Detecting a Corroded Water Pipe

Water pipes may be sturdy, but that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. The passage of time can cause a water pipe to begin corroding and rusting, creating a leak and leading to health issues. Here’s how to detect if your water pipes are corroding so that you can fix the problem before it worsens.

Testing Your Water

The quality of your water will suffer if your pipes corrode. Here are a few ways to tell:

  • Your water might be off-color, such as brown, blue, or green.
  • It may smell like metal.
  • It might taste bad — copper pipes will make your water taste metallic, and lead pipes will taste sweet.

Another way you can test your water is to see if the pressure is too low, which can mean corrosion is causing clogs in your pipes. You may also have water temperature fluctuations if your hot water pipes have been corroded.

Checking the Outside of Your Pipes

If you have access to check your pipes, then doing so can reveal a lot. Pipes that are suffering from corrosion may be discolored or warped. You can check for sediments or stains around the area if you notice any tiny leaks.

Listening for Noises

Noisy pipes don’t always mean corroded pipes, but corroded pipes can be rather noisy. If you hear your pipes making banging or rattling noises, it might be because of a rusty sediment buildup or corroded metal bits carried around by the water.

Get in Touch With the Professionals

If you’re concerned that your pipes are corroded, it’s a good idea to have a plumber come and inspect them. They can spot issues and repair your pipes before the damage spreads. Call BPI Plumbing for help repairing your corroded water pipes today.

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