How sturdy do you think your plumbing is? If you are using metal plumbing pipes, like galvanised steel, copper, brass and cast iron. You will encounter an occurrence of corrosion sometime during the lifespan of your pipe. The amount of time it takes before you notice corrosion will depend on a variety of aspects, including the kind of material used, and the level of acidity in your water and the chemical composition of your drinking water.

A Quick Breakdown of Water

To better understand the process of corrosion To understand how corrosion occurs, it is recommended to begin by studying the structure and characteristics of water. Water is scientifically referred to as H2O. This stands in the form of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen. It is believed to be colourless, odourless and tasteless. It is neutral and has an acidity of seven in its pure form.

Water is also the most powerful solvent. If you give it the time needed, water can dissolve everything including rock. And after it has been dissolved, the material is incorporated into the water solution. When the water absorbs liquids and solids that have been dissolved and liquids, the pH of the water alters. Acidic water is any water with an acidic pH that is 6.5 or less. Rainwater is typically found to have a pH of 5.

What is the cause of corrosion?

There are many causes for corrosion in pipes and you must have pipe wrapping, but every one of them results in the creation of a dangerous interaction between water and your piping. If you’re worried that your pipes have been damaged you should contact the local plumbing experts and have the waterproofing on all your pipes. 

  1. pH Levels: If your water is pH lower than 7 which is considered acidic, it could cause premature corrosion of your pipes. If you haven’t yet, check your water’s pH levels to determine whether your pipes could be in danger.
  2. Oxygen Level: A high concentration of dissolved oxygen could cause pipes to cause corrosion. The water that has low pH levels is often over-oxygenated. This means that it is damaging the pipes of your home with double attack due to its highly oxygenated and acidic condition.
  3. Chemical Makeup: Minerals found in your water could contribute to the formation of corrosion. For instance calcium and sodium each contribute to the growth of buildup.
  4. Temperature: The temperature of the water will accelerate the process of corrosion. The more hot the water will be, the more the pipe will begin to corrode.
  5. Velocity: A high water velocity in relation to the dimensions of your pipe may also lead to corrosion. This is exacerbated when the water that is being circulated is hot in temperature.
  6. Bacteria: Microbiologically affected corrosion (MIC) could cause your pipes to break within a matter of years. Bacterial corrosion can be caused by microorganisms like sulphate and iron bacteria–that are present in your water.
  7. Sediment: Sand or grit as well as the sediment that accumulates in your water could cause corrosion due to wear and tear on the hydraulic system. Imagine a powerful sander working in your pipes’ interior. That’s the effect that sediment has on.

How do I stop or fix corroded pipes?

Homes older than 25 years of age and industries can be susceptible to rust and should be watched for warning indicators. Check exposed pipes for signs of staining, discolouration and flaking. Be aware of leaks, and pay attention to how strong, smell and colour the water is. If you observe any unusual signs, call an expert in plumbing. A qualified professional will assess the situation and recommend the most effective plan of course of action to take for the home you live in. In certain situations replacing pipes, the installation of the use of a water softener or reverse-osmosis system may be required to control or prevent corrosion. Or while installation you can have pipe wrapping or waterproofing for better results.

Endnotes

These are some common ways of pipe corrosion and how to prevent it. We hope you will find this information useful.