If you encounter brown or discolored water coming from your taps, a common method to address this, often suggested by water utilities, is to flush your internal plumbing system. This process helps clear out any sediment, rust, or discoloration that may have accumulated in your pipes.
Flushing Your Home's Water Lines
Based on guidance from sources like WSSC, the recommended procedure for clearing brown water involves running cold water through your faucets.
Here's how to do it effectively:
- Use Only Cold Water: It is important to run only COLD water from your taps. Hot water tanks can sometimes hold sediment, and running cold water helps ensure you are flushing the main supply lines.
- Open Taps Systematically: You should open all COLD water taps in your home or business.
- Start Low, Go High: Begin by opening the faucet located on the lowest floor of your property. Then, open the other faucets one at a time, working your way up from your lowest floor to your highest floor.
Duration and When to Stop
Let the water run from each tap for about five minutes or until the water runs clear. The visual clarity of the water is your indicator that the flushing is complete.
This method is effective for addressing temporary brown or discolored water caused by disturbances in the water system that have stirred up sediment in the pipes.
