Lately has the water from your tap been an odd colour? Is there a noise to your pipes you are not accustomed to? You may be left to wonder if that dampness under the sink is of no consequence or the precursor to something more serious.
For those of us on the coast, such things are of greater import than the average homeowner would think. We at Ace’s Plumbing put our experience to work for families and businesses in Hilton Head and the wider Lowcountry to shield them from the insidious damage corroded pipes can inflict. A licensed and insured professional is on the other end of (843) 929-5721 when you want to discuss it.
The kind of plumbing found here has to contend with salt air, humidity and the soil; it is not easy on the system. But before a pipe gives out, corrosion will typically put up some telltale signs. Being aware of them is the best way to avoid having to deal with bad drinking water or the cost of extensive repairs.
Why Lowcountry Pipes Corrode Faster
There is no denying the appeal of coastal living, yet it presents challenges an inland home does not have to put up with. The metal in your pipes is hastened to its demise by the moisture in the ground and the salt in the air. In Bluffton, Beaufort or Hilton Head one will find older homes with plumbing put in place decades ago, in an era prior to today’s materials.
Corrosion is a slow thing, but it will eventually wear down the walls of your pipes from both sides until they are thin and leaky. All too often the damage is already well advanced by the time a homeowner sees fit to act. Hence the need to heed early warnings.
Discolored or Strange-Tasting Water
A change in the water is what most people put down as the first sign. Metal from the pipes can make its way into your supply. Be on the lookout for:
- Brown, yellow or reddish water
- Something metallic on your palate from the tap
- Stains being left behind on your laundry or in the tub
- Cloudiness in the water that will not go away in a few seconds
- An uncharacteristic smell from the faucet
Do not put off dealing with it if the water is not right in appearance or taste. Discoloration is frequently the first indication that your pipes are corroding.
Low or Uneven Water Pressure
As corrosion takes its toll the interior of the pipe is constricted and the water has difficulty making its way through. You will see it in a lacklustre shower or a sink that is slow to fill, or perhaps good pressure in one room and none in another. There can be other reasons for low pressure though, so it requires someone with the training to determine if corrosion is to blame. Early detection will keep the repair simple and affordable.
Visible Signs on the Pipes Themselves
Make a point of inspecting any plumbing on display in your basement, utility area or under the sink. Exposed pipes do not hide their problems. Check for green or blue staining on copper, a rough or flaky surface, rust, dimples or pits in the metal, discoloration at the fittings, or any dripping from a worn spot. If you see any of this, let a pro have a look at it before it turns into a burst pipe.
Frequent Leaks and Water Stains
Anyone can have a leak once in a while. Recurring ones are a different matter and suggest your plumbing is giving in from within. Warped floors, peeling paint, musty odours or stains on the wall and ceiling are all evidence of hidden moisture and pipes that are not holding up.
Rising Water Bills
You have not been using more water but the bill has gone up? Corroded pipes are prone to minute leaks that run day and night. An unexplained rise in your bill is something to look into.
When to Call a Professional
You should not be guessing when it comes to corrosion. The prudent course is to engage a licensed plumber to put your system through its paces. Our veteran-owned company is known for honest work and we have over 40 years of experience between us. We provide free estimates and flat-rate pricing, no hidden fees, and a 100 per cent satisfaction guarantee.
Prevent a small matter from turning into a flood. For protection of your Lowcountry home, get in touch with Ace’s Plumbing. We are open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, call (843) 929-5721.
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