Nothing is more alarming than turning on your tap and seeing murky, brown water flowing out. If you’re experiencing discolored water in your West Richland or Pasco home, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you need to understand what’s causing it and how to fix it.

DDB Plumbing has helped countless homeowners across Washington resolve their water quality issues. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common causes of brown water and the solutions that work.

What Causes Brown Water in Your Plumbing System?

Brown or discolored water typically indicates rust, sediment, or mineral buildup in your plumbing system. Understanding the source is the first step to resolving the problem.

Corroded Pipes and Rust Buildup

Older homes often have galvanized steel pipes that corrode over time. As these pipes age, rust flakes off and mixes with your water supply, creating that unsightly brown color. If your Kennewick home was built before 1960, corroded pipes are likely the culprit.

The rust doesn’t just affect appearance—it can also impact water pressure and taste. DDB Plumbing specializes in pipe inspection and replacement, helping homeowners upgrade to modern, corrosion-resistant materials like PEX or copper.

Sediment in Your Water Heater

Your water heater accumulates mineral deposits and sediment at the bottom of the tank over time. When this buildup becomes excessive, it can stir up and flow through your hot water lines, causing brown water to appear only when you run hot water.

Municipal Water Main Work

Sometimes the issue isn’t in your home at all. When water utilities perform maintenance or repairs on main lines in Richland or surrounding areas, sediment can get stirred up in the municipal system. This typically resolves within a few hours once the work is complete.

Well Water Issues

For homes using well water, brown discoloration often results from iron, manganese, or tannins in the groundwater. Heavy rainfall or changes in the water table can increase sediment levels, making the problem more noticeable.

What to Try When You Have Brown Water

Before calling a professional, try these troubleshooting steps:

Run Your Cold Water First: Let your cold water run for 10-15 minutes. If the water clears up, the issue is likely sediment in your hot water heater or a temporary municipal disturbance.

Check with Neighbors: Ask if others in your West Richland neighborhood are experiencing the same issue. If they are, it’s probably a municipal problem that will resolve on its own.

Flush Your Water Heater: Sediment buildup requires periodic flushing. Turn off your water heater, connect a hose to the drain valve, and flush until the water runs clear. If you’re uncomfortable doing this, DDB Plumbing offers professional water heater maintenance.

Inspect Visible Pipes: Look for signs of corrosion, leaks, or rust on exposed pipes. Brown or orange staining around joints indicates internal corrosion that needs professional attention.

Test Your Water Quality: For well water systems, a water quality test can identify specific contaminants and guide the right treatment solution.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While some brown water issues resolve quickly, others require expert intervention. Contact a licensed plumber if:

• Brown water persists for more than 24 hours
• You notice decreased water pressure alongside discoloration
• Only hot water is affected (indicating water heater problems)
• You have old galvanized pipes in your home
• You smell a metallic or sulfur odor with the discolored water

DDB Plumbing serves Kennewick, Richland, and communities throughout Washington with comprehensive diagnostic services. Our certified technicians use advanced camera inspection technology to pinpoint issues without unnecessary guesswork.

Preventing Future Brown Water Problems

Regular plumbing maintenance prevents most water discoloration issues. Schedule annual water heater flushing, consider whole-home water filtration systems, and replace aging pipes before they fail completely.

For homes with persistent issues, upgrading to modern piping materials eliminates rust problems permanently. Our team provides free estimates on pipe replacement projects, helping you understand your options and costs upfront.

Get Expert Help for Your Water Quality Issues

Don’t let brown water disrupt your daily routine or compromise your home’s water quality. Whether you need emergency repairs or preventive maintenance, DDB Plumbing has the expertise and equipment to restore clean, clear water to your home.

Contact DDB Plumbing today at 509-240-9278 or visit ddbplumbing.com to schedule your water quality inspection. Our certified plumbers respond immediately to any emergency plumbing need. We proudly serve West Richland, Pasco, Kennewick, Richland, and surrounding Washington communities with 24/7 emergency service available when you need it most. Protect your home and family with professional plumbing services from the team you can trust.