Ever take a sip of tap water and wonder about a weird taste? If your tap water tastes weird or is discolored, there's a good chance it's because of your plumbing.
It essentially comes down to one problem: the pipes are corroding. But depending on the type of pipes in your home, problems can range from staining your appliances to severe health concerns.
- Galvanized pipes, used in homes built before the 1960s, are steel pipes with a protective layer of zinc. The zinc erodes from the pipes over the years, which leads to discoloration and low water pressure.
- Copper pipes, used in homes since 1963, are the most widely used for plumbing. However, copper pipes also have corrosion problems and can lead to pinhole leaks.
- Polybutylene pipes, used in homes built between 1970 and mid-1990s, have led to numerous class action suits in both the United States and Canada. The pipes, when exposed to chlorinated water, corroded and led to leaks.
Ultimately, if you start to taste something unusual in your tap water, it is important to have a licensed plumber look at the pipes. While it may not be severe, it is imperative to take proper precautions when it comes to your water supply. For more information, call David Gray Plumbing at (904) 605-8190.