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What Is Corrosion and How to Stop It?

For homeowners that live in older houses, it may come as no surprise to find that aging piping can be dangerous to the home. In the past, all of the plumbing that has been used in homes was some form of metal. Lead, steel, brass, and copper were all base materials for all of the piping and fixtures installed in homes. Unfortunately, there is a time limit on their service. One of the biggest enemies of plumbing is a problem called “corrosion.” Preventing and fixing corrosion problems can help protect homes from pipe bursts and other consequences resulting from aging plumbing. 

In this article, local plumbing contractors teach homeowners the facts about corrosion and how to fix it if it is present in a home’s plumbing. 

What Is Pipe Corrosion?

Until the last few decades, as plastics have been developed and implemented, all piping was subject to a process called corrosion. A perfect example of corrosion that most people are familiar with is rust. In the process of rusting, an iron-based pipe is oxidized. This process causes it to change from one form of iron to another. 

What used to be pure metal is now contaminated with a red, brittle scale of iron more closely resembling iron found in nature. Other metals can also oxidize. For example, when copper corrodes, it turns green, while aluminum will form powdery white deposits. 

Preventing Corrosion in Plumbing

Oxidation and corrosion will slowly take place over time despite the best efforts of a homeowner. However, special methods are in place to prevent the causes of most of the corrosion that happens within a home. When two dissimilar metals are joined, an electrical charge differential is created. As water flows through piping, it will dramatically speed up the corrosion of one of the two metals. This specific process is called “galvanic corrosion.” 

When any plumbing is done on a home, especially an older one, extra precautions should be taken to preserve metal piping. Hiring professionals is necessary because they are specially trained to implement plumbing methods that prevent corrosion from happening to pipes.

Repiping to Replace Corroded Piping

At a certain point, it will become necessary to do away with metal piping totally through a process called “repiping.” One of the many benefits of modern plastic piping is that it isn’t subject to corrosion like metal pipes are. While some plumbers may still use copper pipes for hot water lines, one can repipe most houses to more modern materials. 
Some of the signs that it might be time to plan on repiping a house are:

• Multiple pipe bursts in metal piping, especially older galvanized water lines
• Green buildup on copper piping, especially around the connections to the water heater
• Rusty colored water that comes from the taps
• Rust stains in tubs and basins
• Poor tasting water
• Problems similar to those caused by hard water
• Constant clogs in freshwater lines or low water pressure

By repiping a home, homeowners can protect their property from damage and do away with all of the problems that old piping can bring. 

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air is the local Fairhope, AL choice for expert plumbing services. Repiping jobs have never been easier to plan with upfront pricing and financing options. They always give tight windows for emergency plumbing repairs, so no one has to waste time waiting on their technicians. Call now for repiping services!

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