Running a hot bath at the end of a long day should be a relaxing experience — but what if you turn on the taps and your water runs yellow? At TWC Draincare, we often hear from clients who are uncomfortable or uneasy because they are experiencing discoloured bathwater, seeking our expert opinion on what is causing the yellow water problem and whether or not it is safe to bathe or drink. This article outlines what might be causing your yellow water and whether you can take steps to fix it yourself or will need to contact a professional.
What Causes Yellow Bath Water?
There are several common reasons that your water might be yellow — some are naturally occurring, and others will require action to rectify an issue.
Sediment in Water Pipes
If rust and iron particles have built up in your pipes, the water might have a yellow or orange tinge as it flows out of your taps. This is particularly common if your plumbing or the water mains are old and well-used.
Mineral Build-Up
Some minerals that naturally occur in the water supply, like iron and manganese, can cause the colour of your tap water to change if they are present in high enough levels. This might sound unnerving, but both of these minerals are essential for human health in small amounts (manganese supports enzyme activity, and iron is essential for the production of red blood cells).
Plumbing Issues
Over time, metal pipes can corrode and begin to leach rust into the water. This plumbing corrosion can lead to your tap water turning yellow or orange.
Water Supply Issues
Sometimes, your water company will undertake necessary works or maintenance that cause yellow tap water. A burst water main can lead to changes in the colour of your water, particularly if the cast iron pipes have been damaged. Maintenance to the pipework that supplies your property can also disturb sediment and change the flow pressure, both of which might give your water a yellow tone.
Water Heater Problems
Much like your rusty water pipes, if corrosion builds up in your water heater tank, your hot water may take on a yellow colour.
Is Yellow Bath Water Safe for Bathing?
When your water turns yellow, you might worry that it is dirty or unsafe to bathe in. However, if the colour of your water comes from mineral build-up, you can still bathe in it. It is also generally safe to take a bath in water that has turned yellow due to rust in your metal pipes or water heater, even if it might seem a little bit unappealing!
However, if you are unsure of the cause of discolouration to your water, have noticed a foul odour or unusual taste, or suspect any kind of bacterial contamination in your water supply, you can call a professional to have your water tested.
Is Yellow Water Safe for Drinking?
We understand that changes to the colour of your bath water can be concerning — whilst we have established the scenarios in which it is safe to bathe in yellow water, what if you happen to get it into your mouth, or your sinks are running yellow too?
The answer to this question depends on the cause. If your water is yellow due to mineral content, it will be safe to drink unless you receive specific guidance from your local water authority. Generally, there is no need to worry about exceeding your recommended doses of manganese and iron through drinking tap water, even if the mineral levels are higher than usual.
The NHS advises that most adults should not consume more than 20mg of iron and 4mg of manganese per day, and the maximum levels permitted in UK tap water are 0.05mg of manganese and 0.2mg of iron. You will get most of the minerals you need from your diet, and even the quantities required to give your tap water a yellow colour are relatively minimal.
Again —if there is an unpleasant smell or taste to your water, or you notice anything that concerns you, contact your local water authority for advice. In the meantime, you can either drink bottled water or boil your tap water before using it for extra reassurance.
How to Fix Yellow Bath Water
There are a variety of ways to narrow down the cause of your yellow tap water, which can help you determine whether the water is safe to use or whether you need to call a professional.
Flush the Water System
One of the easiest ways to clear yellow water is to run your cold taps continuously for a few minutes. This makes sure that any standing water or sediment has been flushed through your pipes, which can lead to a yellow colour in the water.
Check with Your Water Supplier
Call your water supplier and ask them whether or not they are carrying out any works in your area. They will be able to tell you if there are any maintenance or repair works going on that could be causing your water to change colour, and also offer advice on any steps you might need to take as a result.
Inspect Your Water Heater
You will be able to flush your water heater to help remove any build up of rust, which could be the cause of yellow water. Turn off the power and allow the water to cool down completely, and then turn off the cold-water supply. Attach a hose to the drain valve and allow all the water to flow into a bucket. You can then turn the cold water back on and let it run until the water leaving the boiler completely clear, signifying that all the sediment has been removed. Then, close the drain valve carefully, fill the boiler back up and turn the power back on.
Consider Water Filtration
Some areas will naturally have higher mineral content in their tap water than others (due to factors like the rock in aquifers and around groundwater, for example). If you live in an area that experiences high mineral content, otherwise known as hard water, you can install a water filter that removes minerals and sediment from the system.
When Should You Call a Professional?
If you have tried these quick fixes and your water continues to run yellow, the problem recurs, or you have concerns about your plumbing, give TWC Draincare a call. The root cause is likely to be damage in your pipes, like corrosion causing rust in the water.
Our expert engineers can use CCTV drain surveillance technology to inspect your plumbing, identifying the issue and helping you to fix your persistent yellow water problem. This might require replacing pipework, fitting water filters, or using high-pressure jetting to clean out the sediment or rust.
Preventing Yellow Bath Water in the Future
Yellow bath water might be harmless in many cases, but it is undeniably off-putting and often makes our clients feel very uncomfortable about using their water supply as they normally would. Luckily, there are long-term solutions and regular maintenance habits that can help you to keep your water clear and safe.
Regular Maintenance of Plumbing Systems
The easiest way to avoid water discolouration in your property is to ensure that your plumbing is regularly maintained by experts like us, who can rectify damage early and help to prevent the build-up of sediment in your pipes.
Flushing Water Heaters to Prevent Rust Build-Up
Using the instructions we have provided in this blog, you can flush your water heater at least once a year (twice a year if you live in an area of hard water or have old pipework in your property). This helps to avoid the build-up of sediment and rust that can discolour your water.
Using Water Softeners and Filters to Reduce Mineral Content
If you live in an area with hard water, investing in water softeners and filters can ensure that the mineral levels in your water remain low enough to avoid discolouration and build-up in your plumbing.
Monitor Water Quality and Address Issues Early
It is reassuringly easy to monitor the water quality in your area! Check regularly on your local water board’s website or social media platforms, as they will notify you of local works or any issues that have arisen with the water supply. If in doubt, always get in touch with them to put your mind at rest.
“My Bath Water Is Yellow”: Call TWC!
If your water turns yellow, contact TWC Draincare! Our team of experienced engineers provide fast, local responses with all work guaranteed, giving you peace of mind when you need it most. We never charge a call out fee, and we use all of the latest equipment. Whether you need a water filter installation, replacement pipes, or a service on your water heater, we are happy to help you.
We have drain unblocking engineers located across the North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire areas. This means we can offer a rapid response to your enquiry – with no call out charge. Contact the TWC Draincare team today here.
