Discoloured Water
Discoloured Water | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Newcomb
Brown, rusty or milky water coming from the tap is more than an eyesore—it’s a warning sign that your home’s plumbing is corroding from the inside out. At HEP, our Newcomb-based team pinpoints the source of discolouration, flushes contaminants, and replaces ageing galvanised or poly pipes with modern, long-life materials. You’ll notice the difference immediately: crystal-clear water, stronger pressure, and complete confidence that every glass you pour is safe.
Our certified plumbers handle everything from targeted pipe repairs to full pipe upgrades designed for decades of trouble-free performance. We work quickly, keep disruption to a minimum, and tidy up before we leave, so the only thing you’re left with is pure water and peace of mind. Book today and restore clarity to every drop in your home.
FAQs
What are the most common reasons for discoloured tap water in Newcomb?
The brown, yellow or reddish tint you occasionally see is normally caused by rust particles or mineral sediment that break loose inside ageing galvanised or cast-iron pipes. Many homes in Newcomb were built before the 1980s and still rely on these older lines, which corrode over time. Mains flushing by Barwon Water, recent plumbing work in your street, or a sudden change in flow direction can also stir up settled sediment and make the water look dirty.
How does upgrading my pipes fix the discolouration problem?
Replacing corroded galvanised or cast-iron lines with modern copper, PEX or poly pipes removes the internal rust scale that discolours water. New pipes have smooth, corrosion-resistant walls so sediment can no longer accumulate and flake off into your drinking supply. In most Newcomb houses, a full or partial re-pipe instantly restores clear water, improves pressure and extends the life of fixtures and appliances that were being stained by rusty water.
What pipe materials do you recommend for Newcomb homes and why?
We generally recommend Type B copper for above-ground runs because it handles Victoria’s water chemistry well and can last 50 + years. For concealed or under-floor sections we often specify PEX-A with protective sleeving; it is flexible, fast to install and resistant to local soil conditions. Where budget is a priority, we may use PN16 polyethylene for cold-water mains. All materials we install meet AS/NZS 3500 and WaterMark certification, ensuring long-term safety and compliance.
Will a whole-house pipe upgrade leave me without water for days?
No. We stage the work so you are rarely without water for more than 2–4 hours at a time. Our team installs the new pipe network alongside the existing one, switches over fixture by fixture, and then decommissions the old lines. For most three-bedroom Newcomb homes the job is completed within two working days, and we schedule the brief shut-offs at times that suit your household. We also provide temporary kitchen and bathroom connections if needed.
What does a typical pipe replacement cost in Newcomb and are there rebates?
Pricing depends on house size, accessibility and material choice, but most single-storey homes fall between $4,800 and $8,500 GST-inclusive for a complete re-pipe. Partial upgrades that target only the problem sections can be as low as $1,200. While there are currently no state rebates for internal plumbing, some insurers will reimburse part of the cost if discoloured water has already damaged fixtures. We supply detailed written quotes and help you document the issue for possible claims.
How urgent is it to act when my water turns brown and what steps should I take first?
Brief discolouration after street works or hydrant flushing usually clears in a few minutes: run the front garden tap until it’s clear, then check internal taps. Persistent staining, metallic taste, reduced flow or pin-hole leaks are signs that the internal pipes are badly corroded and should be replaced soon to avoid bursts and water damage. Take photos of the discoloured water, call your water authority to rule out a mains fault, and then arrange a plumbing inspection so we can pressure-test the lines and give you upgrade options.