6 Smart Ways to Clear Rust in Water Pipes

If you’ve ever turned on the kitchen tap for a glass of water, only for that water to come out brown, you’ve experienced the unpleasant effects of rusty water pipes. But rust in water pipes affects more than just your plumbing system. It discolours tap water, reduces water pressure and leaves behind an unpleasant metallic taste.

If you notice brown stains forming in your sink, feel sediment building up in your shower or notice visible rust on exposed pipes, treat them as the red flags (or in this situation, the reddish-brown flags) they are.

Rusty water is a warning sign, not just an eyesore. Take action now to protect your drinking water, prevent further damage to your pipes and maintain an overall efficient plumbing system. Here are 6 practical ways to do just that.

1. Flush Your Plumbing System

Start simple. A full system flush helps clear minor rust issues in water pipes at an early stage, before corrosion worsens.

Run your outdoor garden tap closest to your water meter, or the kitchen cold water tap, for about two minutes. This should flush out much of the rust particles, iron oxide and sediment buildup lingering in your pipes.

Contact your water supplier if the problem persists. If it’s only your hot water that is discoloured, the problem likely lies with your hot water system.

It’s important to note that flushing your plumbing system won’t necessarily address pipe corrosion deep inside the walls. However, it can restore flow from your water mains and improve water quality in the short term. And this is a good start.

Installing a filtration system for the entire house is an effective way to catch rust in water pipes before it reaches your plumbing fixtures.

These filters remove all kinds of nasties from your water supply, including iron, sediment and other contaminants. Choose a WaterMark-certified filter that complies with Australian Standard AS/NZS 4020. Make sure the unit is appropriately rated for iron and sediment.

Now, this won’t necessarily completely fix your rusty pipes. However, it will protect your taps, water heater and cold water supply from further extensive damage. It also improves the taste, colour and smell of your drinking water.

If rust forms on exposed galvanised or steel sections of your pipes, it’s an obvious sign of rust in water pipes. Thankfully, you can remove this light surface corrosion. Just follow these tips:

• Always wear gloves and eye protection.
• Use a wire brush or fine sandpaper to clean only sound metal.
• Avoid touching any joints, any damp areas or signs of weeping.
• After cleaning to sound metal, dry thoroughly, then apply a rust-inhibiting metal primer and paint.

Note that this method applies to galvanised or steel pipes only; it doesn’t apply to copper, chrome or plastic pipes. It also won’t fix internal corrosion or even small leaks, but it can slow further rust until a licensed plumber replaces the affected section.

When rust builds up in water pipes and causes permanent damage, the best solution is pipe replacement. It may be a costly solution in the short term, but it will prove to be a cost-effective solution in the long term.

Replace sections of metal pipes, like galvanised steel or cast iron, with copper or PEX, which resist corrosion and have a longer lifespan. This stops further rusting, removes the risk of discoloured water and gets your plumbing system back to normal.

A licensed plumber can replace failed galvanised or cast iron with copper or PEX to AS/NZS 2492, pressure-rated for water services. They’ll also ensure your upgrades meet AS/NZS 3500 standards.

In regions of Australia notorious for having hard water, calcium and magnesium build up on the pipe’s surface and trap moisture. This speeds up the rusting process.

Installing a water softener prevents rust in water pipes by lowering the mineral content in the water supply. While it doesn’t remove existing corrosion, it protects your plumbing system from further damage and keeps your water heater and appliances running longer.

Check your local water supplier’s report to see if your home has hard water.

6. Book Regular Plumbing Maintenance

We’ve all heard the saying that prevention is better than cure, and regular maintenance from a licensed plumber is one of the most effective ways to prevent rust in water pipes.

In hard-water areas, a water softener reduces scale that can encourage corrosion deposits. It does not fix rust by itself. Test hardness and iron levels first. If iron is present, use a filter designed for iron reduction, and have a licensed plumber install any softener with the right valves and backflow protection.

Preventative maintenance and routine checks keep you ahead of leaks and corrosion, and ensure work aligns with your state plumbing law and the AS/NZS 3500 standards.

So far, we’ve looked at six ways to address rusty water pipes. When it comes to rust in water pipes, do not:

• Ignore rusty brown water or any metallic taste.
• Drink visibly discoloured or smelly tap water.
• Cover up rust or corrosion with sealants.
• Scrape rust from your pipes without wearing safety gear.
• Mix or misuse rust-removing chemicals
• Treat pipes carrying drinking water without proper products
• Put off essential repairs if corrosion or pipe damage appears

These mistakes can damage your plumbing system or contaminate your drinking water. Always follow safe practices and get professional help when needed.

Always Use a Licensed Plumber

For many, the temptation to go full DIY when addressing rust in water pipes can be strong. Especially if they possess a little do-it-yourself prowess. Some of the methods we looked at above are certainly DIY-friendly. But for some solutions, like filter installation and pipe replacement, you will need a licensed plumber. It’s a legal requirement in Australia.

A licensed plumber can address the root cause of your plumbing problems, check for pipe corrosion, test water pressure (whether high or low water pressure) and replace old pipes.

Unlicensed alterations or additions to plumbing pipes by a DIY enthusiast, whether it’s yourself or someone else, can incur significant penalties. It can also cause severe water damage that you may not be able to claim on your home and contents insurance.

Whether you need to remove rust particles, restore your hot water supply or prevent rust from forming, a licensed expert will keep your system safe, clean and compliant with Australian plumbing standards.

Say Goodbye to Rust in Your Pipes

In addition to giving you unpleasantly brown water coming from your taps, rust in water pipes can damage fixtures, restrict water flow and reduce water quality.

Whether you flush the system, replace rusted sections or install filters and softeners, you’ve got options. Address rust early before it causes frequent clogs, leaks or pipe replacement.

If you’re not sure where to start, or the problem persists, or you choose an approach that falls under the category of “regulated plumbing work”, call a licensed plumber. Clear pipes mean clean water, fewer plumbing problems and peace of mind every time you turn on the tap.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “6 Smart Ways To Clear Rust In Water Pipes”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.