Gunk in cold water All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[roccovellhung]

Hi, wonder if anybody can advise

We have an old property and when turning the cold water on full pressure(at all locations apart from the kitchen), the water is brownish with small bits in it, if you can put the bits on your fingers and rub your fingers together it leaves a browney residue, maybe rust?
At half pressure the water runs clear.

Anyway firsh thoughts were that the cold water tank was corroded however after looking everywhere we can't find a tank? this may be backed up as if you turn off the cold water at the street the cold water turns off almost instantaneously.
Have also tried running the cold water for half an hour to see if we can flush the gunk out but no difference

Anybody have any ideas?

[bobplum]

hi
it could be that the high pressure is removing the debris in the pipe work due to its age,when you say old property how old is old

[roccovellhung]

Hi Bob, our house is over 100 years old

Yeh, we're thinking its probably the pipes as well now, although I find it a bit strange that the kitchen supply runs clear, although maybe the corroded pipe is after the kitchen supply, is that feasible?

[Steve the gas]

Hi,

Consult your water supplier to see if they can shed any light on this, recent mains work etc, they may sample your water, no charge normally.


Hth