Water Pipe Corrosion: Causes and Solutions

Without a reliable piping system, none of the plumbing fixtures in your home will work. Water pipe corrosion can cause the system to slowly fail and impact your home's overall plumbing. When that happens, you can count on our team at Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co., Lyndurst's trusted plumbers, to step in and provide solutions. 

This guide explains everything you need to know about corroded pipes, including what causes them and how experts fix them. Knowing this information can help you preserve your plumbing system for years to come. 

The Dangers of Corroded Pipes

Your home's piping system can last up to 70 years, but any signs of corrosion can cut that lifespan short. When your water pipes start to corrode, you can experience the following problems:

• Discolored water
• Foul-smelling and tasting water
• Strange sounds within your plumbing system
• Water pressure fluctuations
• Leaky pipes

If you notice any of these issues throughout your home, reach out to a licensed plumber to inspect your pipes. They will likely discover corrosion is the underlying problem and need to act fast to prevent further issues. 

Top Causes of Water Pipe Corrosion

What causes pipes to corrode? Here is a breakdown of some of the most common causes of oxidation within water pipes.

Your piping system may suffer from one of these issues or several, which can speed up the corrosion process. Discover how experts determine and treat each cause. 

Chemical Drain Cleaners

Do your drains usually clog with food, hair, grease, or other residue? Pouring a bottle of commercial cleaner down the drain might clear the clog, but it can do extensive damage to your pipes. The harsh chemicals in these products will not only eat away at the clog but also the surrounding pipes. 

If you want to avoid water pipe corrosion, you can opt for a biological cleaner rather than one full of chemicals. Try to avoid filling your drains with anything but natural waste since other products can damage your septic or plumbing system. 

Hard Water

Homeowners with a hard water supply tend to experience the following issues:

• Dry and brittle hair or skin
• Odd-tasting water
• White residue on glass after water dries

All of these issues are due to excess minerals within the water supply. The mineral buildup can slowly corrode your pipes until they deteriorate. One simple solution is to install a water-softening or filtration system that removes minerals from your supply. 

Oxidation

Metal and copper pipes are susceptible to corrosion since the process involves the oxidation of atoms on a metal surface. This results in rusting along the pipes, which can either cause pinhole leaks or thinning metal. The rust can also lead to uneven surfaces within your pipes, then cause impurities to accumulate. 

Highly Acidic Water

Did you know that your water supply's pH balance can contribute to water pipe corrosion? pH levels range from zero, meaning something is highly acidic, to 14, meaning a substance is more alkaline. Plumbing professionals recommend having water remain mostly neutral with a pH level between 6.5 and 8.5. 

A water supply with a lower pH level is more acidic. The acid within the water will break down the surrounding pipes, making them prone to leaking. 

Water Velocity

You might not know that the speed at which water moves through your pipes matters. However, this factor, known as water velocity, can lead to a phenomenon called erosion-corrosion. Highly corrosive water flows at high speeds through closed piping systems and speeds up the entire corrosion process. 

Bacteria

Once harmful bacteria penetrate a pipe, the entire structure can rot within a few short years. Pipe corrosion due to bacteria is most prevalent due to iron and sulfate levels naturally found within water. Many refer to this issue as microbiologically influenced corrosion since the bacteria is naturally occurring. 

Water filters can help remove bacteria from the water supply to preserve your pipes. 

How To Fix Water Pipe Corrosion

Pipes slowly corrode over time, so you may notice the signs of corrosion starting out small and then becoming more obvious. For example, you might not pay much attention to a change in your water pressure one day, but ignoring this sign may lead to pipe leaks and water discoloration in the future. It's essential to address corroded pipes as soon as possible. 

Plumbers have a few ways to fix this issue, depending on the condition of the pipes. For example, they may patch up pinhole leaks and clear away some of the rust, but if the system is decades old and the damage is beyond repair, replacing the pipes is necessary. 

Once plumbers address the corrosion, the best solution is to take preventative steps so this doesn't become a recurring issue. Experts suggest homeowners take the following actions to prevent water pipe corrosion:

• Checking the water's pH and oxygen levels: You can use water filters to maintain pH and oxygen levels, which will be safer on your pipes. 
• Cleaning the pipes: Using biological cleaners will keep bacteria from infiltrating the pipes. 
• Protecting the metal: You can coat your pipes with a special lining that will combat corrosion. 

Whether your pipes have minimal corrosion or require a new piping system because of the damage, it's crucial to understand what harms your plumbing and how to care for it. By applying these tips, you can enjoy reliable plumbing for years to come without fear of corroded pipes. Take action today to keep your pipes in the best condition possible. 

Contact Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. for Professional Piping Services

It's possible to prevent water pipe corrosion, but if your piping system has too much damage, our plumbers are ready to step in. At Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co., we specialize in repairing and replacing water pipes. Our friendly team will respond fast and get your home's plumbing systems working without issue. 

Contact our Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. team at 440-485-3850 to schedule service or request a quote for professional piping services. 

Author Bio:

Matt Formica

He worked side by side with his cousin, Frank D. and sister Linda, in the office. The company has grown and now has six vans helping the surrounding communities with plumbing and sewer issues.