Defining Pipe Corrosion and its Effects on Home Plumbing
Corrosion is a natural chemical process that primarily affects metals. One of the most common forms of corrosion is the production of iron oxide or rust from a chemical reaction between oxygen and iron atoms. This depletes and can eventually put holes in the metal. This is why corroded water pipes are such a concern. Pipes are often made of metals like iron and copper; even metals like aluminum and stainless steel can experience corrosion. Weakness and holes in the pipes can cause issues throughout a home’s plumbing system. Fortunately, this does not mean that a plumbing professional must come to a home with metal piping and repipe the entire home with PVC or PEX. There are much simpler solutions for homeowners concerned about pipe corrosion.
Layers of Protection: Coatings and Protective Linings
- Galvanization: This is the chemical process of applying a zinc coating to steel or some other alloy. Zinc is much more resistant to corrosion than many other metals. This process is typically done during manufacturing.
- Sealants/Tape: Another type of corrosion prevention that is done during the manufacturing process is applying certain sealants or tapes to the interior and exterior of the pipes.
- Pipe Insulation: Certain types of pipe insulation are made to prevent metal corrosion from pipe movement in the brackets that hold it in place.
- Epoxy Coatings: There are several different types of epoxy coatings. It adheres very well to steel and creates a semi-corrosion proof layer. Multi-layer epoxy systems and those that use some sort of material delivery system for the epoxy (such as felt cloth or similar) are the most effective options for this method.
- Thermal Spray Coatings: Sometimes, one can add a coat of a more corrosion-resistant metal like zinc or aluminum in a post-installation repair. This does involve high temperatures and may be difficult or expensive.
An Ounce of Buildup Prevention: Employing a Water Softener
Corrosive materials are most likely to enter the pipes through the main water system, whether that be municipal or well water. One of the best ways to reduce these minerals and other problem materials is through a water softener. This is not the same as a water filter that physically strains the water through charcoal and dense membranes to clean the water; a water softener uses ions to remove mineral salts that are dissolved in the water. The most common ions are calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. These not only cause scale buildup in the pipes, they can also affect the pH of the water. Low pH (acidic) water can speed up corrosion.Calling the Pros: Plumbing Maintenance
Just as regular maintenance keeps the family automobile in functional shape, regular maintenance of plumbing systems can prevent corrosion and other plumbing problems from causing major damage. Here are a few of the things a plumbing technician may do to prevent or detect pipe corrosion on a normal professional maintenance visit:
- Flush pipes of scale
- Clean pipes of corrosive bacteria
- Check water alkalinity (pH)
- Test water for corrosive or harmful substances
- Check water softener system
- Check water filtering system
About Captain Rooter Emergency Plumbers Chicago
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