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As a child, you may have been told to wear shoes and avoid rusted metal—that’s because rust has long been associated with blood-borne pathogens, like Clostridium tetani, a bacteria that produces tetanus (lockjaw). As such, you might be surprised to learn most water pipes in the U.S. are made with iron—a material that rusts when exposed to oxygen. Since oxygen is in every molecule of water (H²O), plumbing fixtures frequently have rust. Here’s an overview of what you could encounter if you use aged waterlines with rust buildup.

3 Risks of Drinking From Rusty, Aged Waterlines

aged waterline1. Nasty Taste

After years of use, you can start to taste rust buildup in your tap water. Most people describe the taste as “metallic” or “coppery,” but some people also register a taste that’s similar to salt. In general, the water is unpleasant and could interfere with your cooking.

2. Frequent Leaks

Rust weakens the integrity of metal, so aged waterlines are more likely to crack and leak. A leaking waterline or plumbing fixture can produce flooding, water damage in your home, and stubborn mold infestations. 

3. Rust Stains

Rust looks red or orange, and when your water contains traces of rust, the material will discolor your clothes, sink, and tub base. You might be able to remove the rust stains with a hydrofluoric or oxalic acid solution, but the process can be time-consuming and yield imperfect results. The best solution is usually to install a water filtration system to eliminate rust exposure from the onset.

Aged waterline4. Illness

Uninhibited accumulation of rust can spur the bacteria growth inside the waterline. If Coliform bacteria appears, your family will be at risk of contracting gastrointestinal problems such as nausea and diarrhea. They may also get frequent headaches or feel unusually tired. If your family seems to feel better when they are away from home, have your water tested and schedule a pipe inspection.

 

To protect your family from the dangers of rusty, aged waterlines, get in touch with Hano Naka of Honolulu, HI. They help residential and commercial clients around the island live healthier with Japanese-designed water filtration systems. To learn more about their safe water technology, visit their website. If you have any questions or want a demonstration, call (808) 596-2555 today.

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