Is Rusty Water Dangerous? What It Means and What Houston Homeowners Should Do
🚰 Seeing Rusty Water? Start Here.
If you’re here, you’ve probably already seen it. That brown, orange, or yellow tint in your water when you’re filling a pot to cook, running a bath, or turning on the tap after a long day.
It’s unsettling, and you're right to ask:
Is rusty water dangerous? Can my family still use it? And what’s causing this in the first place?
Let’s break it down and talk about what you can do next.
So what’s going on? Is it safe? And more importantly—what do you need to do?
At We Do Repipes, we’ve seen thousands of Houston homes with the same problem. Let’s walk you through what rusty water really means—and whether it’s time to take action.
What Causes Rusty Water?
There are a few reasons your water might look like it belongs in an old western movie.
Top causes of rusty or discolored water:
Corroded galvanized or iron pipes inside your home
Sediment or rust from the city water supply (usually temporary)
A failing water heater tank
If it’s only coming from one or two faucets—or clears up after running—it’s probably your home’s plumbing. And if your home was built before the 1980s, those galvanized pipes may be showing their age.
Fun fact: Galvanized pipes were originally coated in zinc to prevent rust. The problem is… zinc doesn't last forever. And when it wears away, those pipes start rusting from the inside out.
On the left (upper): What your old galvanized pipes might look like right now. On the right (lower): What they could look like after a repipe.
⚠️ Is Rusty Water Dangerous to Your Health?
This isn’t sweet tea. If your water looks like this, let’s talk.
The answer? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Here’s the breakdown:
Most rusty water isn’t toxic, but it’s not great to drink regularly. The iron or manganese in it can affect taste, color, and stain your laundry or tubs.
In older homes, rusty water may indicate lead or bacteria issues—especially if those pipes are breaking down.
If you’re on well water or haven’t tested your system in years, it’s time to get professional help—especially if there are kids, elderly residents, or folks with weakened immune systems in your home.
Bottom line: If the water doesn’t look clean, don’t drink it. Your body deserves better than “murky mystery mineral mix.”
How to Tell If the Problem Is in Your Pipes (Not the City’s)
If your neighbors aren’t having issues, but you are—chances are, it’s a home plumbing issue.
Quick homeowner checklist:
✅ Rusty water only from hot water taps → Could be your water heater
✅ Only one or two faucets affected → Possibly isolated pipe corrosion
✅ Rusty water after water sits overnight → Corrosion in your interior plumbing
✅ Whole-house discoloration after hydrant flush → Probably city supply (temporary)
Tip: If you run your water for a few minutes and it clears up, that’s a major sign your home’s pipes are rusting.
What You Can Do About Rusty Water (Short-Term & Long-Term)
💡 Short-Term Tips:
Don’t drink it or cook with it
Run your water for 1–2 minutes in the morning before using it
Flush your water heater if it hasn’t been serviced in over a year
Use a water filter for cooking and drinking water (but not a replacement for pipe repair)
🔧 Long-Term Solution: Replace Old, Rusty Pipes
If your home still has galvanized plumbing, you’re on borrowed time. A whole-home repipe may sound like a big job—but done right, it’s fast, clean, and adds real peace of mind. A whole-home repipe is the process of replacing all the water supply plumbing in your home.
At We Do Repipes, we specialize in:
1–2 day full home repipes
No mess, no stress—we treat your home like it’s our own
Modern, long-lasting materials like Uponor PEX-a (complete with the manufacturer's warranty)
Flexible financing to fit your budget
Fast. Clean. Respectful. That’s how we repipe in Houston.
Ready for Crystal Clear Water? Let’s Talk.
If you’re seeing rusty water, don’t wait until it turns into leaks or water damage.
👉 Call We Do Repipes at 832-819-8337 or Click Here to Schedule Your Free Consultation
We’ll inspect your system, answer all your questions, and show you how easy it can be to enjoy clean, safe water again—without the worry.
Because no one should have to wonder if their water is safe to drink.
Not Sure If You’re Ready to Repipe Yet?
That’s okay! If you’re still gathering info, we’ve got your back.
Get Our FREE Homeowner Guide: 5 Ways to Protect Your Family from Rusty Plumbing
You’ll learn:
How to safely flush your system
Tips to extend the life of galvanized pipes
How to spot early corrosion signs before leaks start
👇 Get the guide + access exclusive discounts on repipes!