Dirty water after mainline water break

[Beartracks]

So after a contractor broke a water main near our neighborhood this morning, we were without water most of the day. Now that it's repaired, the water is still running brown even after 10 minutes. How long typically should I expect this to last?

[thinkingagain]

1. I'm not sure, but I found this hope that might be helpful

Discolored water comes from internal pipe rust and sediment getting stirred up. When this happens the water is still safe. However, the water may be unappealing, so we recommend that you wait until it clears before drinking it.

The water should clear on its own. Try running the cold water for a few minutes to see if it is clearing or still discolored. If the water does not clear, let the water sit for an hour. Then run the water for a few minutes and flush the toilet a couple of times.

Brown water from main break? Let it run


Avoid running hot water if the cold water is still discolored. This will minimize filling the hot water tank with turbid water. If you are washing clothes at the time, it is better to stop the cycle while it is full and wait until clean water is available to finish. If you allow the water to empty from the washing machine and go into the spin cycle it is more likely to cause permanent staining to the laundry items.


https://atyourservice.seattle.gov/2013/10/08/brown-water-main-break-let-it-run/

[Beartracks]

6. Helpful. Thanks!

[calikid]

2. I repaired a shower valve yesterday that had a on demand newer hot water heater.

Each of the several times i shut the water off and on I had brown water for close to five minutes. Quite common. Expect it to last till it's done.

[Beartracks]

5. Haha! So exact!

[Sneederbunk]

3. Reminded me of this.

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[Beartracks]

7. Wow

Thanks!

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[duncang]

4. Hard to tell.

Factors: how far away from your home, how many others flush the line, how much dirt got in the line.

I would suggest taking off all the aerators off the faucets before flushing. Also if you have an outside faucet near where it comes into your house flush that first.

[Beartracks]

8. Thanks for the suggestions.

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