Strange Stains and My Plumbing System

When your plumbing system runs smoothly, you will not notice any excess water in your home. However, if you see stains, this could be water damage, indicating there may be a leak somewhere in your system.

While these stains could stem from a plumbing problem, they could also be caused by other moisture concerns. Guardian Plumbing Services, a team of expert plumbers serving the Annapolis, MD area, describes several types of water stains you may find in your home and what issues they could signify.

Stains on the Ceiling

If you look up to your ceiling and notice a brownish stain there, this could be a sign of water that has seeped into this area, evaporated, and left discoloration behind. If this issue stems from plumbing concerns, such as a leaking pipe, you should contact your plumber immediately for emergency repairs.

However, the moisture could come from other sources, including faulty roofing, condensation in the attic, or caulking issues near a shower, toilet, tub, or sink. Your plumber can help you target the problem and fix it before more structural damage can occur.

Colored Water Stains Near Plumbing

Stains may also develop near plumbing sources, such as drains and exposed pipes. Though these may not always signify a plumbing emergency, it can help to understand the causation of certain kinds of stains.

If you notice white stains that may seem spotty in appearance, this could be due to mineral build-up in the water supply, also known as hard water. If you notice deposits of this kind, you should clean them routinely to avoid damaging your water heater or other plumbing fixtures. Your plumber can evaluate the area to determine if you may have a water treatment issue.

Stains that are red or orange in color could indicate a higher iron content in the water in this area. This could point to a reaction of the water with metal, such as a drain stopper, so you should clean these stains carefully. It could also occur due to your water supply, so you should monitor this situation closely.

Expert Plumbing Services Available in Annapolis, MD

Guardian Plumbing offers emergency repairs and maintenance work for commercial and residential plumbing systems in the Annapolis, MD area. If you notice leaks or other plumbing concerns, call your local plumber. To get a quote for your plumbing job or project, contact our staff online or reach our office by phone at 301.685.5017.