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Living near the ocean is bliss—until the salty breeze starts nibbling at your plumbing. Tiny salt crystals settle on pipes, valves, and faucets, breaking down metal faster than normal. The good news: you can spot early warning signs and tackle corrosion before it turns into a costly flood. Here’s a homeowner‑friendly guide to what happens, what to watch for, and the easy fixes Budd’s offers.
Why Salt Attacks Your Plumbing
- Chloride Particles: Salt in the air clings to moist metal and speeds up rust.
- Extra Humidity: Coastal homes stay damp, giving corrosion more time to work.
- Mixed Metals: Older houses often have copper touching steel or brass, which corrodes faster when salt water sneaks in.
Think of it like tossing a metal beach chair into the surf—leave it long enough and it flakes apart. Pipes do the same, just hidden behind walls.
Five Early Warning Signs
- Blue‑green or rusty stains in sinks and tub drains.
- Tiny sprays or pin‑hole leaks when you wipe a pipe dry.
- Metallic taste in drinking water.
- Rust on outdoor spigots or the bottom of your water heater.
- Sudden drop in pressure from one faucet while others run fine.
Spot any of these? Time for a quick Budd’s inspection.
Hot‑Spot Zones for Corrosion
- Outdoor showers and hose bibs—salt spray and sun all day.
- Crawl‑space or basement pipes—always damp, rarely checked.
- Water‑heater connections—heat + minerals = faster rust.
- Vacation homes left unoccupied—no one notices small leaks early.
Simple Fix‑It Solutions
Switch to PEX or CPVC Lines
Modern plastic piping doesn’t rust and holds up well in salty air. Budd’s can replace problem sections or repipe the whole house in stages.
Install a Whole‑Home Water Filter or Softener
Less mineral build‑up means pipes and appliances last longer. Our service plans include annual filter changes so you don’t have to remember.
Add Crawl‑Space or Basement Dehumidifiers
Keeping humidity under 55 percent slows corrosion and mold. Budd’s offers units that drain automatically—no buckets to empty.
Upgrade Outdoor Fixtures
Swap old brass or steel spigots and shower heads for corrosion‑resistant versions. We’ll add shut‑off valves inside so you can winterize easily.
Schedule Yearly Plumbing Checkups
A quick look with a flashlight and moisture meter catches leaks before they ruin drywall. Budd’s membership program bundles these visits with discounts on repairs.
Real‑Life Fix—Avalon Beach Cottage
What happened: The owner noticed rusty streaks on an outdoor shower and low water pressure in the kitchen.
What Budd’s did:
- Replaced exposed copper with PEX.
- Added a whole‑home filter to cut minerals.
- Installed a small crawl‑space dehumidifier.
Result: Water pressure back to normal, no more rust stains, and insurance company approved a small premium drop for the preventive upgrades.
Quick Myth Busters
- “Stainless fixtures never rust.” Even stainless steel can “tea‑stain” near the shore—rinse and wipe them a few times a season.
- “City water prevents corrosion.” Municipal water still carries salt and oxygen; it just hides the damage longer.
- “If there’s no leak, I’m fine.” Pin‑holes can spray for weeks inside walls before you see a stain. Annual checks are cheaper than new drywall.
Why Budd’s Is Your Coastal Pipe Partner
- Salt‑Smart Materials: We stock PEX, CPVC, and corrosion‑resistant fixtures.
- Local Pros: Our techs live here—we know the weather and the quirks of shore plumbing.
- One‑Call Service: From water filters to full re‑pipes and dehumidifiers.
- Membership Peace‑of‑Mind: Scheduled inspections, priority booking, and repair discounts.
Ready to rust‑proof your pipes? Call 609‑465‑3759 or book a Salt‑Air Plumbing Checkup at buddsplumbing.com. Stop small leaks before they soak your savings.
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