Rusty Pipes Can Cause Blocked Drains & Flooding

How Rust Forms in Metal Pipes Over Time

Rust formation within cast iron and other metal rusty water pipes occurs through corrosion. When pipes are exposed to moisture, oxygen, and other elements over time, a rusty brown crust comes to form as water initiates the process. This process happens more quickly on iron and steel pipes commonly used in older plumbing systems.

The climatic conditions in Emu Plains are conducive to quick rust formation in drain lines. High humidity, rainfall, and hot summers in Emu Plains create the perfect conditions for accelerated corrosion. Even small cracks or scratches can occur in pipes, allowing water can also infiltrate and start the corrosion process.

In older homes, prolonged exposure can coat the interiors of pipes with a heavy layer of rust, affecting both supply lines and drains.

As rust flakes off, managing the emergence of brown water through the plumbing system becomes a concern, as it results in brown tap water from faucets and reduced water flow from corrosion your pipes endure. Accumulated rust in pipes can easily trap waste, requiring thorough cleaning to prevent serious blockages. Prompt detection and treatment of corrosion are essential to prevent further damage from blocked drains and avoid costly repairs.

Signs of Rust Buildup in Pipes

There are several early warning signs that rust is building up inside your pipes:

• Discoloured brown rusty water from your taps - This stained water is a clear sign that rust flakes are finding their way through your pipes.
• Low water flow and low water pressure - Rust can narrow the inside diameter of pipes significantly, potentially impairing water flow over time.
• Strange noises like banging or clanging when water is run as rust particles and flakes travel through pipes.
• Musty or metallic smell from your tap water from tap water due to corrosion.
• Leaky pipes caused by rust eating through metal.
• Higher utility bills from increased water usage to compensate for reduced pressure.

Identifying these early indicators is key to addressing rust, whether through pipe replacement or epoxy lining, which helps prevent damage and control repair costs. It’s recommended to use a hydro jet or occasionally caustic soda as a drain cleaner to locate leaks, particularly in Emu Plains homes older than 2 years.

How Rusty Pipes Contribute to Drain Blockages

Over time, rust accumulation creates a very rough surface inside home pipes. As rust flakes off, once they reach the jagged, corroded interior, it becomes one of the most common causes for catching all manner of debris like food waste. Food particles, soap scum, hair, and toilet paper get trapped, clogging the drain pipe and fostering mold mildew, forming a thick sludge that adheres within down your interior surfaces.

This continuous buildup can eventually result in a blocked drain, reducing the pipe’s capacity and hindering water flow. Initial minor clogs exacerbate the issue as backed up water sits stagnant like a neglected down toilet, hastening rust. The more corrosion, the narrower pipes get, and the more prone to blocking—a situation where a drain auger often becomes a necessary tool.

Should any refuse make its way further down the main sewer line, it snags effortlessly within these constrictive spots, ushering out your full or partial blockage.

Up to 60% of homes over 50 years old in Emu Plains are prone to significant rust accumulation in underground pipes, and addressing these water leaks is a task according to our service records. In some cases, intrusion from tree roots can impact galvanised pipes in residences built in the 70s and earlier, exposing these underground channels to corrosion and intrusive damage.

As sections of these ageing, corroded pipes eventually fail, chunks of rust dislodging once they travel downstream and water coming to leaks, it could be a lingering symptom. Discoloured water can trigger blockages in various areas of a household, including the kitchen sink to outdoor drains, sometimes even jeopardising the water main. such tasks, prompted by corrosion, pipes can lead to frequently clear blockages before they escalate into your sewer or indoor plumbing overflows.

Revamping extensively rusted pipe sections can be challenging but is considered the ultimate solution for a safe water supply. Yet, for less compromised sections, an epoxy coating acts as a smooth shield against the most common type of corrosion and debris buildup. This affordable upgrade not only prolongs the life of your sink pipes but also helps prevent future blockages.

Preventing Rust Buildup in Pipes

There are several key ways to help prevent rust buildup at your front yard tap and pipes:

• Avoid sending corrosive items into drain systems - Cooking oil, acids, bleaches, and abrasive cleaners can damage your plumbing and speed corrosion when you pour water down the drain.
• Pour hot water regularly - Let taps drip and run shower drain water/appliances that can use your hot water system at least twice a week if unused. Stagnant liquid, particularly in your water heater when it’s dormant, can also hasten corrosion that affects your drinking water quality.
• Insulate pipes properly - Ensure to insulate your exposed pipes properly to prevent condensation buildup and subsequent corrosion.
• Install pipe lining - Epoxy coatings create a smooth barrier which can only ideally prevent further rust and debris snags for a fraction of replacement cost.
• Replace severely corroded pipes - Beyond lining, old corroded sections of piping, with rust particles coming out your faucets, may need complete replacement.
• Expertise in using and maintaining drain cleaners can be beneficial. - Regular maintenance and actions like using lemon juice and baking soda mixtures can clear blocked sections and remove debris before serious blockages occur and examines pipes.

Emu Plains Plumbing offers:

• Comprehensive drain inspections identifying current/future rust issues.
• Epoxy pipe lining offers renewal for ageing pipes without the need to dig up your property.
• Pipe repairs/replacement providing permanent rust solutions.
• Offering our steadfast assurance on repairs to your water unit, encapsulating everything from minor adjustments to comprehensive overhauls.

Don’t ignore early signs of wear like rusty water, as this can lead to complete failure or significant plumbing issues due to corrosion. Proactive scheduling maintenance today can address the issues of blocked drains and avoid headaches.

Seeking Professional Help for Rusty Pipe Issues

If you notice persistent signs of rust buildup like discoloured water or reduced pressure despite DIY drain cleaning attempts, it is wise to seek a professional plumber’s assistance with plumbing problems. When tackling a potential leak, it’s crucial to locate the source; managing minor corrosion may be possible with preventive measures like sodium bicarbonate flushing, but significant rust accumulation requires professional intervention.

Here some of the best plumbing practices are used at Emu Plains Plumbing, where we specialise in detecting and resolving all manner of issues caused by corroded pipes. Our highly experienced, licenced technicians have seen the rust damage consistent humidity can cause across decades of properties in the region. We know how to accurately identify current and potential corrosion in your pipes through camera inspections before they become major headaches.

Where simpler epoxy lining is unsuitable, we handle complete water pipe replacements with minimal fuss. Our Iron Clad Guarantee provides peace of mind on all rust-related repairs to your drain pipes. Embracing a proactive stance, we configure long-lived maintenance strategies based on what need arises, particularly where the threat of corrosion persists.

Don’t tolerate brown water from taps, clogged pipelines, or surprise drain blockages for extended periods. As rust experts servicing Emu Plains for over 25 years, we have the knowledge and tools to overhaul your plumbing system. So please call our friendly team today to book a comprehensive inspection or discuss the right solutions for your home.