Horrible!! Why am I Getting Brown Water?
Have you ever turned on the tap, only to be greeted by a disturbing flow of brown water? It’s a homeowner’s nightmare—and yes, it’s happening here in Singapore!
It Has Happened Before!
Discoloured water isn't new to Singapore. It has happened in several parts of Singapore.
Once, brown water even
flowed out of the taps of 50 Punggol Blocks!
Enough Brown Water to Fill an Entire Tub? Is That Normal?
Imagine one homeowner’s shock when they saw their tub filling up with murky brown water? They caught it all on video. What’s going on here? Could it be something in the pipes, the water supply, or even your trusty water heater? Let’s dive in and get to the bottom of this unsettling issue!
What Causes Brown Water?
When it comes to brown water, there’s no single cause. The Public Utilities Board (PUB) has suggested several possible culprits, and as it turns out, there’s more to it than you’d think. Let’s look at some of the key suspects:
Cause 1: Iron and Manganese Minerals in Water
Iron and Manganese aren’t harmful at low levels, but in higher concentrations, they can discolour water, giving it that brownish hue.
These minerals can also build up in pipes, especially in older systems, and occasionally slough off, resulting in brown water.
Cause 2: Construction and Renovation Work Nearby
Construction and renovation activities can disrupt the plumbing system, causing a change in water flow or water pressure. This can dislodge rust or sand in the pipes and cause it to flow out of taps
Cause 3: Sediments in Water Tanks
Above most high rise HDB and apartment buildings in Singapore, there is a large water tank. Water tanks can accumulate sediments over time.
When construction, maintenance, or sudden water disruptions occur, these sediments can shake loose and flow right out of your tap!
Cause 4: Corroded Water Heater Tank Lining
If your water heater tank’s lining is damaged or corroded, rust particles can leak into your hot water supply.
This often causes brown or rusty-looking water whenever you run a hot tap.
Getting a reliable brand with a proven, long lifespan will help to prevent this.
Cause 5. Iron Corroding Bacteria in Water Pipes
This type of bacteria is rare in Singapore. could be due to iron-reducing bacteria, a non-toxic type that thrives on iron and manganese in water.
Soluble iron in the water provides food
for the bacteria and allows it to thrive. This bacteria can be found in water pipes industrial areas or water wells.
Of all the causes listed above, iron bacteria can be the most tricky to handle! Thank goodness wells are rare in Singapore. 😃
What Should You Do When You See Brown Water?
The first step when dealing with brown water is to pinpoint where the problem lies. Is it a general issue with the building’s water supply or something specific to your unit? Here’s a handy checklist:
Step 1: Check with Your Neighbours
If your neighbours are experiencing the same issue, then it’s likely a broader issue affecting the building or area. If not, the issue is probably within your home’s internal plumbing.
Step 2: Contact PUB or the Town Council
If the problem appears to be external, sit back and relax! PUB or your Town Council will be ready to assist you.
They’ll run tests, inspect pipes, and may even temporarily disable the water meter to flush out residual water.
This can help clear up any sediment or mineral build-up that could be affecting your area.
Step 3: Turn Up the Thermostat, Disinfect!
If your neighbours’ water is clear, the issue might be with your internal plumbing or water heater.
If you have a digital water heater with adjustable settings, crank up the temperature to 75ºC. At this temperature, any bacteria lurking in the heater should die off, without needing to replace the heater itself.
A hot temperature disinfection can work wonders!
Step 4: Flush Out Your Heater Tank
When was the last time you flushed your heater tank? If you can’t remember, your routine maintenance is probably overdue!
Ideally, your heater tank should be flushed every three years to prevent sediment build-up that could lead to brown water.
Right: Actual water flushed out of a water heater tank during routine maintenance service.
Step 5: Problem Still Persists? Let’s Investigate!
You've flushed your tank.. but brown water still comes back. What can you do? It is time to investigate and isolate the source of brown water.
One easy way is to install a water filter right before your water heater. If the filter clears up the water, the culprit is likely your pipes.
If you have an AOS Bath water heater, we have filters to test that. Reach out and we'll be glad to assist you.
If the water is noticeably less brown, go to step 6.
If the water still has the same amount of discolouration, it may be a heater issue. Skip Step 6 and move on to Step 7.
Step 6: Iron Bacteria in Pipes
Iron Bacteria often requires a shock-chlorination treatment. It is expensive and extensive work because it is hard to pinpoint exactly where the bacteria resides in pipes.
Sometimes, even multiple rounds are needed to fully clear an infected system. If iron bacteria is causing your brown water, be prepared for a persistent fight to get rid of it!
Step 7: Chemical Chlorine Tank Flush
You can flush the tank with a chlorine solution for a more thorough cleaning. This will kill any bacteria that might be causing discolouration.
Doing a chlorine flush is best if your heater is still new, around 2 years.
If you are not sure, consult an expert to make sure your internal tank is not damaged before the chlorine flush. If the tank is quite old, it may make more sense to move on to Step 8.
Step 8: Still Having Trouble? Replace the Heater Tank
If a chlorine flush doesn’t do the trick, the tank may be corroded beyond repair. A replacement may be necessary if rust has compromised the heater’s lining.
Replacing the tank ensures that you’re not introducing rust particles into your water every time you use hot water.
Final Thoughts: Preventing Brown Water in the Future
Brown water may come as a shock, but with the right steps, you can quickly resolve the issue and enjoy clean, clear water again.
Regular maintenance is your best friend here!!
Aim to flush your water heater every few years and stay on top of any unusual changes in your water’s appearance. And if all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help.
The next time you see brown water coming from the tap, don’t panic! Armed with the right knowledge and tools, you’re ready to tackle it head-on and get back to enjoying crystal-clear water.
