Nothing lasts forever and certainly applies to your plumbing system even if it’s outfitted with copper pipes. Eventually, even copper wears out as do other materials. Corrosion is a serious problem for plumbing systems, particularly those that use galvanized steel pipes that have less lifespan than copper pipes. The best way to determine if you have corroded pipes is to contact a plumber near me in Trinity, FL, for a thorough inspection. Holistic Homes is a leading local plumbing service that features comprehensive plumbing solutions. We can help you deal with plumbing system corrosion.
What Is Pipe Corrosion?
Corrosion is a problem that affects metal pipes. If you have PVC pipes, you don’t have to worry about corrosion–unless your hot water pipes are made from metal as they often are. PVC has its own disadvantages; it’s weaker and more prone to cracking than metal. Corrosion refers to the deterioration of metal caused by water. Water forged the Grand Canyon; in substantially less time, it can forge holes in your pipes because of the way that water interacts with metal.
Water physically and chemically interacts with the interior metal of pipes. Just as an older car is prone to rust because of the outdoor elements, your pipes will deteriorate over time because of their repeated contact with water and need constant repairs by a plumber near me in Trinity.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent corrosion if your plumbing system pipes are made from metal. However, some factors can speed up the corrosion process such as:
- Presence of high oxygen levels: higher oxygen levels in the water accelerates the oxidation process. Oxidation refers to the electrochemical exchange of electrons that leads to corrosion.
- Low pH: If your water has a low pH, it’s on the acidic side. Acidic water is a leading cause of corrosion.
- Hard water: the minerals in your water that cause it to be ‘hard’ can increase its corrosive properties. A mineral buildup of calcium, for instance, is associated with the corrosion of galvanized steel pipes.
- High velocity: Water that travels at a high velocity, particularly when it’s hot, can cause corrosion.
- Corrosion wears out your pipes. If you think that corrosion is occurring in your plumbing system, you need a plumber near me in Trinity, FL, to check out your pipes.
How Does Corrosion Affect Your Plumbing System?
Corrosion wears out the pipes of your plumbing system. What that means specifically is that it causes them to deteriorate. Over time, they can develop small holes and cracks that result in leaks. Corrosion can cause low water pressure and breaks in the pipes. These types of problems need immediate attention from a plumber near me in Trinity. Not surprisingly, these are not small problems. Corrosion is a serious issue for property owners. Leaks and ruptured pipes can stop up the plumbing system and lead to major property damage.
Will Pipe Corrosion Affect the Water?
Corrosion can affect water in different ways depending on the type of pipe involved. Some of the most common effects of corrosion on water include:
- Water discoloration; the water will appear rust colored
- Cloudy water
- Water has an odor
- Water has a bitter taste
You certainly don’t want to drink water that’s troubled by corrosion. The metal that forms your plumbing system pipes can cause more specific effects that you should be aware of:
Copper Pipes
When copper pipes begin to suffer from corrosion, you may see water stains form in your sink or blue-tinged water. The deterioration of copper pipes can result in too much copper in the water–and that’s not good for health.
Iron Pipes
If you have iron pipes that are suffering from corrosion, you’re likely to see water that’s tinged with red. Rusty iron pipes are prone to clogging and can affect your water’s taste, leaving it very bitter.
Lead Pipes
These days, you shouldn’t have lead pipes in your home. Lead is toxic. As lead pipes corrode, the lead leaches into the water, making it a health hazard. Old homes may still have lead pipes. If you purchase an old home, be sure to find a plumber near me in Trinity, FL, to inspect the plumbing system. You’ll want to replace any lead pipes you find.
Can I Prevent Pipe Corrosion?
You can’t prevent corrosion from affecting your plumbing system but you can slow it down by ensuring that the pH of your water is not acidic. You should also discuss your hard water problem with a plumber near me in Trinity such as Holistic Homes. By reducing the risks for corrosion, you can usually increase the longevity of your pipes, getting more value from your plumbing system.
How Do I Deal with Corroded Pipes?
By contacting Holistic Homes for a plumber near me in Trinity, you can schedule a plumbing system inspection. If your pipes are suffering from corrosion, you need to know. While a pipe that has sprung a leak because of corrosion can be repaired, that’s just a temporary solution. At some point, ideally before you have multiple leaks or pipe ruptures, you should replace corroded pipes. Pipes suffering from corrosion don’t just form leaks. They can become clogged more easily and lead to reduced water pressure.
Repiping your plumbing system is a big job–and one best left to a professional plumber near me in Trinity, but it will enhance your home’s value. Leaky pipes can cause thousands of dollars in property damage, ruining drywall and wood and causing mold problems. After your Holistic Homes plumber provides you with a report of your plumbing system’s condition, you can decide if now is the ideal time to have your pipes replaced.
Holistic Homes is a leading Trinity plumbing service. We can tackle any plumbing problem you have. The plumber near me in my area is licensed and experienced. Contact us to schedule your plumbing system inspection or if you’re experiencing any type of plumbing issue.