Understanding Pipe Corrosion and Ways To Prevent It
When people think about maintaining their homes, they often think of basic things like cleaning the interior and exterior, making sure heating and air conditioning are working, and more. But few people think of one of the most important components of maintaining a healthy home: pipe corrosion.
That’s right. Pipe corrosion is a highly important issue that can be extremely detrimental to the home plumbing system if not properly prevented in the first place. Homeowners should understand why pipes corrode, how one should maintain them, and what to do when replacing pipes that have already rusted. Continue reading for all of this information and more!
Why Pipes Corrode
Let’s start with everyone’s burning question: why do pipes even corrode in the first place? Well, there are several factors that can contribute to corrosion, including:
- Acidity - this can lead to corrosion in copper pipes, so managing the water’s pH levels is extremely important
- Harmful drain cleaners - some cleaners contain very harmful chemicals that can corrode pipes
- Oxidation - warmer water speeds up the oxidation process (i.e., metal converting to rust), which causes the pipes to thin
- Water speed is high - fast-moving water can lead to corrosion in a closed-loop piping system
While these are some of the most common culprits, this list is by no means exhaustive. A wide range of factors can lead to corrosion, so homeowners and their families must be on the lookout.
How To Maintain Pipes
Another great way is to invest in traditional, commercial pipe cleaners. These are added to the main water supply, and they act to “flush” the system of minerals and chemicals built up in the pipes. Importantly, however, try to find cleaners that will not themselves corrode the pipes, as this would only add to the list of problems!
Lastly, consider lime removal techniques, as lime is one of the most common things that build up in pipes. This would require emptying a portion of the water heater and letting new, hot water run through the system. Homeowners should consider finding professionals to help out with this job.
Replacing Pipes That Have Corroded
Last but not least, homeowners should be prepared if they need to repipe their homes when pipes are too far gone. In many cases, homeowners may inherit already corroded pipes, so even if they take good care of the pipes, some things are out of their control.
Pipe replacement, or “repiping,” is when pipes within the home are replaced. These may be hot water pipes, cold water pipes, or both. This work should be carried out by a professional plumbing service, as their team of experts will be able to do this job in a manner that is convenient, efficient, and cost-effective moving forward.
About Craftsman Plumbing Company
Craftsman Plumbing Company of O’Fallon, MO is a locally owned, family-operated business that has delivered high-quality, honest work for over 20 years. Their team of experts provides same-day service, convenient appointment times, upfront pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee for their customers. Give them a call for plumbing help today!
