Pipe Corrosion Prevention

What Causes Corrosion?

Every home has plumbing, so every homeowner needs to know about corrosion within the plumbing system. Fortunate homeowners may not yet be aware of the complications that corrosion can cause, but too many homeowners know the risks and the problems that corrosion causes. 

Corrosion is the process by which an oxidizer degrades metal. Rust is a great example of corrosion that happens in iron. Copper also has a distinct look as corrosion happens to it; it turns bright green. The reason that corrosion in plumbing is significant is that there are multiple types of metal found in every plumbing system, and that means that several types of corrosion can happen in a home all at once. 

Every point at which corrosion happens in a plumbing system is a potential point of failure. Preventing corrosion is key to getting long-lasting reliability from any plumbing in a home. Here are a few ways that one can check corrosion in every home. 

Internal Pipe Coating and Protective Linings 

One of the biggest contributors to corrosion is water. The irony that water corrodes certain types of metal commonly used in plumbing certainly isn’t lost but needs to be controlled. For further irony, pipes that are iron-y are particularly susceptible to this type of corrosion. The best way to prevent corrosion in iron is to put a physical barrier between the iron and the cause of oxidation, namely water. 

Physical barriers in pipes come in two forms: epoxy and protective linings. Protective linings are in place in water heaters to prevent tanks from corroding. One can apply epoxy to the inside of pipes even after years of use. This process is particularly helpful for refurbishing sewer lines instead of digging new lines. 

How Can Water Softeners Help? 

Another type of corrosion that can occur in plumbing is chemical. When dissimilar metals are joined together, one type can slowly corrode the other in the presence of electrolytes. But aren’t electrolytes in sports drinks? Not in drinking water? No. Even purified water has some type of ion still dissolved in it. This is where hard water comes into play. 

Hard water makes the perfect electrolyte to promote corrosion. As a result, installing a water softener is a great way to remove the source of corrosion. In addition to protecting piping, water softeners will also reduce scale inside pipes and protect water pressure. 

Does Plumbing Maintenance Prevent Corrosion? 

The final way to protect plumbing from corrosion is to have the eye of a seasoned professional inspect piping from time to time. Since corrosion is a common problem, plumbing codes are designed to minimize it. However, when DIY repairs are attempted, or problems arise in the plumbing, corrosion can start up again despite codes being followed. A professional can keep an eye on potential problems and fix them before they become serious. 

About A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc.

A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. looks for the sources of corrosion to give a comprehensive, honest diagnosis about the cause of problems; not simply repairing small problems and moving on. Their technicians are always available for emergencies and other plumbing issues. Call today for guaranteed plumbing service in Murphysboro, IL. 

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