I live in an apartment building that was built in the 70's. When i turn on my sink faucets or bathtub I get brownish water for the first minute or so. About 1 out of 10 times, I don't get discolored water. What is causing it and is it safe to drink/bathe in? Is there any way to filter it to make it safe to drink?
I live in Los Angeles, and my building manager is a real jerk, so there's no chance of getting him to replace the pipes.
2007-12-07 06:30:43 · 4 answers · asked by Nicole W 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Old buildings and also most ew buildings have the water-supply piping done with Iron pipes.
These pipes get rusted and for the first one minute or so, the water is brown. After that the rust has been washed away and you get cleaner water.
You need to change the piping of your entire house.
2007-12-07 06:43:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's most likely rust. I'm sorry to hear that your building manager is such a jerk. If he weren't I would suggest getting someone to come in, look at the faucets, and tell you exactly why your water is brown.
Here are some links to websites that give possible causes of brown water:
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071002/OSH/71002226/1987
http://www.cbnbh2o.com/tips/water_color.html
http://www.culliganwatermtnhome.com/aboutwater.htm
http://www.norfolk.gov/utilities/public/rusty.html
http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/publicat/wqwm/he394.html
http://www.wauwatosa.net/display/router.asp?DocID=599
http://www.blackcollegewire.org/news/071118_brown_water/printable/
2007-12-08 17:50:00 · answer #2 · answered by Amber K 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely - rust - not harmful. Occasionaly if the city is doing line repairs, you'll also get all the crud they knock loose.
Get a faucet filter.
2007-12-07 14:40:20 · answer #3 · answered by Prophet 1102 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get one of those water filters from wal-mart but drink the water you might like it
2007-12-07 14:34:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