Rusty water pipes can be a huge pain, leading to low water pressure, frequent clogs, slow drainage, and more. But did you know they can cause even bigger issues, like contaminated water or hidden leaks that result in severe property damage?
Luckily, regular care and maintenance of your home’s plumbing system can help you prevent corrosion and rust buildup in your pipes. Here are our top 5 tips for keeping your pipes clear, clean, and safe.
What Causes Rusty Water Pipes?
Rusty pipes can be the result of several different issues, as metal pipes can corrode easily as they are exposed to different chemicals and substances. This deterioration is especially common in older homes where plumbing systems use outdated materials like galvanized pipes.
Simple things like highly acidic water, mineral buildup, and oxygen exposure can also lead to corroded pipes. Consistent plumbing care can help you identify and avoid these issues early on before they turn into big, costly projects.
How Do I Prevent Rusty Water Pipes?
These 5 tips will help you keep your pipes in good repair and avoid damage to the rest of your home.
1. Replace Galvanized Steel Pipes
Until the 60s, most homes were built with galvanized pipes because they were believed to be non-corrosive. However, as the galvanized coating wears away, it rusts from the inside. This can result in low water pressure and lead deposits in your water.
If your home still has galvanized pipes, it’s time to invest in more modern materials so you can extend the life of your plumbing and improve your water quality.
2. Install a Water Softener
Minerals like calcium and magnesium in hard water cause a chemical reaction with metal pipes, which speeds up the corrosion process, clogs up pipes, and decreases water pressure. A water softener can remove or neutralize these minerals before they enter your pipes, which increases their longevity. Your water will also be safer to drink and gentler on your skin and hair.
3. Adjust Water pH Levels
Due to the high concentration of hydrogen in acidic water, metal pipes are oxidized more quickly and begin to rust and break down over time. Test your water often to ensure your pH levels are around 6.5–8.5. Make adjustments as necessary to preserve your pipes and maintain safe water quality.
4. Practice Good Plumbing Care
The best way to prevent rusty water pipes is to be proactive—don’t wait until you have orange water running from your sinks or unexplainable leaks to start caring for your plumbing. Hire a plumber to perform maintenance on your system and schedule regular inspections to identify and resolve early signs of damage before they expand into larger, more expensive problems.
5. Flush Your Water Heater Regularly
The same hard water minerals that clog up your pipes also tend to settle in the bottom of your water heater, where they can build up and cause rust in both the heater and the pipes.
Regular maintenance, including flushing and cleaning the tank, can remove these minerals, extending the life of your heater and pipes, improving water quality, and controlling water pressure and temperature.
Protect Your Pipes with Bell Cow
At Bell Cow Service Company, we have everything you need to keep your pipes in good repair. From preventative maintenance and water quality control to plumbing inspections and water line replacements, you can count on us for meticulous care for your property, the best solution for your home, and a job well done. Schedule an appointment to steer clear of rusty water pipes.