeif its your well you may need to raise pump

Answer 9

if it's well water have it privately tested, city water take a sample to the town . blackish water doesn't sound too healthy

Answer 10

Oh my God, call a plumber and drink bottled water till he sorts you out.