Why Will There Be Dirty Water Shooting From a Bathtub?

Rust

• A common reason for dirty water coming out of the bathtub faucet is rust buildup in the “nipple” that connects the plumbing to the bathtub faucet. Sometimes, this nipple is made of iron, which becomes rusty over time and causes the water to turn brown or orange. This problem may go away on its own simply by letting the water run for a few minutes until the rust is flushed away. If the problem does not correct itself, replace the iron nipple with one made of brass or other non-rusting metal.

Polluted Water

• In some cases, the city water system where you live may be polluted. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as natural disasters, a breakdown in the city’s water filtration system or illegal dumping. Water that smells of chemicals, human waste or other foul-smelling materials is extremely dangerous and should be addressed immediately. If you suspect this to be the case, call your city’s water department and inquire about possible contaminants. Check with your neighbors to see if they are experiencing the same problem.

Dirt

• Sometimes water containing high quantities of dirt will come out of the bathtub faucet if someone has been working on your water system recently and has neglected to take the proper measures to avoid this problem. This may be the case when you move into a new or recently renovated house or apartment. Call the construction company that worked on the building to verify if this is the source of the problem.

Algae

• Green water coming out of your bathtub faucet is often a sign of algae buildup somewhere in the system. Algae are tiny microbes that occur naturally but are certainly not something you want to have in your bath water. There may be a problem with your filter such as a blockage of some sort or an imbalance in chemicals. Call your plumber if you suspect this is the problem.