Quick Answer:
If your tub fills with cloudy or brown water right after plumbing work or a shutoff, it’s usually sediment or rust washed loose from the pipes. Run the water briefly to clear it, compare other fixtures to see how widespread it is, and clean the spout or showerhead screen. Stop using the water if heavy discoloration, strong odors, or particles persist.
Why This Happens
Work on a water main, closing valves, or replacing pipes changes flow and pressure in the system. That change can loosen rust, mineral scale, sand, or other sediment trapped in pipes and push it into the water stream. Air mixed in the water can also make it look cloudy until it clears.
If the water smells or looks dirty, that’s often a sign the disturbance reached your service line or internal plumbing rather than being limited to a single faucet.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Run the tub faucet briefly to flush sediment
- Turn on the cold water full force for several minutes while watching the color. Often the water clears after a minute or two.
- If you used hot water for a test earlier, run cold and hot separately—discolored hot water can come from your water heater.
2. Compare with other fixtures
- Turn on a sink, a shower, and an outside hose if you have one. If multiple fixtures show the same discoloration, the issue is likely in the main supply or your home’s incoming piping.
- If only the tub is affected, the problem is probably local to that branch, valve, or fitting.
3. Clean the spout or showerhead screen
- Some fixtures have a small screen or aerator that traps debris. Remove and rinse it before reattaching. For showerheads, run water with the head removed to flush the line.
- Use a soft brush and water; avoid harsh chemicals that can damage seals.
4. If you recently shut off the water, open valves slowly
- When restoring supply after repairs, open the main or local shutoff slowly to avoid a sudden pressure surge that stirs up more sediment.
- If you’re unsure how to proceed, follow guidance for how to turn water back on safely or get help from the person who did the work.
5. Know when to stop using the water
- If the water remains heavily discolored after flushing, carries visible particles, or has a strong chemical or rotten-egg odor, stop bathing, washing dishes, or drinking the water until the cause is cleared.
- If discoloration stains clothing or fixtures, avoid further use and call for help.
What Not to Do
- Do not bathe in heavily discolored water.
- Do not assume it’s permanent — many cases clear after flushing but need verification.
- Do not ignore strong odors coming from the water.
When to Call a Professional
- Discoloration doesn’t clear after several minutes of flushing or reappears repeatedly.
- Only hot or only cold water is discolored (possible water heater or single-branch issue).
- There is a strong sulfur (rotten-egg), chemical, or metallic smell, or you see particles that may be rust or pipe material.
- If you’re unsure how to safely restore water after recent work or if opening valves seems risky, call a licensed plumber or your water utility.
Safety Notes
- Avoid using discolored water for drinking, cooking, or bathing until it clears or you confirm it’s safe.
- Children, elderly people, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone with open wounds should avoid contact with heavily discolored or odorous water.
- Document the problem (photos, time) before and after flushing in case you need to report it to your water utility or a plumber.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Q: How long should I run the water?
A: Run cold water for several minutes; if it doesn’t clear after 5–10 minutes, investigate further or call for help. - Q: Will this damage my pipes or water heater?
A: Brief flushing usually doesn’t cause damage, but persistent sediment can indicate corrosion that needs professional attention. - Q: Who should I contact if multiple houses are affected?
A: Contact your water utility—widespread discoloration often means a public system issue.