Rusty Tastes
Rusty Tastes | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Sequatchie
When the water in your Sequatchie home starts leaving rusty stains in the sink or a metallic after-taste on your tongue, itâs a sign that your aging lines are crying out for help. HEPâs licensed plumbers replace corroded galvanized or polybutylene pipes with long-lasting PEX or copper, restoring clean, clear flow in a single, minimally invasive visit. Our pipe upgrades stop hidden leaks before they ruin drywall, protect water-using appliances, and instantly improve taste and odorâso your morning coffee tastes like coffee again, not a penny jar.
Serving the valley for more than two decades, we back every repipe with transparent pricing, tidy workmanship, and a rock-solid warranty. From the first pressure test to the final drywall patch, youâll enjoy prompt communication and white-glove care that respects both your schedule and your home. Ready to wash away the rust for good? Reach out today and feel the difference fresh plumbing can make.
FAQs
Why does my tap water in Sequatchie sometimes taste rusty or metallic?
A rusty or metallic taste is usually caused by elevated levels of dissolved iron or manganese in the water. In Sequatchie, the most common source is internal corrosion of aging galvanized-steel or cast-iron pipes. As these pipes corrode, iron particles flake off and dissolve into the water, altering taste, color, and odor. While municipal treatment removes most minerals at the plant, corrosion inside your own plumbing system can re-introduce them before the water reaches your faucet.
How do old pipes create the brown or orange discoloration I see in my water?
Galvanized and cast-iron pipes develop internal rust over time. When water sits in the linesâovernight or while youâre on vacationâthe rust oxidizes and forms iron oxide flakes. The moment you open a tap, those flakes are flushed out, giving the water a brown, orange, or yellow tint. Line pressure changes, such as turning the main valve off and on, can also dislodge rust scale and send a burst of discolored water through your fixtures.
What pipe materials do you recommend when upgrading, and why?
For most Sequatchie homes we suggest switching to either cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) or Type L copper: ⢠PEX: Flexible, wonât corrode, resists mineral buildup, and usually installs with fewer wall openingsâsaving time and drywall repairs. ⢠Copper: Time-tested, naturally antimicrobial, and can handle higher temperatures. Properly installed copper piping lasts 50+ years and adds resale value. Both options eliminate the iron corrosion problem, improve flow, and are certified to NSF standards for drinking water safety.
Will a pipe upgrade completely remove health risks and staining issues?
Yes. Replacing corroded pipes eliminates the primary source of rust particles, reducing the potential for elevated iron levels that can stain laundry, fixtures, and porcelain surfaces. It also removes the environment where biofilm and bacteria can accumulate inside rough, rusty pipe walls. After a full repipe and system flush, your water will run clear and taste clean, minimizing both aesthetic and health-related concerns.
How long does a whole-home pipe replacement take, and do I have to move out?
Most single-family homes in Sequatchie can be repiped in two to five days, depending on size and accessibility. We work in zones, so water is restored to parts of the home at the end of each workday. In 90% of projects, homeowners stay in the house with minimal disruption. After piping is installed, we schedule drywall repair and final paint touch-ups, usually adding another day or two.
What does a typical pipe upgrade cost in Sequatchie, and are financing options available?
Pricing varies by square footage, number of fixtures, and pipe material. As a ballpark, PEX repipes start around $4,500 for a two-bath, 1,200-sq-ft home, while larger copper projects can exceed $10,000. We provide free on-site evaluations and a detailed written estimate. To make the project affordable, we partner with local lenders to offer 0% promotional financing for up to 18 months or low-interest plans spread over five years.