It is important to guide our customers on great path of success. When it comes to your home and plumbing, Acts of Service plumbing offers the best plumbing Tulsa repairs. Because we value education and wisdom, our team crafted this article for you. Enjoy.
PIPE CORROSION
Because of electrochemical and other component reactions between pipeline materials and their environment, both on the inside and outer surfaces of the pipe, pipeline corrosion is a natural deterioration and destruction of the pipe material and its important features. A pipeline corrosion can cause a life-threatening failure and expensive damage to the pipeline and connected systems, just like any other naturally occurring hazard.
HOW DOES PIPE CORROSION HAPPEN
Let’s look at some of the most typical reasons why pipes corrode first. If you are aware of some of these causes, you might be able to avoid them. Working with a professional is always essential because not all of these factors are simple to identify. Have you heard why we are among the best plumbing Tulsa teams? Call us today to find out.
An Unbalanced pH
When we discuss a substance’s pH, we are referring to how acidic it is. Here, we’re explicitly referring to how acidic the water in your pipes is. The pH scale goes from zero (the most acidic) to fourteen (the most alkaline), with seven serving as the benchmark for neutral acidity.
When it comes to pH, copper pipes matter the most. Copper pipes keep a shielding copper oxide deposit even in alkaline water. Acidic water eats away at this layer, increasing the likelihood of quick corrosion in your pipes.
Oxidation
After going through an oxidation process, the water in our pipes contains roughly 30% oxygen and 70% nitrogen. While oxygen might harm your pipes, nitrogen won’t. By means of a process known as oxidation, oxygen may change metal into oxide (also known as rust).
Three separate effects of oxidation include:
- The rust may leave your pipes with uneven surfaces where contaminants in the water can accumulate over time.
- The pipes may become so thin that they crack.
- The tiny cracks that the brittle rust can produce could lead to the pipes bursting under strain.
It’s never nice when something happens as a result of oxidation.
A Hard Water
Have your neighbors ever mentioned hard water to you? If your neighborhood has hard water, it signifies that there are too many minerals in your water. If you see mineral deposits on your tap or experience dryness in your skin and hair after washing, your water may be hard.
All of these minerals have the potential to damage your pipes. Mineral buildup in your pipes may result water clogs and other corrosive problems
High-Speed Water
Erosion Simply put, corrosion is the term for an accelerated rate of corrosion brought on by the movement of a corrosive fluid.
When the water is moving quickly, we observe this happening in residential plumbing. When there may be obstacles that lead to pressure build-ups in closed-loop plumbing, this high velocity frequently manifests itself.
Drain cleaners with chemicals
You might be shocked to learn that the chemical drain cleaners you can purchase at the grocery store may seriously harm your plumbing. Calling a professional plumber is preferable to pouring chemicals down the drain if a plunger or baking soda won’t clear a clog.
Why? Many of these drain cleaners contain caustic chemicals. In other words, they set off reactions that are intended to dissolve obstructions, but they may also eat away at the inside of your pipes.
TYPES OF CORROSION
There are two main ways in which this corrosion shows itself:
Pitting Corrosion: This type of corrosion results in the formation of microscopic pits throughout the length of the metal pipe, hence the name. The pipe’s wall thickness is reduced as a result of this corrosion, which lowers the pipe’s strength and pressure-bearing capacity.
Corrosion in Crevices Crevice corrosion, on the other hand, is a significant worry. Fluid ions gather in these cracks around welds, flanges, and other kinds of pipe connections. Because of the ensuing ion buildup’s potential to accelerate material degradation, pipe system leaks frequently start at the seams. Need the best plumbing Tulsa repairs? Call our team today!
There are numerous standards for welding metals, including stainless steel pipe, as well as numerous welding processes and weld finishing since crevice corrosion is a concern.
Consequences of Corrosion
Depending on the application, corrosion’s impact and severity may vary, but generally speaking, corrosion can result in the following problems:
- Because to thinned pipe walls, pressure rating lowers.
