Answer:
If you've lived in one location for a while, especially in an older neighborhood, you've probably experienced rusty water coming out of a sink at some point. While this is a common occurrence when work is being done on a water main or nearby fire hydrant, it may indicate a pipe or pipes within your home need to be replaced.
External Causes
Rust accumulates in water mains, which supply water to entire neighborhoods. When work is being done on a water main, or even when hydrants in the area are flushed, this disturbs the normal water flow, kicking up rusty sediment when normal water pressure returns. This causes rusty coloring in water when it comes through a faucet or showerhead. The discoloration clears up on its own after several hours. Avoid using hot water during that time, as it draws the rust water into the hot water tank. Skip doing laundry during this time as well, as the rust may stain fabrics.
Internal Causes
Old pipes within a home are another cause of rusty water. The rust is most likely coming from old galvanized pipes on your property if the discoloration is in one or several faucets but not all of them, if the discoloration is there every time the faucet is used, or if it is present whenever hot water is used. If the rust is because of old house pipes, they need to be replaced.
