The Signs And Causes Of Corrosion In Your Pipes That Your Plumber Looks Out For | Mansfield, TX

Rusty water out of the tap is the first thing most homeowners notice, and it is corroded pipes announcing themselves. Left alone, corrosion thins the pipe wall until it leaks, stains, or bursts. Six signs give you warning first, and every one of them is visible from inside your Mansfield, TX home.

Key Points

• Rusty water, low pressure, leaks at fixtures, a metallic taste, mold at pipe joints, and brown or yellow buildup are the six signs
• Acidic water, chemical drain cleaners, outdoor exposure, and design flaws are the four common causes
• Corrosion is one of the leading causes of pipe failure
• Ignored corrosion leads to burst pipes, structural damage, staining, and full system breakdown
• Regular maintenance checks, proper installation, corrosion resistant materials, and water quality monitoring prevent it

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Corroded pipes are a serious issue for the health and safety of your home. Untreated corrosion damages your pipes and your home’s infrastructure, and corrosion is one of the leading causes of pipe failure. Here are the signs, the causes, and how to protect your home from this costly problem.

6 Warning Signs of Corroded Pipes

A few key signs tell you your pipes are starting to corrode. They include the following.

Rusty Water From the Tap

We have all seen rusty water come out of the tap. It does not look appealing, and it usually does not cause alarm. In most cases rusty water is the result of corroded pipes. Over time the pipes carrying water to our homes break down and leach rust into the water supply. This is not harmful to your health, and it does indicate your pipes need repair or replacement. If you notice rusty water coming from your taps, call a plumber in Mansfield, TX for an inspection.

Low Water Pressure at Every Fixture

If you have struggled to get water out of your shower head or had a sprinkler that could not reach the end of the driveway, you know low water pressure. Various factors cause it, and corrosion in your pipes is a common one. Over time the water flowing through metal pipes corrodes them, which builds up rust and sediment. That buildup restricts water flow and drops your pressure. If corroded pipes are behind your low pressure, call a plumber. A plumber diagnoses the problem and recommends the best action, whether that is repairing or replacing your pipes. Widespread deterioration is what whole home re-piping is for.

Leaks in the Pipes or Around Faucets and Fixtures

A small drip from a faucet does not seem like cause for concern, and it points to a much bigger problem: corroded pipes. Over time the water running through your pipes wears away the metal and the pipes deteriorate slowly. Mineral deposits and acidic water accelerate the process, and both are common in many homes. As the pipes thin, they leak, which brings water and structural damage with it. Call a plumber in Mansfield, TX immediately if you notice any leaks, no matter how small. Our pipe leak repair team handles both the leak and the corroded section behind it.

Metallic Taste in Your Water

A metallic taste in your water is another common sign of corroded pipes. It happens when dissolved metals in the water leach out and make it taste unpleasant. Take action quickly if you notice this, because corrosion causes significant damage to your pipes. Contact a plumber who can replace your pipes and prevent further damage. In the meantime, a water filter improves the taste.

Mold or Mildew Growth Near Pipe Joints

Many homeowners do not know that mold or mildew growth near pipe joints signifies corroded pipes. Corrosion degrades the sealing material around the pipe joints, which lets water leak out. If you notice mold or mildew growth in your home, have a plumbing professional inspect your pipes as soon as possible. Corroded pipes lead to leaks and water damage, and in some cases inhaled mold or mildew causes health problems. Have a plumber inspect your pipes if you see any growth, and you avoid costly repairs and keep your home safe and healthy. Hidden moisture behind a wall calls for plumbing leak detection rather than guesswork.

Brown or Yellow Covering On the Pipes

If you have noticed a brown or yellow covering on the pipes outside your home, have an expert look at it. That is a sign of corrosion, and it means your pipes are at risk of leaking. Treating corrosion with a pipe cleaner is possible, and a professional plumber should assess the situation and confirm your pipes are in good condition.

4 Causes of Corroded Pipes

Many factors cause pipes to corrode. The most common include the following.

Acidic Water

Acidic water is one of the most common causes of corroded pipes. Highly acidic water eats away at the metal of your pipes, which makes them thin and weak. Over time that leads to leaks and complete pipe failure. If you suspect your water is acidic, contact a plumber as soon as possible. They test the pH of your water and recommend how to neutralize it.

In some cases a water filter solves the problem. In others, your water needs professional treatment. Either way, act quickly to prevent further damage to your pipes.

Chemical Drain Cleaners

Many people use chemical drain cleaners to clear clogged drains. These chemicals cause pipe corrosion and expensive damage. One way it happens is that the chemicals eat away the protective coating on the pipes, which leaves them vulnerable to corrosion.

