Water a brownish/yellow color from faucets and toilet.?

Question

I live in a 3 family. I have city water. I am the only one with a slight brownish/yellow color in my water. Could this be a problem with the water heater?

Answer 1

I doubt its a water heater problem since the toilet only uses cold water.

Rust is the problem somewhere in the piping in your unit.

if brownish/yellow water comes out of both hot and cold the rust is coming some where between the water heater and where the main pipe splits from the other units.

If just cold water the rust comes after the water heater split off.

Answer 2

Has your water been standing still for an extended period of time?  That might cause it to pick up discoloration.  If you have old pipes, rust may collect and flow when used.  Depending on the location of the rusting pipes, it can affect just cold, just hot, or hot and cold water.

I doubt it is specifically your water heater, if you say your toilet has the same problem.  Your toilet water does not get heated.  This is not to say your water heater is completely rust-free however.

What other water services (softener, filter, etc) do you have in-line with these systems?

You might be best off calling a plumber for a free estimate, and then deciding whether to put in a work order, or look into a specific DIY solution.

Answer 3

It could, but that shouldn't affect your toilet.  It may be rust in the lines, especially if you have old galvanized piping or fittings, or you have super hard water.