Call Argyll Plumbing at 310-533-1818 to schedule your pipe inspection.
Living in the South Bay — whether in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach or El Segundo — offers stunning ocean views, mild weather and a laid-back lifestyle. But along with those benefits comes a hidden risk: salt air. The salty marine environment common along the coast can corrode your home’s plumbing over time, especially if your pipes are outdated.
According to local housing data, more than 45% of homes in the South Bay were built before 1980. Many of these homes still contain galvanized steel or older copper piping, which is highly susceptible to corrosion from salt-laden air and moisture. So how can you tell if beach life is quietly taking a toll on your plumbing?
New construction is not immune. Builders and homeowners planning new builds in coastal areas must choose corrosion-resistant materials — such as PEX or marine-grade copper — and ensure that exposed fixtures and outdoor plumbing are protected. Even brand-new systems can deteriorate quickly if proper planning and materials aren’t used from the start.
The first sign to look for is discolored or rusty water. If you turn on a faucet and notice a brownish tint — especially if the water has been sitting in the pipes overnight — it may indicate internal pipe corrosion. Oxidation is accelerated in coastal areas where salt particles settle inside and around pipe joints.
The second sign is visible rust or mineral buildup. Check under sinks, around hose bibs or in your garage. If you see greenish stains, flaking metal or rust rings, that’s a sign corrosion has already started on the outside — and may be affecting the inside of your plumbing system as well.
The third sign is low or uneven water pressure. If your showers or sinks are weaker than they used to be, corrosion or scale buildup inside your pipes could be the cause. This is especially common in older homes in Hermosa and Manhattan Beach, where ocean proximity and aging infrastructure intersect.
“Coastal homes face a unique plumbing challenge,” said Tommy Girvin, owner of Argyll Plumbing. “Salt-laden air speeds up corrosion in piping systems that weren’t designed for that environment. Regular inspections are one of the best ways homeowners can protect their investment before corrosion becomes a costly problem.”
If your home was built before 1990 — or if you’re starting a new build near the ocean — scheduling a corrosion inspection is a smart preventative step. Contact Argyll Plumbing at 310-533-1818 to assess your plumbing system and protect your home from the hidden effects of beach life.