PLUMBING INSPECTIONS CAN SPOT CORROSION IN ITS EARLIEST STAGES

Leaking water pipes can be a plumbing nightmare. They’re one of the most common causes of water damage in Cardiff, CA. A leaking water pipe is a plumbing emergency that needs to be addressed immediately.

Water damage from a leaking pipe can cause all sorts of damage to your home and property:

• Higher water bills.
• Mold growth and damage.
• Structural damage to walls, ceilings, floors, and foundations.
• Water stains, discoloration, and other cosmetic damage.
• Damage to rugs, carpeting, and flooring.
• Damage to water-using appliances.
• Health-related issues resulting from mold, backed-up sewage and waste, contaminated water, etc.
• Damage to your home’s electrical system.
• Loss of important documents and impossible to replace personal items.

HOW DO WATER PIPES DEVELOP LEAKS?

There are many ways water pipes can develop leaks. Over time, the pipe connections can become damaged or loose. Freezing temperatures can cause water pipes to rupture, or burst. However, the leading cause of leaking water pipes is corrosion.

Corrosion is a natural process that affects many types of metals, including those that are used for water pipes. It occurs when a metal pipe is exposed to water, oxygen, salt, and other materials in the surrounding environment. An electrochemical reaction takes place which causes the metal in the pipe to begin to deteriorate.

As the pipe corrodes, rust, pinhole leaks, and cracks can begin to form. The pipe weakens, making it susceptible to leaks. Water pipes made from iron, steel, copper, and lead are particularly susceptible to corrosion-related damage.

Corrosion takes place over a period of time. Many factors can cause your pipes to corrode. They include:

• Water chemistry – high levels of acidity or alkalinity can greatly accelerate the rate of corrosion.
• Dissolved gasses, such as oxygen or carbon dioxide.
• Environmental factors that can include temperature, humidity, exposure to UV rays, and exposure to chemicals or pollutants.
• Galvanic corrosion is caused by an electrochemical reaction between different metals, such as steel and copper.
• Microbial corrosion can result from the waste and other byproducts produced by certain types of microorganisms that can live in water pipes.

PREVENTING WATER DAMAGE FROM CORROSION

The best way to prevent costly water damage from leaking pipes is to have your home’s plumbing inspected regularly. Inspection is especially important if the water pipes in your home are getting up in years. Signs that your pipes may be undergoing damage due to corrosion include:

• Pinhole water leaks.
• Rusty, discolored water.
• Your water has metallic tastes or odors.
• Hairline cracks in pipes.
• Low water pressure due to corrosion-related blockages.
• Mold growth near water pipes.
• Water stains, spots, or other damage.

PLUMBING INSPECTIONS IN CARDIFF, CA

If the water pipes in your home are over ten years old, now’s the time to have them inspected by a professional plumber. Spotting corrosion and other problems in their earliest stages helps prevent costly water leaks down the road.

1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration has been offering expert plumbing repairs, maintenance, and inspections to home and business owners in Cardiff, CA since 2012. Our plumbers use the latest technology (including special video equipment) to thoroughly inspect every inch of your home’s plumbing for corrosion, clogs, and other problems. Call us at 866-437-0205 or contact us via our website to schedule a plumbing inspection in Cardiff today.