Why do I get brown water after a sewer backup?

When you see brown water after a sewer backup, it means that the water is contaminated with a mixture of sewage, rust, dirt, and other particles that have been forced back through your plumbing system.

 

Understanding Sewer Backups

  A sewer backup happens when waste water that is supposed to flow away from your home gets pushed back because of blockages or overflow in the sewer lines. This can be caused by heavy rains, tree roots, buildup of debris, or even breaks in the pipes. As the sewage pushes its way back into your system, it can carry with it materials like rust from old pipes, soil, and organic matter, which all mix together and give the water a brown, murky appearance.

 

What Causes the Brown Color?

  The brown color you see is typically due to a few factors:

• Old and corroded pipes: Over time, metal pipes can rust. When the sewer water flows through these pipes during a backup, the rust mixes with the water.
• Sediment and debris: Dirt, sand, and other particles collect inside sewer lines. During a backup, these materials are disturbed and swirl into your water supply.
• Organic waste: The material from sewage, which includes food particles, fecal matter, and other organic substances, can further thicken and color the water brown.
• High-water volume: Large amounts of water moving quickly can disturb settled sediments, resuspending them and causing the discoloration.

 

Additional Factors Contributing to Brown Water

  There are several other details that help explain why your water turns brown during a backup:

• Water pressure differences: A sudden influx of wastewater can create pressure imbalances. This imbalance disrupts the normal flow and stirs up contaminants inside the pipes.
• Environmental contamination: External factors, such as groundwater that mixes with the backed-up sewage, can add extra sediments and minerals, leading to a brownish hue.
• Pipe material and age: Older plumbing systems, which may include galvanized or iron pipes, are more prone to corrosion. Newer materials like PVC don’t rust but can still accumulate dirt, contributing to discoloration.

 

What To Do If You Experience a Sewer Backup

  If you encounter this situation, here are some steps to consider:

• Stop using water: To prevent further contamination and damage, try to limit the use of plumbing fixtures until the issue is resolved.
• Contact a professional: Because sewer backups can be hazardous to your health and can damage your property, it’s important to contact an experienced sewer cleaning and restoration service.
• Assess potential damage: A professional will usually inspect your system to identify any damage to pipes or additional blockages that may worsen the situation. They will also clean and disinfect affected areas to reduce health risks.
• Consider regular maintenance: Routine inspections and maintenance of your plumbing system can prevent issues before they escalate.

If you live in areas like St. Louis or Nashville, you might come across regional factors, such as older infrastructure or unique weather patterns, that contribute to sewer backups. Addressing these issues early with routine professional inspections can help improve your system’s performance and reduce the risk of such incidents.

Understanding these causes and the steps to address them should give you a clear picture of why brown water appears after a sewer backup. By being aware of these factors, you can take proper precautions and seek the right professional help to protect your home and health.