Pipe corrosion, if left unchecked, can become a costly, headache-inducing problem. Here’s why it’s happening and what you can do about it.
Depending on the types of pipes you have in your home, they can last anywhere from 20 to 70 years. You’re may be wondering what happens at the end of a pipe’s lifespan–and what can damage them permanently before they even get to that point.
Pipe corrosion is one of the most common reasons pipes stop functioning properly. If you don’t take care of corroded pipes quickly, you can end up with some seriously expensive damage on your hands.
What causes pipes to corrode? What are the signs that your pipes are corroding? What can you do about pipe corrosion?
We’re here to answer all of those questions for you. Read on to find out everything you need to know about pipe corrosion.
What Causes Pipe Corrosion?
First, let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of pipe corrosion. Some of these causes may be preventable–as long as you know about them. Not all of these causes are easy to spot, so working with a professional is always key.
A pH Imbalance
When we talk about pH, we’re talking about how acidic a substance is. In this case, we’re specifically talking about the acidity of the water in your pipes. pH levels range from zero (most acidic) to fourteen (most alkaline) with a pH of seven representing a neutral acidity level.
pH matters most if you have copper pipes. When your water is alkaline, copper pipes maintain a protective copper oxide film. When your water is acidic, it eats away at this film and exposes your pipes to a higher risk of rapid corrosion.
Oxidation
The water in our pipes goes through an oxidation process that it is about 30% oxygen and 70% nitrogen. While nitrogen won’t do any damage to your pipes, oxygen might. Oxygen can convert metal to oxide (aka rust) through a process called oxidation.
Oxidation can cause three different outcomes:
- The rust can create uneven surfaces inside of your pipes, where impurities in the water get trapped and build up over time
- The pipes can grow thinner to the point of cracking
- The brittle rust can create pinhole cracks that may cause the pipes to burst under pressure
No matter what happens as a result of oxidation, it’s never good.
Hard Water
Have you ever heard your neighbors talking about hard water? If you live in an area with hard water, it means that your water contains an excessive amount of minerals. You may have hard water if you notice mineral buildups on your tap or if your skin and hair are suffering from dryness after washing.
All of these minerals can also start to wreak havoc on your pipes. Your pipes may form mineral deposits that can create blockages and other corrosive issues.
High-Velocity Water
Erosion corrosion, plainly stated, refers to an accelerated rate of corrosion caused by the motion of a corrosive fluid.
We see this occurring in home plumbing when the water runs at a high velocity. This high velocity tends to show up in closed-loop plumbing where there may be obstructions that create pressure build-ups.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
You might be surprised to find out those chemical drain cleaners you can buy at the supermarket may cause some serious damage to your plumbing. If you have a clog that a plunger or baking soda won’t touch, you’re better off calling a professional plumber than dumping chemicals down the drain.
Why? The chemicals in a lot of these drain cleaners are caustic. That means they create reactions that are designed to break down clogs–but can also eat away at the interior of your pipes.
(If you need another reason to skip the chemical drain cleaners, consider this: chemical drain cleaners can also cause some serious health problems.)
Early Signs of Corroded Plumbing
You may not spot the cause of corroded plumbing right away. However, there are some easy-to-spot signs that your plumbing is corroded. These include:
- Discolored water (often brown, yellow, or rust-colored)
- Bad or strange-tasting water
- Bad or strange-smelling water
- Poor or worsening water pressure
There are also a few signs that could indicate a few different plumbing problems, with corrosion being one of them. These include:
- Leaking pipes
- Water temperature fluctuations
- New or unusual sounds coming from the plumbing
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to call a plumber. If you’re dealing with a serious leak or burst pipe, call our emergency plumbing line for plumbing services 24/7.
Taking Precautions and Spotting Pipe Corrosion Early
When you manage to spot corrosion early, you can take steps to avoid costly damage. In some cases, a simple cleaning could do the trick. In others, replacing corroded pipes (and addressing the root cause of corrosion) is the best way to approach the job.
If you are worried or uncertain about the state of your pipes, the next step is to schedule a pipe inspection. This is the best way to assess not only the pipes in your walls, but also the pipes under your property. Pipe inspections allow us to act fast, rather than waiting for your pipes to burst and cause serious damage to your home and foundation.
Trust Eyman Plumbing to Take Care of Your Pipes
Pipe corrosion happens more often than you may think. By understanding the causes and spotting the signs of corroded pipes, you can tackle pipe replacement or cleaning before things get worse. Preventative maintenance is the best way to protect your plumbing, your property, and your wallet!
Do you want to schedule an appointment with our professional plumbers? Would you like a free consultation about an upcoming project or repair? Contact us today at (402) 731-2727 and we’ll get back to you ASAP.