What to Do with Rusty Water Pipes

So you came home from work and you decided to take a nice, long, steamy shower to wash the day off. But the moment you turn on the tap, you notice a metallic smell coming out of the showerhead. The water is brown and rusty! If this story sound familiar to you, then you’re most likely dealing with rusty water pipes. Rusty pipes are a common issue in many households and they can impact your quality of life if not addressed.

But don’t fret! While rusty water may seem foul and disgusting, it doesn’t cause any adverse health effects. Still, that’s no reason to ignore it as rusty water can damage your appliances like your washing machine and your dishwasher. In this article, we’ll be discussing how to deal with rusty water pipes and what you can do to eliminate the problem.

What to do with rusty water

So you have a rust issue, but you still need to wash the dishes, drink water, and shower. What can you do in the meantime before an emergency plumber in Perth arrives? We recommend you open the taps for a few minutes to flush out any rust that’s settled in your pipes. You’ll notice the water will start to clear up and you can proceed to go about your day. While it won’t fix the rusty pipes, it will buy you enough time before the problem is thoroughly addressed.

Another thing you can do while waiting for a plumbing professional determines whether or not the source of the problem is from your own plumbing or from the water mains. You can do a simple test by turning on your hot water and letting it run. Now do the same thing with cold water.

If only the hot water has rust, it’s an indicator that your hot water system is the problem and will require major repairs or replacement. Hot water systems are particularly susceptible to rust because of the moisture and heat that builds up when you use it. These two factors can contribute to oxidation in the pipes and eventually lead to rust.

Even with built-in protection, it’s only a matter of time before your hot water system gets rusty. It’s for this reason that you want to have your hot water system checked at least once every 5 years.

Rust problem in the water mains

We’ve mentioned how your pipes and your hot water system are the most common culprits of rusty water, but that’s not always the case. In some instances, the rust may be coming from the water mains which is an entirely different problem.

To determine if there’s a rust problem in the water mains, open the tap outdoor and let it run. Is the water clear? Or does it have a brownish colour? If the water coming out of your front yard tap is rusty, then it’s a sign that you have a rust problem in the water mains. There is little you can do in this situation and it’s best to contact the local authorities to fix the problem. Sometimes local government take a while before they address a rusty water pipe, so contacting an emergency plumber may prove to be the better choice if you need clear water in a hurry.

Causes of rusty water pipes

Understanding how rust forms in water pipes is integral to help you determine the appropriate maintenance measures. Here are some of the most common reasons of rust buildup in water pipes:

• The metal pipes are exposed to both oxygen (and moisture) over a long period of time
• Moisture, temperature and salinity can dramatically increase rust development in metal pipes.
• Rust occurs in iron and all its alloys whether it be nickel or steel. Any metal that contains iron as part of its makeup is prone to rusting.

Should you hire an emergency plumber?

In most cases, a rusty water pipe will require the attention of an emergency plumber. Much like the name suggests, an emergency plumber deals with urgent plumbing problems. Rust is a symptom of corrosion in your water pipes and if you neglect it for too long, you may experience a whole host of other problems like a burst pipe or a severe water leak.

This is why it’s important to address any plumbing problems whether they be a minor or major issue to avoid further problems down the line. Repairing damaged pipes can be costly and rusty water is a sign that your water pipes need fixing asap.

There are a couple of things an emergency plumber can do to return your water to its clear, natural state. These are:

• Hot water unit replacement or repair
• Pipe replacement services (when possible)
• Water filtration services and appliances

If you’re dealing with serious plumbing problems, then contacting an emergency plumber should be your main priority. For expert plumbing services, make sure to contact Property Plumbing today and we’ll make sure to reach out to you as soon as possible.