Property Manager Chronicles: Brown Water 101
Anne Darer • February 17, 2021
Ever wonder why your water may come out brown at times?

You can file a report with 311 that will be routed to the Department of Environmental Protection to find out if there is work being done in the street. You should check with your property maintenance team if there is work being done in the building.
Persistent brown or discolored water can also be an indicator that the hot water tank is failing. Other symptoms of a failing hot water heater are
· The brown water is apparent only when you run hot water
· You only have cold water.
· Your water gets warm, but never hot.
· Your water heater makes a rumbling noise.
· Your water has a metallic smell or taste.
· Water is leaking around your water heater.
If you are noticing brown or discolored water, do not be alarmed. Brown water happens! It is generally not dangerous and resolves itself by letting the water run. If you are noticing discolored water do:
1) Keep a record of the brown water and work identify if the issue is at the street or in the building.
2) Notify your Brownstone property manager so that the building can be looked at holistically and make sure it is not a symptom of equipment failure.
Share this post

Managing real estate in New York City is no small feat — and no one knows that better than Josh Blackman, founder of Brownstone Property Group. In a recent Cooperator News article, Josh pulls back the curtain on the often-invisible strategies that set great property managers apart, from mastering local laws to building relationships that get things done. To read the full article, click here or see below.