What You Need to Know About Corroded Pipes (and How a Home Warranty Can Help)

Let’s be honest for a second—plumbing issues are the absolute worst. One day your sink drains like a dream, and the next you’re ankle-deep in mystery water. If you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably heard whispers about “corroded pipes” and how they can wreak havoc in your home. But what does that actually mean? Is it something you need to worry about now or five years from now? This post will walk you through what corroded pipes are, how they work (or stop working), when to worry, what you can do about them, and how a home warranty like Armadillo’s can come in swinging when you need backup the most.

What Are Corroded Pipes, and Why Should You Care?

Pipes corrode. It’s just what they do over time. Basically, corrosion is a chemical reaction, usually between the metal pipes and water or air. If you’ve got older pipes—like the ones made of galvanized steel, iron, or even copper—they’re more prone to corrosion after decades of water flowing through. Water picks up little bits of minerals or chemicals depending on your supply, and before long, your pipes are not as slick as they once were. Add in a little oxygen (from air getting into your plumbing, which can definitely happen), and you’ve got the perfect recipe for inner pipe decay. The result? Leaks, restricted water flow, discoloration, and sometimes a pipe that gives up entirely.

How Pipe Corrosion Starts

The tricky part is you usually can’t see it coming—not until it’s pretty far along. Corrosion usually starts small, from the inside out. Minerals build up inside your pipes, roughen the interior surfaces, and react with the metal. Your water might start to taste off, or you’ll see brown or reddish tint when you fill the tub or sink. That tint? That could be rust. And rust means the protective layer inside your pipes has broken down. Over time, the weakened spots can leak or burst. Not an ideal Saturday surprise.

Common Signs of Corroded Pipes

So how can you tell if your pipes are corroding? Besides weird water color or metallic taste, you might notice low water pressure in certain areas of the house—typically not everywhere if just a section is affected. Look for occasional leaks under sinks or in visible piping areas. And if your home is older (we’re looking at you, 1970s and earlier), there’s a chance galvanized pipes were used. Those were sturdy back then, but they really don’t age gracefully. Honestly, it’s kind of like wearing bell bottoms in 2024—nostalgic, sure, but not super functional.

What Could Happen If You Ignore It

Letting corrosion run its course? Big mistake. Over time, corroding pipes can cause full-scale plumbing failure. Imagine waking up to a soaked ceiling or walls because a pipe gave out behind the drywall. Water damage is not only a hassle, it’s expensive. Mold can follow—which opens the door to even more costs. Plus, deteriorating pipes can affect your water quality and even pose health risks in severe cases. So yeah, ignoring corrosion is the kind of gamble that rarely pays off. Just something to think about when you’re deciding whether that slightly pink-tinted water is quirky or concerning.

Repair vs. Replacement: What Are Your Options?

Okay, you think your pipes might be corroded—now what? The fix depends on the extent of the problem. If it’s an isolated leak or a small section, a licensed plumber can usually replace that portion of the pipe. But if the corrosion is widespread, like throughout your whole home’s plumbing system, full repiping might be in order. That can mean taking out walls and ceilings, replacing every inch of pipe in your home, and that’s…well, it’s a lot. Not just in terms of logistics, but in cost. Repiping can set homeowners back thousands, maybe even tens of thousands. Not exactly the weekend project you had in mind.

How Home Warranties Come Into Play

This is actually where a home warranty steps out of the shadows and earns the spotlight. For homeowners with a home warranty plan that covers plumbing systems, issues caused by regular wear and tear—like corrosion—may be covered under the plan. That means if a pipe springs a leak due to corrosion, you could be looking at a significantly reduced out-of-pocket repair cost. Instead of calling around desperately trying to find a plumber last-minute (during holiday weekend rates, no less), your home warranty provider connects you with trusted pros. Armadillo’s plans, for instance, offer plumbing coverage that can help protect against surprises like these, tackling repairs or replacements that might otherwise blow your budget into smithereens.

Why Armadillo Is Your Corrosion-Fighting Companion

Look, stuff happens. Pipes age, corrosion creeps in, issues arise when you least expect them. The good news? You don’t have to navigate it alone. At Armadillo, we believe in simple, no-drama home warranty coverage that works when you need it most. Our plans are built for today’s homeowners—straightforward, online-friendly, and designed to minimize stress while maximizing protection. If you’re worried about aging pipes or just want the reassurance of having a backstop in place, we’ve got options you’ll want to look at. Learn more about Armadillo’s flexible plans at armadillo.one, or hop directly into our super easy sign-up process at our plan builder tool. Either way, we’re here to help keep the water flowing—and not dripping out of your ceiling.