we live in an apartment building built in 1916. it appears that we have copper pipes throughout, however we frequently get very rusty water in our tub. i've confirmed that it's the cold water, not the hot. (we probably get it in our kitchen sink too but we notice it in the tub.) this happens way too frequently.

if i let the water run for ten minutes, it clears up. (but it costs our condo association a lot in water charges.)

since this happens even when no one has shut off the building mains, i suspect that pressure drops in the city system stir up the water. (we're close to the high point of the system in our area.)

i'm wondering if there is a way to clean out the pipes so this doesn't happen. since the pipes are copper, i was wondering if there's a way to jet the system to stir up the sediment enough to flush it out.

does anyone else have experience with this? i think we could get the condo board to take action (i'm on the board.) so long as it doesn't cost too much.

i'm also planning on renovating our bathroom so if there is anything i can do while i have some of the pipes open, that would be helpful.

thanks.