Nothing can destroy iron but rust. Rust is a reddish-brown oxide resulting in the catalysis of air moisture and water. Rusting is the corrosion of iron and its alloys such as manganese, nickel, and steel. Most pipes in the plumbing system among Australian households are made of iron and steel. That is why rust is a common problem in tap water. According to a licensed plumber for taps repair, there are several ways on how to remove rust from tap water. But first, let’s see how rust contaminates our tap water and what are its effects.
How Does Rust Contaminate our Tap Water?
Rust is commonly formed when oxygen in the air comes in contact with water. As air circulates in your water plumbing system, rust is likely to form and mix with the tap water supply. Some water sources may naturally contain iron as it can be found among rocks and soils. And when irons corrode, they form into rust that is mixed with water. This commonly happens for those with the water supply coming from underground wells. Traditional plumbing systems commonly used iron and steel pipes. As these pipes age, rust forms and leeches off in your pipes flowing with water that comes out in our taps.
Having your plumbing system inspected by plumbers for tap repairs can prevent rust contamination in your tap water system. Using CCTV, they can check any signs of aging, corrosion, and damages to your pipes. If they see rusting pipes, they will recommend an immediate replacement to prevent bigger problems.
What are the Effects of Rust in Tap Water?
As rust contaminates our tap water, its common effects are:
- A strange metallic taste in our tap water. This is because rust is an iron oxide and iron is a type of metal.
- Stains on your plumbing fixtures. Rust is a reddish-brown oxide. When they flow out in tap water and reach your plumbing fixture, the colour grows stronger as they come in contact with water. This results in stains in your kitchen sinks, tanks, and toilet bowls. Rusty water may also stain the clothes running in your washing machines.
- Water discolouration. One visible sign of rust in water is discolouration. Clean water is naturally clear. But when contaminated with rust, it turns into a brown or orange colour.
- You might also notice some small pieces of rust that float in the tap water.
How to Remove Rust on Tap Water?
Now that you have an idea of how rust contaminates your tap water and its effects, here are some ways on how to remove rust from tap water.
Filtration System
Some households install a filtration system to remove rust on tap water. The filters keep away the rust from entering the tap where you get your water supply. This method is commonly used by a household with an underground well as their water supply.
Water Softener
Using water softeners can also be one way to remove rust in tap water. They eliminate minerals in hard water including rust. The most common water softeners are salt-based. They convert rust into sodium to keep it away from tap water.
Pipe Replacement
Rust contamination in your tap water supply is most likely caused by broken, cracked, or old pipes. As such, you may need to call plumbers for tap repairs to do the replacement. The latest technology guarantees rust-free pipes for 50 to 100 years. This is through pipe relining.
