How Does Corrosion Affect Your Home’s Water Pipes?
Corrosion is a common source of home plumbing problems. Over time, copper, lead, and steel pipes can all experience corrosion. Corroded pipes can cause all kinds of plumbing issues, including:
- Water leaks
- Clogs
- Turbidity and discoloration
- Bad taste and/or smell
- Reservoir water heater damage
- Reduced pipe strength
- Rust stains
- Low water pressure
- Health problems (such as vomiting, headaches, nausea, and diarrhea, as well as kidney, liver, and nerve damage)
What Is Corrosion?
Corrosion describes the deterioration of a material due to environmental conditions, such as when a metal is exposed to water. It’s a natural process that can occur over years. There are many factors that cause metal water pipes to begin to corrode, including:
- The acidity of the water (water with a pH level lower than 7.0 is acidic enough to corrode copper piping).
- High levels of dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide in the water.
- Water temperature.
- Electrical currents travel through the pipe.
- The mineral content of the water.
- Water pressure and velocity.
- The presence of microorganisms in the water.
Your Options For Dealing With Corroded Pipes
If you’re seeing the warning signs of pipe corrosion in your home, it’s important to take steps to treat the problem without delay. The longer the corrosion continues, the more likely you are to experience pipe leaks, breaks, and exposure to corrosion-related health risks.
First, you need to locate the source of the corrosion. You may need to call in a professional plumber to help. If the corrosion isn’t too severe, you may simply need to flush the pipes by turning on the water taps in your home and leaving the water running for 20 minutes. If the deterioration is too advanced, then the entire pipe may have to be replaced.
Your First Choice For Corroded Pipe Replacement In Oceanside, CA
Is the plumbing in your home starting to show signs of age? Your home’s pipes are designed to last for a long time, but they won’t last forever. The useful lifespan of a plumbing pipe depends on the material its cast from:
- Galvanized steel pipes will last 20 to 50 years
- Brass pipes will last 40 to 45 years
- Copper pipes will last 50-plus years
- Cast iron pipes will last 75 to 100 years
If you’ve been encountering the warning signs of corrosion and other problems, now may be the time to get those old pipes replaced.
1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration is Oceanside’s first choice for new and replacement piping services. Our team of experienced, licensed Oceanside, CA plumbers has been providing expert plumbing services to area homes and businesses since 2012. We can professionally inspect your pipes to determine the extent of any corrosion or other damage. If a pipe needs to be replaced, we can usually get the job done in one visit.
Experiencing a plumbing emergency? No problem. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services. In most cases, we can be on-site in an hour or less! Contact 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration through our website or call us at 866-437-0205 to schedule a visit today.
