How Much Does It Cost to Fix Rusty Water?

Few things alarm homeowners more than rusty water flowing from their faucets. There’s the obvious issue of contaminated drinking water and the potentially costly issue of a plumbing system gone wrong.

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Why Is My Water Rusty?

Rusty water usually means there’s corrosion in your plumbing system. There are several reasons this might happen.

• Many older homes still have iron pipes, which corrode over time, releasing rust into the water lines.

• Sediment can build up or corrode inside your water heater, which can cause rust to appear in your hot water.

• Sometimes the issue originates from the municipal water supply, especially if there’s been recent maintenance or a disturbance in the water lines.

The reddish tint in your water happens when iron and oxygen react with each other, creating iron oxide (better known as rust).

Is It Safe to Drink or Shower in Rusty Water?

Drinking rusty water isn’t usually harmful, but it can be unpleasant. Iron oxide is not lead, nor does it necessarily indicate the presence of lead in your water. It's safe to shower in, too. It may stain porcelain, laundry and other surfaces.

Can Rusty Water Be Fixed?

The answer is yes, rusty water can be fixed. To apply the correct fix, you first have to establish the cause of the problem. It’s advisable to call in a plumber, as they'll identify the source quickly and offer the best solutions.

Here are some common solutions for different sources of rusty water:

Water Heater

Your water heater tank may have sediment and rust particles. These can get in your hot water, turning it rusty. Draining and flushing a water heater can help.

Rusty Pipes

Corroded pipes or pipe sections can rust. Call a plumber to replace the corroded sections of your home’s pipe network.

Water Filtration System

You can remove rust particles before they reach the faucets if you install a whole-house water filter.

Municipal Supply

If the municipal supply is the problem, you’ll need to contact your water provider to flush the system or perform maintenance on their end.

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How Much Does It Cost to Have a Professional Repair My Rusty Water?

Here's a breakdown of potential costs.

Flushing the Water Heater

If the issue is sediment in your water heater, flushing it is often the best solution. The process involves draining the tank, cleaning out the sediment and testing the heater to ensure it’s functioning properly. To perform this service, expect a professional to charge between $75 and $150 (CAD 103 and CAD 205) for a standard water heater.

Replacing Rusty Pipes

As you might expect, replacing corroded pipes is a more expensive repair. Costs vary, depending on the level of damage and the difficulty in accessing the pipes. On average, you should expect to pay between $400 and $2,000 (CAD 546 and CAD 2,729). However, it could be higher if your entire plumbing system needs an overhaul.

Installing a Water Filtration System

Though costly, a whole-house water filter system will effectively remove rust particles and other contaminants, ensuring you and your family can enjoy clean and healthy water throughout your home. The average cost for installing one of these systems is $850 to $5,400 (CAD 1,160 to CAD 7,368), depending on the size of your home and the system's complexity.

Municipal Solutions

If the municipal supply is the culprit, the cost to you should be minimal because it’s the responsibility of your water supplier to fix the problem. However, you might need to pay for bottled water or install a temporary filter while repair work is ongoing.

Consulting a Professional Plumber

Unless you’re well-acquainted with your home’s plumbing system, it’s better to contact a plumber to diagnose the cause of rusty water. Local rates vary, but you should expect to pay between $45 and $150 (CAD 62 and CAD 205) per hour for a plumber.

Lastly, rusty water is a pain, but it's not usually a health risk. However, if you contact a professional as soon as you’re aware of the issue, they can quickly get to work and restore the look and taste of your home’s drinking water.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.