The harsh chemicals also damage the seals and gaskets that prevent leaks. As a result, plumbers often see an increase in customers with corroded pipes after heavy rains or storms. Chemical drain cleaners look easy, and they cause more harm than good. Contact a professional plumber in Mansfield, TX to clear your drains instead.

Exposure to Outdoor Elements

Exposure to outdoor elements is one of the most common causes of pipe corrosion. Metal pipes are susceptible because they sit in constant moisture and fluctuating temperatures. Over time the metal breaks down and small holes and cracks form.

Design Flaws

Design flaws are often to blame for corrosion problems. Poorly designed pipes lack enough support or are made from materials incompatible with the water supply. Faulty installation contributes too. If pipes are not properly secured, they rub against each other, and that friction accelerates corrosion. Design flaws also allow rust and other deposits to build up, which speeds the process further.

What Happens If You Ignore Corroded Pipes

Most people do not think about corrosion until it causes a major problem. Ignoring corrosion on or in your pipes puts your home at risk. Here are the dangers.

Burst Pipes

One danger of ignoring corrosion is a burst pipe. It happens when water pressure builds up behind a blockage in the pipe and the extra pressure ruptures it. A burst pipe causes serious flooding and damages your home or business premises in Mansfield, TX.

Burst pipes are one of the most common plumber callouts, so know the signs of corrosion and have a plumber run regular maintenance checks. If you think you have a corrosion problem, contact a plumbing professional for advice.

Structural Damage

Ignoring corrosion leads to serious structural damage. As plumbers, we see the effects of water damage caused by corroded pipes regularly. In some cases the damage is severe enough that the entire structure must be replaced. In others, corrosion leads to leaks that let water seep into the surrounding soil, which buckles and collapses the foundation. Either way, the consequences are costly and dangerous. Have a plumber check your pipes regularly for signs of corrosion, because catching problems early avoids serious damage.

Staining Clothing and Fixtures

Corrosion causes staining on clothing and fixtures. It happens when the metal in the pipes reacts with the water to form a rusty colored deposit. That deposit transfers to clothing or fixtures and leaves unsightly stains. Some of those stains are difficult to remove and cause permanent damage.

Complete Breakdown of Your Plumbing System

Ignoring corrosion on your plumbing pipes leads to a complete breakdown of your system. Over time corrosion eats away at the pipes until they weaken and collapse. That means a full system breakdown and widespread damage to your home. Sometimes the only repair is replacing the affected pipes completely.

How to Stop Corrosion Before It Starts

If you are concerned about corrosion on or in your pipes, a few steps prevent it. Here are the tips.

Regular Maintenance Checks

One of the best ways to prevent corrosion is having a plumber run regular maintenance checks. Inspecting pipes for signs of rust or leaks identifies problem areas so you can address them before they cause major damage. Regular checks also catch potential problems before they cause corrosion at all, like leaks in joints or cracks in the pipe. A proactive approach extends your piping system’s life and avoids costly repairs later.

Proper Installation

Another way to prevent corrosion is making sure your pipes are properly installed, which is why hiring a professional plumber matters. Proper installation means using the right materials for the job and sealing the pipes correctly. Use the right size pipes for your needs too. A pipe that is too small increases water pressure, which strains the pipe and causes it to fail.

Use Corrosion-Resistant Materials

There are a variety of pipe materials to choose from. The most common include copper, PVC, and PEX. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. If corrosion concerns you, consider materials more resistant to it, such as stainless steel or PVC. Consult a plumber in Mansfield, TX to find which material suits your needs.

Monitor Water Quality

The quality of your water plays a role in corrosion. Hard water builds deposits on the inside of pipes, which leads to corrosion. If you are concerned about your water quality, have it tested by a professional plumber. Various water filters remove impurities from your water, which helps prevent corrosion. A water softener installation addresses hard water at the source.

Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals are one of the most common causes of corrosion. These include bleach, drain cleaners, and other household cleaners. When they contact metal pipes, they cause a chemical reaction that leads to corrosion. Use professional cleaning services or natural cleaners instead.

Insulate Pipe

Insulating pipes is one of the most common ways to deal with corrosion. It protects the pipes from the elements and keeps the contents at a consistent temperature. Several types of insulation are available. The best type depends on the climate, the pipes’ contents, and the severity of the corrosion. Consult a professional in Mansfield, TX to find the best option for your needs.

Let Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth Help

If you are concerned about corrosion on your pipes in Mansfield, TX, contact a professional. The plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth handle every pipe problem, including corrosion. We inspect your pipes and identify the cause. Then we work with you to find the best solution and prevent it from happening again.

Seeing rusty water or losing pressure? Corrosion does not reverse on its own. Contact our team today or call 817-983-7876. We answer 24/7, and if we are late, we pay you.