Understanding the health of your piping system is integral to maintaining the value of your property, be it a residential home or a commercial establishment. Damages such as corrosion can lead to expensive repairs and replacements. This article delves into the signs of corrosion that might appear in your pipeline only a few years after installation, and the factors that contribute to such rapid decay.
Leading Causes of Pipe Corrosion
Corrosion in piping systems is a natural occurrence. However, certain factors can expedite this process, leading to quicker degradation of your pipes. By understanding these factors, you can take preventive steps to mitigate corrosion and extend the lifespan of your plumbing system.
Here are some key contributors:
- Oxygen in the Water: Oxygen naturally interacts with metal, leading to a process known as oxidation. Over time, this results in rust formation. The rust particles can then be carried by the water flow, creating deposits along your pipes. These deposits can eventually lead to blockages or stop-ups, disrupting your water supply.
- Water pH Levels: Pipes, especially those made of copper, often have a protective barrier to prevent corrosion. However, if the water flowing through these pipes has a low pH level, it can damage this protective barrier. This exposes the pipe to corrosive elements, leading to faster degradation.
- Water Velocity and Turbulence: The rate at which water flows through your pipes also plays a role in pipe corrosion. Turbulence caused by excessive turns or elbows in your piping system can create areas of high pressure and friction, leading to faster wear and tear.
- Water Temperature: Hot water can be more corrosive than cold water. If you frequently use hot water for showers, handwashing, or laundry, this increased temperature can accelerate the corrosion process in your pipes.
- Chemical Composition of Water: The various minerals and chemicals present in water can also contribute to pipe corrosion. For instance, high levels of calcium can cause build-ups that block your pipes over time.
Awareness of these factors is crucial because unchecked corrosion doesn't just lead to costly repairs—it can also pose health risks due to contaminated water. If you notice signs of corrosion in your plumbing system, don't wait until the problem escalates. If you're noticing signs of corrosion, contact our team online right now for help.
How the Experienced Plumbers at Smith’s Plumbing Services Can Help!
The experienced plumbers at Smith's Plumbing Services are more than just service providers - they're your partners in maintaining a robust and healthy piping system. Our team is ready to assist you with diagnosing, repairing, and monitoring your pipes, ensuring that your home or business runs smoothly.
Our expert plumbers are always on standby, ready to lend their expertise to help you solve any plumbing issue. Whether it's diagnosing a problem, carrying out necessary repairs, or setting up a regular maintenance schedule for your piping system, we've got you covered.
Don't let plumbing issues disrupt your daily routine. Give us a call today at (901) 290-1110 or schedule your service call online right now. Let Smith’s Plumbing Services take care of your plumbing needs so you can focus on what matters most to you!