One of the more common calls your plumber receives is regarding damage due to pipe corrosion. Pipe corrosion is a common issue affecting residential and commercial plumbing systems, especially those with metal piping. However, all the piping is bound to one-time face corrosion. Regardless of the quality, many factors cause this problem, including the consistent water flow. Whenever the metallic pipes corrode, they produce rust that might start flaking off into your water. Plastic pipes deteriorate, though they are resistant to corrosion to a certain extent.
The lifespan of your plumbing system heavily depends on the piping quality. If you have a plumbing service install high-quality piping, the corrosion process will be delayed depending on other factors such as the chemical composition of the soil. However, if you use inferior-quality pipes, they will start rusting early, spring leaks, and malfunctioning.
For this reason, you must consult your plumbing service provider in Hudson, FL, on the quality plumbing fixtures and appliances. Most importantly, enlist them whenever you have a plumbing issue so that they can address it from its root cause. These professionals have the experience and knowledge of corrosion-resistant or tolerant pipes and fixtures, which could greatly benefit you.
Types of Corrosion
Before looking into what causes corrosion and what preventative measures you could take, below are some of the types of corrosion you might likely notice:
Uniform Corrosion
This happens in metallic plumbing systems when they sustain a uniform metal loss on their surfaces. The metal’s natural eroding nature mainly causes this. Uniform corrosion is also referred to as generic corrosion.
Galvanic Corrosion
Also called electrolysis, galvanic corrosion occurs in the water piping whenever two metals with different chemical and electrical properties are immersed in water. This is a common problem in copper and steel pipes. This is why plumbing service providers in Hudson, FL recommend installing pipes made of a uniform material.
Erosion Corrosion
In this type of corrosion, the pipes start to degrade because of the continuous abrasion caused by the fast-flowing water.
Always enlist a plumbing service provider when installing new pipes in your plumbing system. They will give you detailed information on the corrosion issues a particular pipe is most likely to experience and the best pipe that will withstand corrosion for a long.
The corrosion of pipes can have a damaging impact on your residential and commercial property. Besides weakening the pipes and causing leaks, corrosion in the pipes will make your home less valuable, making it unattractive to home buyers. Unfortunately, you cannot see corrosion by yourself. However, plumbing service providers have the tools that they can use to inspect the interior parts of your plumbing system and check whether they are rusting.
Though there are many causes of corrosion, the main reason the piping will ultimately corrode is the prolonged exposure of the pipes to the fast-flowing water. Though unavoidable, a plumber can institute measures that will substantially slow down the rate of corrosion. These include cathodic protection, regular servicing, and coating the pipes.
Reasons for Corrosion in Water Pipes
Electrolysis
This is a type of corrosion you’ll most likely experience if your home’s plumbing system was installed between the ’60s and ’80s. If the piping hasn’t been upgraded, you might still use copper or steel pipes highly prone to galvanic corrosion. Steel and copper are vastly different metals, but they both contribute/promote electrolysis when they come into contact with the water. Hence, have a plumbing service provider upgrade your plumbing system if you still use pipes made from these materials.
High Water Temperatures
The other reason why corrosion might arise is high water temperatures. The pipes that carry hot water are likely to corrode faster than those that carry cold water. This is because as the water temperature increases, it catalyzes the electrochemical reaction. Warm water facilitates carbon dioxide production, further enhancing the pipes’ corrosion. Hence, ensure a plumber regularly inspects your hot water piping to ensure that they can clean out any corrosion. The last thing you want is weakened walls of the hot water system.
Water’s pH Value and Disinfectants
The composition and quality of the water play a considerable role in the overall corrosion of your water pipes. Disinfectants such as chloramines and chlorine can damage metallic plumbing fixtures such as faucets, pipes, and valves. Chlorine is also known for escalating conductivity problems. The water’s pH should be neutral. If the pH is acidic or basic, it could damage your piping by accelerating corrosion. The changes in the water’s pH values can also result in staining the sinks, bathtubs, and other shiny plumbing fixtures or appliances. Hence, it is essential to have a regular inspection by a professional plumbing service provider to ensure that you know the quality of your water.
Protecting the Pipes From Corrosion
To protect your plumbing from corrosion, there are several measures that a plumbing service provider might take. They include:
- Installing water pipes that are minimally affected by microbially influenced corrosion. It is the main cause of internal corrosion that is challenging to identify
- Give your piping a biostatic coating to protect them from MIC-initiated and internal corrosion
- The plumber might pressurize the pre-action system using nitrogen. This is a highly effective corrosion prevention method. However, it is also highly expensive.
- Installing a water softening and treatment system removes the microbes that might harm your plumbing system. Plumbers know the most effective systems. Hence, consult them before you head out to purchase one.
Call the Most Reliable Plumbers
Corrosion is a bane to the existence of metallic plumbing appliances and fixtures. The unfortunate part is that there is no avoiding it. However, you can institute measures to control or delay it with the help of your plumber. Do you need any plumbing service in your Hudson, FL home? Don’t hesitate to contact us at Holistic Homes anytime. Our plumbers are experienced, licensed, and well equipped to deal with plumbing issues, including corrosion, at any time. Call us now to schedule an appointment.