One of the most common causes of water leaks in Carlsbad, CA is damaged or broken pipes. Corrosion is often to blame for the damage. Although most of us have heard the term before, what exactly is corrosion and how does it damage pipes?

What is Corrosion?

Corrosion is a natural process. It occurs as the metals that make up your water pipes begin to degrade and deteriorate due to chemical or electrochemical reactions with water, oxygen, acids, salts, or other materials present in the surrounding environment. Corrosion can damage a water pipe to the point where it fails and begins to leak. Water pipes made of metals such as iron, steel, copper, and lead can be susceptible to corrosion damage.

What Causes Your Water Pipes to Corrode?

Your pipes can experience corrosion due to several reasons, including:

• Water chemistry – The chemical composition of the water flowing through them can cause corrosion in pipes, especially water with high acidity (low pH) or high alkalinity (high pH)
• Dissolved gasses – Oxygen, carbon dioxide and other dissolved gasses in water can contribute to corrosion.
• Galvanic corrosion – Galvanic corrosion is an electrochemical reaction that occurs between different metals. For instance, galvanic corrosion can occur if a copper pipe is connected to a steel pipe without proper insulation.
• Microbial corrosion – Certain microorganisms produce byproducts that can cause corrosion in water pipes.

In addition, environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to chemicals or pollutants can accelerate the corrosion of water pipes.

How to Tell if Your Pipes are Corroded

There are many signs that your pipes are becoming damaged due to corrosion. Contact an Carlsbad, CA plumbing professional if you begin to notice any of the following:

• Discolored water
• Water with an unusual taste or odor
• Low water pressure
• Water leaks
• Mold growth
• Water stains, spots, or other damage

Early detection and intervention is the best way to prevent water damage and avoid costly plumbing repairs. If the damage is minimal, the affected pipes may only need to be patched or sealed; in cases of severe damage, the entire pipe may have to be replaced.

Water Damage Caused by Corroded Pipes

The leaks caused by corroded pipes can potentially cause thousands in property damage. Water damage can affect your floors, walls, ceiling, electrical systems, and even your foundation. Water also promotes mold growth, which can result in additional property damage as well as endanger the health of you and your family.

We’ve Fixed Almost Half a Million Water Leaks

Water leaks only get worse over time. If you have a water leak or suspect you have a water leak, call 1st Choice Plumbing Flood & Restoration without delay. We’ve provided outstanding plumbing repair services to homes and businesses in Carlsbad, CA, and surrounding communities since 2012. During that time, we’ve fixed almost half a million leaks! Our team of licensed Carlsbad, CA plumbers have the tools and the know-how to locate and repair any water leak quickly, no matter where it may be.

You can contact 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration through our website or call us at 866-437-0205 to schedule a call from an experienced, licensed Carlsbad, CA plumber. We offer our customers a wide range of plumbing services, including 24/7 emergency plumbing services. In most cases, one of our Carlsbad plumbers can be onsite within an hour of your call.