What is the source of discolored water and what remedies are available?
Your first step is to determine whether the cold or hot water is the source of the discoloration. Flushing (allowing the faucet to flow for a few minutes) will generally eliminate discoloration of cold water. The discoloration of cold water is usually caused by fine particles of suspended minerals such as iron or manganese, giving the water a reddish, brownish, or blackish appearance. With hot water discoloration, on the other hand, it is recommended that you drain and flush your water heater according to the manufacturers directions to remove sediment from the bottom of the tank.
