If you have red stains in your sinks, or your water has an unpleasant taste and smell, there could be a few reasons. Generally, the primary cause to yellow water is rust. Small amounts of iron and oxygen is a normal occurrence for water system, but when these are combined and in larger quantities you will have yellow water. This will result in yellow bath water as well as yellow water from faucets.

Poor residential water pressure is a frustrating problem for many homeowners. If you suspect that your home water pressure is not quite up to standard, follow these six steps from Rapid Rooter to determine if there is a problem and how to resolve it.

1. Test your water pressure

You can buy a water pressure test gauge from many local home improvement stores. Turn off any appliances inside that might be using water (such as the dishwasher or washing machine) and attach the gauge to an outdoor hose spigot. They screw onto the threads just like a garden hose. Turn on the spigot and note the reading. Anything less than 60psi is on the low side. Ideally, you’ll see a reading between 60 and 75 psi. Anything above 80 is too high and will wear down your plumbing fixtures and pipe joints over time.

2. Ask Around

You can determine if your water pressure issues are yours alone or possibly related to the city municipal water system by chatting with your neighbors or your landlord. Are they experiencing similar issues? If your neighbors also report low water pressure, give your local provider a call. They can confirm whether it is a known issue, or begin taking steps to remedy the problem on a municipal level. If you have well water, you could have issues with your well pump.

3. Check the water meter, shut-off valve, or regulator

If you’ve (unfortunately) confirmed that your water pressure problems are yours alone, start with the basics. Check your water meter and the main shut-off valve at the street to ensure that they are both fully open. Contractors may shut off water at this point to do routine or other maintenance. If you have a water presssure regulator, check that too. Poorly functioning regulators can result in gradual drops in water pressure.

4. Check for leaks

Cracked or damaged pipes allow water to slowly seep into your home, damaging walls or ceilings and reducing water pressure overall. Check for hidden leaks using your water meter. Turn off all the water in your home and record the number on your water meter. Wait at least 20 minutes, return to check your meter again. If the meter reading has changed, that means you have a leak.

If you want to try to locate the leak, check the tank parts of your toilets, especially the flapper valve; look under kitchen and bathroom sinks; look for drips from your bathtubs and showers. You should also check for puddles around your water heater, as well as possible leaks in your washing machine hoses. If you need a professional to check for hidden leaks, you can rely on Rapid Rooter’s leak repair professionals to locate and repair every type of water leak in and around your home.

5. Check your faucets

If you got a normal reading on your water pressure gauge on an outdoor spigot but still experience low water pressure indoors, take a closer look at your faucets and shower heads. Mineral buildup on fixtures can affect water flow. Loose or worn out washers can also contribute to leaks, reducing water pressure.

6. Consider clogged pipes

Years of buildup and residue inside your water supply pipes decreases the amount of water flowing through, reducing water pressure. This rarely occurs in copper pipes or PEX piping, but it’s a common problem with iron and galvanized pipes. If you are experiencing low water pressure throughout your house, you’ve thoroughly cleaned and removed mineral deposits from faucets and showerheads, and can’t find any leaks, it’s time to call in a professional plumber from Rapid Rooter to assess the pipes in your home and determine whether extensive buildup is affecting your water pressure.

1. The first tip is simple: be careful about what you put down your drains. Some of the most common causes of clogged drains are cooking grease, coffee grounds, hair and soap scum.

2. Buy a drain strainer that covers the drain’s opening. This should catch hair and foreign matter before it can reach the drain and create a blockage.

3. Run very hot water through the sink after you’re done using it. Hot water allows materials such as food or oil to run through the drainpipes instead of amassing together to create a clog.

4. Pour a handful of baking soda down the drain every so often. Then follow it with hot water.

5. You can also pour one cup of vinegar down the drain on top of a cup of baking soda. Let sizzle for about 15 minutes and then rinse with hot water. Repeat as necessary.

6. Avoid using caustic chemical drain cleaners. Over time, these can corrode some pipes—and sometimes they don’t even remove the whole clog.

7. Take care of your sewer lines and septic tank. You can call a plumber to help snake your main sewer on an annual or semi-annual basis. Doing this can remove tree roots that often grow into pipes at the joint and cause sewage backups.

8. If you have a septic tank, get your tank pumped every three to five years and regularly treat with a bacteria additive to keep the system in balance.

You can actually do damage to the plumbing by trying to unclog a drain yourself. A common mistake when trying to clear a clogged drain is exerting too much pressure. This can cause a host of problems, including cracking or breaking the pipes. Another mistake is using drain cleaner for every clog, every time. Most drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage pipes, and with time, overuse of these cleaners can cause erosion and leaks. Certain types of pipes should never have drain cleaner used in them. Be sure to read labels thoroughly before using any clog remover product to ensure its safe use.