New faucet, rusty water?

destiny419 · 10-22-2012, 01:28 PM

We replaced our bathtub faucet because it was leaking and now when you first turn it on the water is rusty. It's only when you first turn it on. He's no plumber and just left it. I'm worried something is deteriorating and will burst one day. Also, the new faucet doesn't allow as much pressure to the shower. Can that be adjusted?

joecaption · 10-22-2012, 02:26 PM

Old steel plumbing?

destiny419 · 10-22-2012, 02:28 PM

I believe so. Probably original to 1949!

funfool · 10-22-2012, 02:44 PM

good or bad I will not say, but is normal for old pipes.
What happens is, when you turn off the water to do the change.
Old sediment in the pipes is relaxed and disturbed.
Now when you turn the water back on, the sudden pressure disturbs it more.
Sometimes is sediment that will be disturbed and actually get stuck in the new valve stopping it from closing all the way, causing a leaky faucet. May actually need to manually remove it.

Is nothing new or different in your old pipes, just turning the water off to be able to work on the new valve, then turn it back on, disturbs what is already in your pipes.
It will clear out and be like it was.
How can you avoid it?
Repipe the whole house for thousands of dollars. Or just let the water run and will clear itself out.

joecaption · 10-22-2012, 02:47 PM

Well then there's your problum.
Steel plumbing at some point is going to leak and it rust from the inside out which causes it to close up.
When it gets worked on it knocks some of the loose rust loose.
At some point all that old plumbing will need to be replaced, hopfully before it burst or leaks.
That loose rust may have caused your anti scald valve inside the new faucet to start sticking or there's now trash stuck in the valve.

pwgsx · 10-22-2012, 02:51 PM

There is no adjustment BUT you can take the head off and look inside. There is probably a black washer with a white plug. Some you can take the plug out and in some I have had to drill a large hole in the center. They were put there to save water but they are a PITA. See the pic for a idea on what to look for.......