Why Some Amarillo Homes Have Rusty Water And How to Fix It?

Imagine this: You turn on your kitchen faucet, expecting clean, clear water, but instead, a stream of rusty, brownish-orange water comes out. Gross, right? It’s like your pipes decided to serve you a glass of liquid rust.

If you live in Amarillo and have noticed rusty water, you’re not alone. Many homeowners deal with this problem at some point. The big question is, why is it happening, and how can you get rid of it? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down step by step.

What Causes Rusty Water in Amarillo Homes?

Rusty water usually comes from three main culprits: old pipes, water heater problems, or city water issues. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Your Pipes Are Getting Too Old for This

Older homes in Amarillo often have galvanized steel pipes. Back in the day, these pipes were the go-to choice for plumbing. The problem? Over time, steel pipes corrode from the inside out, and rust starts breaking off into your water. Think of it like an old truck left out in the rain, eventually, rust takes over, and things start falling apart.

If your pipes are the problem, you’ll usually see rusty water all the time, no matter which faucet you turn on. That’s a sign your plumbing is past its prime.

2. Your Water Heater Might Be Rusting from the Inside

If you only see rusty water when using hot water, your water heater might be the troublemaker. Water heaters have a metal tank, and just like any metal, they can rust over time.

Inside the tank, there’s a part called the anode rod, it’s designed to attract rust so that the tank doesn’t corrode. But if the rod is worn out, the rust starts eating away at the tank itself.

How do you know if your water heater is to blame? Try running cold water from different faucets. If the cold water is clear but the hot water looks like liquid rust, your water heater is the culprit.

3. The City’s Water Lines Might Be Sending Rust Your Way

Sometimes, the problem isn’t in your home at all. If the city is working on the water lines, they might accidentally stir up rust that’s built up in the pipes. When that happens, rusty water can come through your taps for a while.

If your water suddenly turns rusty, check with your neighbors. If they’re having the same issue, it’s likely a city water problem. The good news? This kind of rust usually clears up after a few hours.

Is Rusty Water Dangerous?

Okay, so rusty water looks nasty. But is it actually dangerous? The short answer, not really.

Rusty water isn’t known to cause major health problems, but it can make your water taste like pennies, stain your clothes, and turn your white bathtub an ugly shade of orange. And let’s be honest, nobody wants to drink or bathe in water that looks like it came from an old well.

So while rusty water won’t necessarily make you sick, it’s still something you’ll want to fix as soon as possible.

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How to Fix Rusty Water in Your Amarillo Home?

Now that we know why it happens, let’s talk about how to get rid of it. The solution depends on what’s causing the problem.

1. Flush Your Pipes

If rusty water is coming from city work on the pipes, the best thing you can do is flush your water lines. Here’s how:

Turn on the cold water in your home and let it run for about 10–15 minutes.
If possible, use a faucet closest to where the water enters your home (like an outdoor hose or a basement faucet).
If the water starts to clear up, you’re good to go. If not, there may be a bigger issue.

2. Drain and Flush Your Water Heater

If your water heater is causing the rust, flushing it out might help. Water heaters should be drained at least once a year to remove built-up sediment and rust. Here’s a simple way to do it:

Turn off the power to your water heater (gas or electric).
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
Run the hose outside or into a large bucket.
Open the drain valve and let the water run until it’s clear.
Close the valve, remove the hose, and turn the power back on.

If your water heater is over 10 years old and still producing rusty water, it might be time to replace it.

3. Check If Your Pipes Need Replacing

If your pipes are corroding, no amount of flushing will solve the problem permanently. Here’s a quick test:

Fill two glasses of water, one with hot water, one with cold water.
If only the hot water is rusty, your water heater is the problem.
If both hot and cold water are rusty, your pipes might be breaking down.

Old galvanized steel pipes should be replaced with PEX piping to prevent future rust issues.

4. Call a Plumber for Professional Help

If the rust just won’t go away, it’s time to bring in the experts. At Plumbing Amarillo TX, we’ve seen it all, rusty pipes, corroded water heaters, and city water issues. No matter what’s causing your problem, we can fix it fast so you can stop worrying about rusty water and get back to life as usual.

How to Prevent Rusty Water in the Future?

Once you’ve solved your rusty water problem, you’ll want to keep it from happening again. Here are a few tips:

✅ Flush your water heater yearly: This helps prevent rust and sediment buildup.
✅ Replace old pipes: If your home still has galvanized pipes, consider upgrading.
✅ Install a water filtration system: This can help catch any rust or debris before it reaches your faucets.
✅ Watch for early signs: If you notice small rust stains in your sink or tub, don’t ignore them. It could be a sign that rust is building up in your pipes.

Final Thoughts

Rusty water might not be dangerous, but it sure is annoying. Whether it’s your old pipes, a rusty water heater, or city work stirring things up, the good news is, it’s fixable.

If you’re dealing with rusty water in Amarillo and don’t want to play the guessing game, give Plumbing Amarillo TX a call. We’ll take care of it so you can get back to clean, clear, and rust-free water.

Attribution: Cover Image by FreePik