- Slowing the flow rate requires more work from the pumps.
- As the rusted parts float away, fluid purity may become polluted. For applications with strict purity standards, this is a major worry (e.g. semiconductor plants).
- Installation Costs will rise because welding the system requires highly qualified workers. The cost of maintaining this degree of craftsmanship is high and rising as the most seasoned welders approach retirement.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CORROSION
Pipelines used to transport water in boiler and cooling systems, as well as closed and open ring pipes, are excellent examples of piping systems that have undergone corrosion. It is typically seen in pipes made of metals including copper, zinc, aluminum, rustproof steel, and carbon steel. The effects of copper and zinc corrosion are widely understood, and they have been studied over time. The following are indications that piping systems are corroding.
Pipes with stains: One of the most typical signs of copper pipe corrosion is bluish green stains. These are readily noticeable on sinks, faucets, showers, and other plumbing fixtures. When copper is dissolved in water, this kind of corrosion takes place. However, steel and iron plumbing systems frequently have red stains.
Deep Pits: This is another typical sign of copper corrosion. Due to the breakdown of copper, you could also discover tiny pinholes in pipes. Deep trenches can occasionally emerge as a result of copper breakdown. Despite the fact that this may not significantly increase the amount of copper, iron, or any other harmful minerals in the water, they could perforate the storage tank.
Taste:
One of the most prevalent signs of zinc corrosion is a metallic taste. Cold water occasionally starts out tasting harsh but eventually becomes better after repeated use.
One of the typical signs of piping system corrosion is discolored water. The initial water drawn seemed coloured or discolored. It might not always be coloured. but might leave some color in the toilet, sink, or bathtub.
Clogged Pipes: One of the typical signs of corrosion might be persistent pipe clogging. When mineral deposits form on the interior surfaces of pipes, this happens.
TAKING PRECAUTIONS AND SPOTTING PIPE CORROSION EARLY
Early corrosion detection allows you to take action to reduce costly damage. Sometimes all it takes is a good cleaning. In other cases, the best course of action is to replace deteriorated pipes (and deal with the underlying source of corrosion).
Set up a pipe inspection if you are concerned or unsure about the condition of your pipes. This is the most effective approach to evaluate both the pipes inside your walls and the pipes under your house. Instead, then waiting for your pipes to break and seriously harm your home and foundation, pipe inspections enable us to take quick action. When you need the best plumbing Tulsa services, call our team today!
PREVENTIVE SOLUTIONS AGAINST PIPE CORROSION
Since corrosion can be controlled before it gradually damages the pipes, prevention is still the best defense against it. Therefore, the goal is to address the root causes of corrosion rather than its effects.
Professionals advise installing a water softener in particular since it will reduce corrosion by removing extra lime from the water. The heating circuits should also undergo routine maintenance to prevent pipe corrosion, such as sludge cleaning and degassing. A maintenance set will therefore aid in reducing the chance of corrosion.
The application of treatments and other anti-corrosive systems is required to provide the best protection. The pipes corrode less as a result of mechanical and chemical treatments.
REPAIR OR REPLACE YOUR CORRODED PIPES
Don’t wait for rust colored water and damaged walls to let you know you have a significant plumbing issue. While pipe replacement can be a big job, the alternative can be much worse Best Plumber Tulsa Plumbing to examine your pipes for corrosion. We can help you decide the best course of action when corroded pipes compromise your water.
Fun Fact from One of the Best Plumbing Tulsa Teams
What year did Rick Hudson begin his plumbing career? Find the answer on our About Us | Plumbing Tulsa | Acts of Service Plumbing! When it comes to finding plumbing professionals with years of experience, you’ll find we are seasoned plumbers!
Who are the companies we have had the pleasure of serving? Visit Paul Davis’ website to learn more at Paul Davis Corporate – Restoration and Emergency Service Provider.