What you Can Do to Stop Pipe Corrosion

Pipe corrosion is a major plumbing issue that homeowners want to avoid as much as possible. While corrosion is often associated with plumbing problems, leaks, and water damage, it also can lead to serious health issues, as corroded pipes can result in high levels of toxic metals getting into your home’s water supply, affecting your water quality.

While pipe corrosion generally happens in older pipes, it can actually happen within a matter of a few years if your pipes are not properly protected. A number of factors affect pipe corrosion, and there are lots of things you can do to slow down or stop corroded pipes. To help you do this, today we’ll talk about what causes pipe corrosion and what you can do to help avoid it.

What Causes Pipe Corrosion

In most cases, pipe corrosion is caused by a number of different factors. Some of the things that can cause pipe corrosion or increase the rate of pipe corrosion include:

Your water’s pH levels.
The presence of oxygen in your water, since oxygen, degrades metals.
Your water’s chemical makeup - the presence of certain minerals, for example, calcium can lead to builds that cause corrosion.
The temperature of water in your home - hotter water accelerates rates of corrosion.
The velocity of the water in your home - high levels of velocity or sudden changes in direction can increase the rate of corrosion.

By having a professional test the quality of your water and inspect your piping system, you can determine whether you are at a higher risk for pipe corrosion. If so, you can take steps to slow down or stop the corrosion of pipes.

How to Keep Your Pipes Clean

Keeping your pipes clean is one important step you can take to slow pipe corrosion. By regularly cleaning your pipes, you can clear buildups that would otherwise lead to problems.

If you have hard water - with lots of calcium - it’s especially important that you regularly clean your pipes.

You can do some pipe cleaning on your own. White vinegar is a good way to clear calcium out of pipes, as its acidity levels break down calcium buildups. To clean your pipes with vinegar:

Clear clogged or sluggish drains of excess water.
Pour white vinegar through the drain.
Wait 30 minutes.
Use a long pipe and brush to scrub pipes as much as possible.
Run water to thoroughly rinse pipes.

It’s also a good idea to have your pipes cleaned professionally. Doing this regularly will help to protect your pipes from buildups and to help stop corroded pipes.

Pipe Cleaning vs. Repiping

The great thing about thoroughly cleaning your pipes is that it can make your piping system function as if it’s been repiped. Without the expense or effort involved in repiping, a thorough cleaning can help to clear clogged, sluggish or blocked pipes.

This means that not only will regular cleanings help to make your pipes last longer, but they’ll also make them function better now. If you haven’t had your pipes cleaned recently, it’s a good idea to schedule either a cleaning or an inspection as soon as possible.

Call Super Plumbers today at (903) 630-6153 if you’re concerned that your pipes are corroded or if you need to schedule a checkup.