Corroded Pipes Can Create a Home Plumbing Disaster

Corroded pipes are a common cause of home water leaks in Oceanside, CA. In water pipes, corrosion occurs when the pipe material reacts with the water that flows through it. Over time, this process causes degradation and deterioration of a water pipe, leading to leaks, poor water quality, and other problems.

The Three Types of Corrosion in Water Pipes

Three different types of corrosion can affect your home’s water pipes:

• Galvanic corrosion is an electrochemical process that occurs when two dissimilar metals come into electrical contact with each other via an electrolyte (in this case, water) that acts as a conductor.
• Pitting corrosion describes localized holes or pits in the surface of a pipe. Pitting is often caused by a combination of factors, including water chemistry and oxygen exposure.
• Uniform corrosion is a general, even corrosion that affects the entire surface of the pipe. Uniform corrosion can be caused by the water’s pH, temperature, and oxygen content.

Factors that Affect Corrosion in Water Pipes

The type of material used to manufacture the water pipe can impact its susceptibility to corrosion. Metal pipes made of iron or steel are more prone to corrosion. Copper pipes are generally resistant to corrosion but can corrode in water with high acidity. PVC, PEX, and other types of plastic pipes are resistant to corrosion but can be damaged in other ways, such as UV radiation and temperature.

The quality of the water flowing through the pipe contributes to corrosion as well. High levels of dissolved oxygen, acidity (low pH), and certain contaminants like chlorides or sulfates can accelerate corrosion. High water velocities can also place wear on the inner surface of a water pipe.

Warning Signs of Water Pipe Corrosion

How do you know that you have some corroded pipes in your home? Here are a few signs to look out for:

• Water leaks
• Discolored water
• Low water pressure
• Water with a metallic odor
• Water with a strange taste
• Unusual sounds coming from your plumbing

If you’ve been experiencing any of these issues, contact 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration without delay. Corrosion-damaged pipes can cause a home plumbing disaster. A burst or broken pipe can cause extensive water damage to your home and property. Water quality issues can affect you and your family’s health. The sooner a corroded pipe is repaired or replaced, the better.

Reducing the Risks of Water Pipe Corrosion

Homeowners in Oceanside can take proactive steps to reduce the risks of corrosion. Some of the ways a homeowner can prevent corrosion in their water pipes include:

• Regular maintenance and inspection
• Proper pipe material selection
• Water treatment
• Flow control
• Protective coatings and linings
• Cathode protection

Corroded Water Pipe Repair and Replacement in Oceanside, CA

1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration has been providing expert water pipe repair and replacement services to home and business owners in the Oceanside, CA area since 2012. Our team of licensed Oceanside plumbers possess the skills and equipment to locate and fix any damaged water pipe in your home. Since these pipes can be located inside walls or beneath your home and yard, water pipe repair and replacement in Oceanside, CA is a job best left to a professional with the tools and training to tackle the problem.

If your pipes are getting up in age or you’ve experienced the signs of water pipe corrosion, give 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration a call. You can reach us online or call us at 866-437-0205 to schedule a visit from a licensed Oceanside, CA, commercial plumbing professional. We also offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services. If that corroded pipe has burst, we’re available any time of the day or night to get the problem under control. In most cases, we can be on-site within an hour of your call.