Is the water coming out of the tap at home or work looking rusty? Maybe it’s a brown or orange tinge, a strange taste, or sediment in glassware. While it might feel like a minor nuisance, rust coloured water is often a sign that something much more serious is happening behind the scenes. Pipe corrosion can affect water quality, health, and a home’s plumbing. Understanding the warning signs and knowing when to seek water supply replacement, drainage system replacement, or lead pipe replacement is crucial for long-term safety.

 

What Does Rust Coloured Water Mean?

Rust water gets its colour from iron particles and other minerals flaking off inside the pipes. Copper pipes, on the other hand, don’t ‘rust’ but can corrode and turn water blue-green. If the water is rusty only for a short time, it’s often due to a water main repair or disruption stirring up sediment. But if it’s persistent, it usually means the pipes are corroding from the inside out.

 

Why is Pipe Corrosion a Problem?

Corroded pipes aren’t just an eyesore; they can cause leaks, reduce water pressure, make a drainage system sluggish, and affect the taste and safety of your water. Corrosion breaks down pipe walls, sometimes leading to bursts or flooding if left unchecked. Plus, rust and corrosion allow more metals to seep into the drinking water, raising health concerns, especially for children and vulnerable adults. Lead leaching into drinking water is a serious health risk, and modern standards recommend full lead pipe replacement as soon as possible.

 

Common Causes of Rust Coloured Water

Corrosion is caused by several factors, primarily exposure to oxygen and moisture (like water or humidity), which initiates an electrochemical reaction with a metal. Other significant contributors include exposure to acids or salts, high temperatures, and the presence of dissimilar metals creating a galvanic effect.

 

Age of Pipes

Older iron, steel, or lead pipes in the water supply can naturally break down over time. After decades of service, they’re much more prone to flaking, leaks, and water discolouration.

 

Water Chemistry

Highly acidic or very alkaline water accelerates metal corrosion. High dissolved oxygen, minerals, or salt content can all make this worse.

 

Water Pressure and Flow

High water pressure, rapid flow, or turbulent water can increase physical wear, causing corrosion and pipe blockages.

 

Mixed Pipe Materials

When two different metals meet in the plumbing system, one will corrode more quickly, this is more common in older homes with patchwork repairs.

 

Bacteria and Contaminants

Certain bacteria produce acids that eat away at pipes, especially in areas with untreated water supplies.

 

When Should You Worry?

If rust coloured water persists after running your taps for several minutes, it’s worth paying attention and getting professional help. Water that remains discoloured and tastes strange may point to corrosion within the pipes. In homes with copper pipes, blue-green water can signal a different kind of corrosion, while anyone experiencing illness or irritation after drinking tap water should take this as a serious warning. All these signs suggest the plumbing system needs expert attention, and may even require water supply replacement or upgrades to the entire drainage system to restore safety and reliability.

 

What’s the Solution? 

If corrosion has taken hold, repairs alone may not help. Below we touch on how Absolute Leak Detection can help:

 

Water Supply Replacement

Replacing old supply pipes removes the source of rust and restores clean, safe water. Today’s modern plastic or copper pipes last longer and resist corrosion. We inspect, trace, and renew the supply with minimal disruption, often using moling to avoid digging up the  garden or driveway. This keeps water flowing smoothly and safely, with prompt service and honest prices.

 

Drainage System Replacement

Rust and scale from corroded pipes can migrate into the drainage system, causing slow drains, blockages, or sewage backups. Replacing drainage pipes ensures the entire plumbing system stays healthy. We use advanced leak detection and pipe repair methods tailored for both homes and businesses.

 

Lead Pipe Replacement

Homes built before the 1970s may still have hidden lead pipes. If discoloured water is found and the pipework is outdated, replacing all lead elements is simply the safest option. Our specialist engineers can diagnose and remove lead pipes, improving water quality and keeping the whole family safe.

 

Prevention Tips: Stay Ahead of Pipe Problems

To avoid rusty water and expensive repairs, we recommend following these tips:

  • Regular plumbing checks, especially in older properties.
  • Water quality testing for pH, mineral content, and lead.
  • Rapid professional assessment if the water is discoloured or odd-tasting.
  • Upgrading pipes before problems cause damage.
  • Keeping records of past repairs and pipe materials.

 

Is Your Water Rust Coloured?

Rust coloured water isn’t just an inconvenience, but it’s a signal the pipes need attention. Corrosion in the plumbing system affects everything from water safety to the risk of leaks and floods, especially in homes with older iron or lead pipes. Replacing the water supply pipes is often the best course of action when any of these issues are noticed.

At Absolute Leak Detection, we are here to help protect your family and home. Our advanced detection and treatment techniques ensure homes remain safe for years to come. Contact us today for more information and let our expert team get your taps running clear again, so you can enjoy safe, fresh water now and in the future.