We know this is an alarming site, and we could make jokes, but we won’t. That’s because we know discoloration issues aren’t laughing matters. The good news is that yellow bathwater isn’t as serious as you think. In fact, it’s something that our plumbers at Valencia 24 Hr Plumber & Drain Pros see often.

Keep reading to learn more about what causes bathwater to turn this color and how to fix it.

Rusty Water

The most likely reason your bathwater is yellow is because there’s rust in the water. We know you don’t want to take a bath in discolored water, but it’s not harmful. In fact, in most water systems iron and oxygen exist in small amounts. In small quantities, nothing happens. However, when these amounts increase that’s when rust occurs. At this point, you might notice your bathwater takes on a yellowish tinge. The water isn’t dirty. It just has too much oxygen and iron in the system.

Reasons There’s Rust in the Water

Even though yellow water isn’t harmful, you still want to figure out what’s going on. Here are some of the most common reasons for yellow bathwater:

• Rusty home plumbing. This is evident if you notice the water’s discolored the first time you turn on the water in the morning. Does it clear up within a few minutes? If so, speak with a plumber about replacing the rusted pipes.
• The bathtub or shower faucet is rusty. This is likely the problem if you only have problems with discolored water in the bathroom. Replacing the showerhead or faucet should fix the problem.
• The water heater is rusty. This is the likely culprit if you only notice the discolored water when running the hot water.
• The water supply is rusty. If you have discolored water throughout the whole house, the issue is like a city water supply problem. Contact your local water company to find out if others have been complaining and to determine the next steps.

Should I Drink Yellow Water?

Most people can’t stomach the idea of drinking yellow water coming from their taps. In most cases, it’s harmless and you’ll be fine. That being said, we recommend that people have any changes in their water supply checked by professional to be on the safe side.

Valencia 24 Hr Plumber & Drain Pros offer testing services and can repair or replace damaged pipes causing water discoloration. To schedule a service call with a plumber in Valencia, CA, give us a call. Like our name says, we’re here 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help you.