> Home > Scottsdale Water Resources Department > Water & Sewer Services > Troubleshoot Common Problems

Troubleshoot Common Problems

Many of our customers call us for advice on common water related issues. We have compiled a group of our most frequent household issues and tips to help you troubleshoot the problem. There is always a sense of relief to find that the issue has a cause and can be fixed.  Many of our homeowners have gained a sense of accomplishment by implementing our "tips" page.

Q: I think I have a leak because my usage is high. What can I do?
A: The City of Scottsdale's Utility Billing Department has compiled a great group of troubleshooting tips to help you determine if you have a leak. The Water Conservation Office has also put together a self audit kit to help in this area. These tools can help you decide if you need to take the next step; calling a plumbing professional or leak detection company.

Utility Billing High Usage Page
Water Conservation Self Audit Kit

Q: I have brown water coming out of my faucets. What is going on?
A: Discolored or brownish water is commonly caused by turbulence in the Main Line. Turbulence shakes up silt, sediment, and mineral deposits that are normally found on the bottom of the main.  Some common causes of turbulence include opening a fire hydrant too quickly, main lines being re-charged too quickly, or if water is re-routed or directional flow is changed.

Flushing out your plumbing system is an easy process to eliminate the silt from your line.

  1. Run your front hose spigot for about 3-5 minutes.
  2. After running the front hose spigot for 3-5 minutes, check to see if the water is running clear.
  3. If the water is not clear after running the spigot for 3-5 minutes, turn off the water and wait for 15 minutes. Repeat the process of running the front hose spigot for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Once the water is running clear, run each of your cold water faucets inside the home for 3-5 minutes. This will flush out the plumbing system.
  5. If your water doesn't clear after the second try, please call 480-312-5650 for further assistance.

Q: I have a sewer odor coming up from my drains. What can I do about this?
A: First, check the water traps for water. They are the P shaped traps in the drain lines beneath sinks, tubs, and showers. The standing water in the P-trap serves as a barrier against sewer gas and pests entering your home through the sink drain. Water in the P-trap may have evaporated due to infrequent use, or if the house is vacant. To fix this problem, pour a quart of water into each problematic drain; this amount of water is enough to fill the P-trap and provide a full water seal.

Another source of odor is a build up of hair, dirt, and grime in your drains that can collect into a layer of slime that gives off an odor of rotten egg sulphur smell. If you are experiencing this problem, consult your plumbing professional on an appropriate drain cleaner for your home.

Customers sometimes think the smell is coming from the water. An easy way to test to see if the odor is coming from the water is to fill a glass with water from the cold tap. Take the glass to another room and smell it.  If there is no odor inside the glass, then you are experiencing a problem with your drains.

Keep in mind that the City of Scottsdale only provides cold water to your home. If you are having issues with your hot water, contact a plumbing professional for advice.

Q: I did the test, and my water tastes and smells funny. Is this water safe to drink?
A: If you are experiencing a musty odor or taste in your water, you may be experiencing algae bloom. This natural phenomenon typically occurs between the months of August and October in lakes, rivers, and canals. The Central Arizona Project (CAP) Water Treatment Plant has added another treatment utilising granular activated carbon (GAC) that will help to eliminate the taste and smell associated with algae bloom.  All City of Scottsdale water is treated and safe for drinking. Please review the City of Scottsdale Water Quality Report for additional information.

City of Scottsdale Water Quality Report

Water Resources

Related Links

related Resources