Rusty-tasting Tap Water
Rusty-tasting Tap Water | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing
Nothing spoils a refreshing glass of tap water like that unmistakable metallic bite. If your faucets are pouring out rusty-tasting water, chances are the aging galvanized lines behind your walls are shedding iron and corroding from the inside out. HEP’s master plumbers trace, diagnose, and replace these damaged lines quickly, so you can get back to crystal-clear water, brighter laundry, and spotless fixtures.
Our pipe upgrades swap corroded pipes for modern, high-performance materials that resist mineral build-up for decades. We work neatly, section by section, minimizing wall damage and downtime while giving you a plumbing system that boosts flow, protects appliances, and adds value to your home. Reach out to HEP today and turn every sip from “ugh” to “ahh.”
FAQs
Why does my tap water taste rusty or metallic?
A rusty or metallic taste is usually caused by iron and other metals leaching into the water from corroded galvanized-steel or cast-iron supply lines. As the interior of an aging pipe breaks down, loose rust particles dissolve or flake off, altering both the flavor and color of the water. In some cases the corrosion is in your home’s plumbing; in others it is in the service line that connects your house to the municipal main. A simple water test will confirm iron levels and help identify the source.
What plumbing upgrades can eliminate rusty-tasting water?
The most reliable solution is to replace corroded iron or galvanized supply pipes with modern, non-corroding materials such as Type L copper or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). A partial repipe—changing only the worst sections—may offer short-term relief, but a full repipe from the water meter to every fixture guarantees long-term improvement. Many homeowners also take this opportunity to upgrade shut-off valves, add pressure-balancing fixtures, and install a whole-house sediment filter for extra protection.
How do I know if my pipes need to be replaced instead of repaired?
Warning signs include: (1) persistent rusty taste or brown/yellow tint even after faucet flushing; (2) visible rust flakes in aerators; (3) pinhole leaks or frequent repairs; (4) water-pressure drops when multiple fixtures run; and (5) pipes that are galvanized steel and more than 50 years old. If two or more of these symptoms are present, a licensed plumber will usually recommend a full repipe because isolated repairs won’t stop ongoing corrosion in the remaining pipe.
Are there any short-term fixes while I plan a full repipe?
Yes. You can: • Flush the first two to three minutes of cold water every morning to clear overnight buildup. • Remove and clean faucet aerators weekly to keep sediment from accumulating. • Install a point-of-use filter with an iron-reduction cartridge on critical taps. • Use only cold water for cooking and drinking; hot water accelerates corrosion in heaters and pipes. These steps won’t cure the problem, but they can improve taste and safety until the pipe upgrade is completed.
What pipe material should I choose for the upgrade—copper or PEX?
Both are excellent and code-approved. Copper is time-tested, naturally antimicrobial, and highly durable but costs more and requires more wall/ceiling access for soldered joints. PEX is flexible, installs quickly with fewer fittings (often through existing cavities), is resistant to scale buildup, and typically costs 20–40 % less in labor and materials. Your plumber will consider budget, local code, water chemistry, and installation logistics before recommending one or a combination of both.
How long will a whole-home repipe take and will I be without water?
A typical single-family home repipe takes 2–5 days. Plumbers usually rough-in the new system first, then switch over fixture by fixture, so your water is only shut off for a few hours on the final transition day. They’ll coordinate with you to minimize disruption—often restoring evening water service in multi-day projects. After the switchover, the crew will patch walls and perform a final flush to remove any installation debris, leaving you with clear, great-tasting water.