7 Signs of Pipe Corrosion

Corroded pipes are a plumbing problem that can lead to more serious problems. Pipe corrosion occurs when old metal pipes get rusted on the inside from years of water flow. The metal begins to break down and will eventually leak or even burst. A burst pipe can cause serious water damage, and a chronic leaky pipe could be causing damage you’re not even aware of.

Would you rather prevent water damage from corroded pipes before it occurs? Look for these 7 signs of pipe corrosion from experienced commercial plumbers who have seen them many times before.

1. Discolored water. When you first turn on the water in the morning, is it brown, blue, or green? Water that has been sitting in corroded pipes all night will take on the color of the corrosion. Steel or iron pipes produce brown water and copper pipes produce blue-green water.
2. Water has a smell. Does the water smell unusual? If it smells metallic, like iron or copper, your pipes are probably corroded and transferring metal to the water as it passes through.
3. Water tastes unusual. If you’re brave enough to taste the water. Water from corroded copper pipes will taste metallic and water from lead pipes may taste sweet. Lead pipes should definitely be replaced.
4. Poor water pressure. Is the water barely trickling out of faucets and elsewhere? Do you struggle to get enough water pressure to do basic tasks? This is a sign of corroded pipes that have built up enough corrosion and other particles to become partly clogged, leading to low water pressure.
5. One cause of leaky pipes is corrosion. If you have a chronic water leak somewhere that seems impossible to repair, your pipes may be corroded enough that there are holes. A serious leak with a lot of water could be due to a pipe that is so corroded that it has burst.
6. Unusual noises from the plumbing. Plumbing should be relatively quiet. Normal sounds include flowing water or trickling water. Loud noises like clanks, bangs, moans, gurgles, or any other unusual sounds are indicative of a problem, which could be corroded pipes.
7. Temperature fluctuations. Does the water seem to go quickly from warm to hot and back again? Hot water plumbing tends to corrode sooner than cold water plumbing. The corrosion builds up in the antiscald mechanisms in sinks and allows the temperature to fluctuate more drastically.

Save Your Building Now from Potential Damage Due to Corroded Pipes

If the plumbing in your building is showing any of the above signs, you may likely have some corroded pipes. Preventing water damage from leaky or burst pipes can save you thousands of dollars in damages, so it would be in your best interest to contact commercial plumbers right away. An old building with metal pipes should have the plumbing inspected and possibly replaced.

Varney Inc. Commercial plumbers in Roanoke, VA can inspect, repair, and replace your plumbing if you suspect you have corroded pipes. Call (540) 343-0155 today to schedule an appointment or request service.