How to identify and prevent rust corrosion in your home.
Introduction
Homeowners often overlook the importance of maintaining home piping systems. One of the most common issues homeowners ignore is pipe corrosion and the impact extends beyond homes everywhere. In this article, we will be discussing what exactly pipe corrosion is, how it can impact your home, and the revolutionary tactics you can employ today to end it.
Understanding Pipe Corrosion
The term “pipe corrosion”, refers to the wearing away of piping materials due to chemical reactions between the pipe and the water flowing through it. This can cause leaks, lead to lower water quality and can even damage the structure of your home. What can cause pipe corrosion in homes? Some common causes of pipe corrosion in homes include exposure to acidic/basic substances, some poor water quality and high/low water acidity. The key is to recognize the signs & symptoms of corroded pipes which could be things like discolored water, lower water pressure, or even frequent leaks in your house.
The Impact of Corrosion on Your Home
Corroded pipes can lower your water quality throughout your entire home but can also lead to very costly repairs and potential health risks (& that is only the beginning). As your pipes corrode, harmful substances will be released into your water supply that will affect the quality. Additionally, once your pipes have corroded, you’ll be susceptible to leaks which can lead to water damage on your property so then, what comes next? Now there is a greater chance for mold to grow in your home. Resulting from ignoring pipe corrosion your emergency repairs can be quite costly and you have even put the structural integrity of your home at risk.
It is absolutely crucial to have a well-functioning plumbing system in your home. Your pipes can become corrupted with rust over time, leading to leaks, low water pressure and even many health hazards. This article will discuss what your pipe rust corrosion is, how to identify it, and most importantly, how you can prevent it. Follow these tips to get the most our of your plumbing system throughout your living experience!
I. What Is Pipe Rust Corrosion?
A. Cause of Pipe Rust Corrosion
Aging Pipes- As your pipes age, they become more susceptible to rust corrosion which is more concerning in older homes with outdated plumbing.
Water Quality- The concentration of minerals like iron and manganese which are common in many waters can speed up the corrosion process.
B. Effects of Pipe Rust Corrosion
Leaks- Rust corrosion weakens the properties of your pipes, making them likely to burst. Leaks can deliver devastating amounts of water into your home and create a big mess.
Reduced Water Pressure- Due to the build-up of rust within the pipes, the flow of water is restricted, lowering it quite significantly. Reduced water pressure is an annoying problem that makes showering and using appliances even more of a pain.
Health Hazards- Rust corrosion can possibly contaminate your water with dangerous bacteria or metals. Regular ingestion or usage of this rust contaminated water can cause a lot of health dangers for any family.
II. How to Discover Pipe Rust Corrosion
A. Visual Inspection
Discolored Water- If your water appears to be brown or reddish in color then that most likely means that you have rust corrosion. The water changes colors due to the presence of rust particles.
Fixture Stains- Rust corrosion leaves a harsh stain on your sinks, toilets and bathtubs that is nearly impossible to remove
B. Water Quality Test
DIY Test- You can purchase a water quality test kit at your local hardware store or online. Just a simple test of water through this kit can tell if there are traces of minerals within it or not.
Professional Testing- If you’d rather acquire an extensive interpretation of the specifics of your water quality, hire a professional water tester to come and visit your home. They have necessary equipment to provide an in depth reading of the minerals within your water resulting in rust corrosion.
III. How to Prevent Pipe Rust Corrosion
A. Frequently Cleaning
Flushing System- Routinely flushing your plumbing system stops water from accumulating rust particles. All you need to do is simply turn on all faucets in your house and let the water run for a few minutes.
Cleaning Fixtures- Keeping your fixtures clean and safe from mineral buildup will prevent rust corrosion. Use a mild cleaner and a soft cloth to clear out any marks or buildup.
B. Treating the Water
Water Softener- A water softener is a great way to prevent rust corrosion. It removes metal characters and minerals in your water supply which diminishes the risk of rust corrosion in your pipes.
Filter System- By purchasing a more expensive water filtration system that removes impurities and minerals out of your water supply, you will decrease your water pipe rusting. This is a terrific way to raise your water quality overall.
C. Professional Assistance
Routine Check-ups- Schedule checkups for your plumber so they are able to deter pipe rust corrosion from ever affecting your pipes. They are the ones who will note any rust corrosion symptoms and offer solutions.
Lining your pipes! Pipelining can be a great solution to ending rust and corrosion in your pipes. Pipelining create a thin hydrophobic epoxy layer for your water pipes, resulting in cleaner water and stops + prevents any leaks. We are pipelining specialists! Give us a call to learn more about how we can help.
Conclusion
Simply put, rust corrosion on your pipes can bring an array of issues to your home. These can range from small leak amounts or the highly detrimental to your home leaks, little to no water pressure and of course, health hazards of all sorts. With proper care and attention, pipe rust corruption should definitely not be plotted on your house’s future. Simply abide by the simple steps mentioned above to care for your home plumbing system and bring a fantastically, whole, clean water supply into your home.