Avoiding Pipe Corrosion

Pipe corrosion is a major issue that homeowners want to avoid whenever possible. Corroded pipes can become an expensive and dangerous issue. When pipes corrode, toxic metals can get into your home’s water supply, which can lead to serious health issues.

While a number of factors can lead to corrosion - including general wear and tear on old pipes - better understanding on what causes pipe corrosion can help you to avoid it whenever possible and hopefully to stop corroded pipes from impacting your home’s plumbing system.

With these goals in mind, today we’ll talk about how pipe corrosion happens and what you can do to avoid it along with any plumbing emergencies that might come from it as well.

Understanding Pipe Corrosion and How to Stop Corroded Pipes

Pipe corrosion often happens as pipes age, but there are a number of factors that cause it and that affect the rate at which it happens. The reality is that while we associate corrosion with old pipes, under some circumstances corrosion can happen in just a few years.

Since you can control many of the factors that lead to pipe corrosion, it’s important that you’re aware of them and work to avoid them as much as possible. Factors that affect whether pipes corrode and the rate at which they corrode include:

The pH level of the water; the presence of oxygen in water; the chemical makeup of your water (for example, high levels of calcium); water temperature (hotter water leads to faster corrosion); and water velocity (too much velocity or sudden changes in velocity increase the rate of corrosion).

Keeping your Pipes Clean to Stop Corroded Pipes

By keeping your pipes clean and free from buildup, you can reduce the rate at which your pipes corrode. For many, high levels of calcium are a major factor affecting pipe corrosion, as calcium can build up in the pipes and lead to clogs or corrosion.

By keeping your pipes free of buildup, you can slow the rate of corrosion. There are a few do-it-yourself steps you can take to keep your pipes clean. First, for drains that you are worried about, drain them of any excess liquid.

Second, pour white vinegar down the drain. The acidity of white vinegar will breakdown calcium buildup in your pipes. Wait about 30 minutes, and use a long pipe and brush to scrub any areas of the pipe that you can reach. Finally, run water through the pipes to thoroughly rinse them. Keeping pipes clean is an important part of avoiding pipe corrosion.

To ensure that they do not have buildup, it’s a good idea to have them professionally cleaned and to consider installing a water filter. A whole-house water filter that softens water can help to keep calcium and other minerals out of your pipes. This will help you to keep your pipes clean and to slow the rate of corrosion.

The Process of Repiping

If your pipes become corroded, you will likely have to repipe. This process involves replacing the pipes that make up your home’s plumbing system. This is a major project and one that you want to avoid as much as possible.

Thoroughly cleaning pipes can make it seem like you have repiped your home, eliminating build-ups and helping everything to flow smoothly. However, it’s a much less expensive and complicated process.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean the pipes in your home to help stop pipe corrosion and to help maintain your pipes. If you are concerned that your pipes are corroded or think your pipes need a checkup, call Shamrock Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Inc today at (407) 305-6183.