No matter what type of pipe you have in your home, over time it can corrode and suffer damage. Learn more about the corrosion process, its causes and how to prevent it. Learn how to keep your pipes in good condition for years.

How Does Pipe Corrosion Work?

What is Corrosion?

Corrosion occurs when the metal that makes up your pipe interacts with oxygen, water, or other elements in its environment. This interaction weakens the surface of the tube. In extreme cases, this can lead to the complete destruction of the pipe and failure.

Different types of pipe are affected by corrosion in different ways. Iron and steel pipe are particularly susceptible to corrosion due to exposure to oxygen and water. Copper, plastic, and galvanized tubing may not corrode as quickly and severely, but are still susceptible to the effects of corrosion over time.

What Causes Corrosion?

The most common causes of corrosion in metal pipes are exposure to water and electrical current.

Hard Water

Hard water is rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can attack metal surfaces. As the water moves through the pipes, it carries these particles with it, gradually weakening the surface of the pipe.

Electrical Currents

Ungrounded electrical currents can flow through copper tubing and cause corrosion by weakening the tubing’s surface.

High Oxygen

Water with a higher oxygen content can corrode pipes faster than water with a lower oxygen content. The corrosion process begins with oxidation or rust.

Acidic Water

If your water has a pH below 7, it can be acidic and attack pipes by dissolving them from the inside.

How to Prevent Corrosion

The best way to prevent corrosion is to have a professional plumber check the condition of your pipes and fix any problems immediately. Check the surface of your pipes regularly for signs of rust, discoloration or pitting. If you notice any of these symptoms, you need to take steps to fix the damage before it gets too bad.

You can also take proactive steps to protect your pipes from corrosion. Installing a water softener or water filter can help reduce the effects of hard and acidic water. To determine the cause of corrosion in your water, use the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) test.

The LSI test is a standard water quality test that checks:

• Alkalinity
• Conductivity
• Total dissolved solids
• Hardness
• PH

How Does Pipe Corrosion Affect Your Water?

The effects of corrosion on your water depend on the type of pipes you have. The main effects are:

Foul Odor And Taste

Corrosion can cause your water to have a foul odor and bitter taste due to the buildup of iron, manganese, or other metals in the pipes that corrode.

Discoloration

Your water can become discolored if corrosion has created rust or iron deposits. This discoloration is usually red, orange, yellow, or brown. It can also take on an odor reminiscent of rotten eggs.

Cloudiness

Corrosion can also make your water cloudy or cloudy due to the buildup of metal particles.

Health Issues

If left unchecked, corrosion can lead to serious health problems as your body absorbs metal particles from the water. This can cause various symptoms such as nausea, headaches, rashes, etc.

How Does Pipe Corrosion Affect Your Plumbing?

When pipes corrode, they can become weak and prone to leaks. If left unfixed, these leaks can cause water damage in your home and require costly repairs. Corrosion can also block the flow of water through your pipes, causing clogs or reduced pressure in your pipe system.

Leaks

Corrosion can create tiny holes in pipes that lead to leaks. Over time, these leaks can result in higher water bills or cause major water damage to your home or business.

Reduced Water Pressure

Corrosion eventually builds a layer of sediment inside your pipes, reducing their diameter and causing clogs. This accumulation of particles also reduces the water pressure in your pipes.

Breaks

As your pipes become weakened by corrosion, they can become brittle and eventually rupture due to the pressure of the water flowing through them. This causes major flooding in your home or business and requires costly repairs.

Water Damage

Left untreated, water damage from corroded pipes can lead to mold and other serious problems. It’s important to act immediately if you notice signs of corrosion to avoid costly repairs.

Ultimately, understanding the process of pipe corrosion and following a few simple preventive measures can go a long way in keeping your pipes in good condition for years to come. With regular maintenance and care, you can avoid costly repairs and health problems related to corrosion. Take action today to protect your home or business from pipe corrosion!

Contact Wirenut Drain Cleaning Pros Colorado Springs to Repair or Replace Your Corroded Pipes

If you notice signs of corrosion in your pipes, don’t hesitate to take action. Contact the drain cleaning professionals at Wirenut in Colorado Springs today at 719-8111-4505 for help in determining the cause and repairing or replacing your corroded pipes. We can provide professional plumbing services tailored to your specific needs and protect your home or business from water damage.