You got off work and immediately jumped into a long, hot shower to wash the day away. A rusty smell begins to waft from the showerhead, though, as soon as you turn on the water. The water is a reddish brown colour! If the events in this story sound familiar, it’s possible that your property has water pipes that have deteriorated over time. Rusted pipes are a common issue in many houses, and they may have a significant impact on the quality of your life if you do nothing to restore them.
The problem of rusty water: what to deal with it
Even though you have to deal with a rust problem, you still have to drink water, take showers, and do the dishes. So, how do you proceed? How can I make myself more comfortable while waiting for a Chesterton plumber to arrive at my house for an emergency? If rust has collected into the pipes, it is recommended leaving the faucets open for a few minutes to flush it out. You can get on with your day after you notice the water has cleared up. It won’t fix the rusty pipes permanently, but it will buy you some time to fix the issue properly.
The water mains have been found to be corroded.
When it comes to rusty water, we’ve mentioned your pipes and hot water system as likely culprits, but it’s vital to remember that this isn’t always the case. In certain instances, the rust may be coming from the water mains, which is an entirely different problem.
Is the water clear after you turned on the outdoor water source and let it run for a bit to check for rust in the main water supply? Does it, alternatively, have a brownish tint? If the water from your outdoor faucet tastes rusty, it’s likely because of rust in the water mains serving the entire neighbourhood. Given that you now have very little influence over the situation, your best bet is to get in touch with the relevant authorities in your area to have this matter rectified. For immediate access to clean water, contacting an emergency plumber may be preferable to waiting for the local authorities to repair a corroded water line.
What causes water pipe corrosion and rust
In order to choose the appropriate preventative maintenance measures, it is crucial to learn where rust in water pipes begins. Some of the most prevalent reasons for rust to form in water pipes are as follows:
The oxygen is present for a lengthy period of time in contact with the metal pipes (along with moisture).
Humidity, temperature, and salinity are all elements that can increase rust formation in metal pipes.
Rust can form over time on any iron or iron alloy, including nickel and steel. Any iron-containing metal is susceptible to the rusting process.
Should you seek out an emergency plumber?
When dealing with a corroded water pipe, it is best to call a plumber or plumbing service that is available around the clock. A large part of an emergency plumber’s job description is already implied by the name: they fix broken plumbing. If you ignore the rust in your water pipes, it could lead to a burst pipe or a major leak if the corrosion isn’t addressed. There’s corrosion in the water pipes if there’s rust.
That’s why it’s critical to address any plumbing issues, no matter how small or large they may seem, to forestall the recurrence of the same issue. Rusty water is an indication that your water pipes need to be repaired immediately, which is important because repairing damaged pipes can be costly.