In This Post:
– Causes of water corrosion in pipes
– Preventing water corrosion
One of the most common problems affecting domestic water supplies and systems is water corrosion in plumbing pipes. It adversely affects the overall quality of water and results in bad taste. Moreover, the copper and lead can leach into tap water and cause health problems. Water contamination through copper can cause gastrointestinal problems in the short term and liver and kidney damage in the long run. Lead contamination can lead to physical and mental development issues in children. Before we address the ways of preventing water corrosion, let us first understand the most common causes of water corrosion in pipes.
Common Causes of Water Corrosion in Pipes
- If your plumbing system is made of copper pipes and the pH level falls below a certain point, you will notice corrosion.
- Oxygen when mixed with water results in the formation of rust. Rusted water pipes are a common problem which is caused by too much oxygen in the plumbing system.
- If there is mineral build-up, it can cause calcium to build up in water pipes
- Researchers have found out that if the temperature of water running in the pipes is hot, it can cause corrosion
- Sudden flow of water or changing the direction of water all of a sudden can cause water corrosion in pipes
Now that you know some of the common causes of water corrosion in pipes, let us look at the tips of preventing water corrosion in the plumbing system.
Tips to Prevent Water Corrosion
If you are wondering how to prevent corrosion in pipelines, then continue reading the piece. Let’s take a look at some sure shot ways of preventing water corrosion in plumbing pipes.
- Pre-installation cleaning of pipes
- Maintain water’s pH level
- Add chlorine to water
- Use phosphates
- Keep water pipes clean
- Prevent galvanic corrosion
- Use a restraint such as a U-bolt
Let us discuss these points in more detail.
Pre-installation cleaning of pipes
Want to increase the life of the plumbing system? One of the most effective ways of preventing water corrosion is to do some pre-installation pipework cleaning. To increase the life of the plumbing system, clean the pipe and remove all debris.
Add a cleaning solution to thoroughly cleanse the water system in your house. You should then flush the water out of the system a couple of times until you see clean and clear water coming out.
Maintain water’s pH level
It is important to maintain the pH level of water, which means the water should neither be acidic nor alkaline. It should be at a balanced level of pH level 7. If the water is above the pH level 7, the water will be alkaline and if it is below the pH level 7, the water will be acidic. Rain that falls on ground is usually acidic in nature as it picks up carbon dioxide when falling which becomes carbonic acid.
Limestone and dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate) in the soil can neutralize the acid making it more alkaline in nature. Water that contains calcium and magnesium salts is less corrosive because these minerals can coat the inner pipes and protect it from water corrosion.
Add chlorine to water
One of the best tips to prevent water corrosion is to add chlorine tablets to the water supply. The presence of chlorine acts as a disinfectant and can kill bacteria and germs. This is an effective way of keeping water safe for drinking and it also helps kill germs that cause water corrosion.
Use phosphates
Phosphates act as a corrosion inhibitor. It prevents leaching of metals from copper and lead pipes. When an inorganic phosphate inhibitor is added to the water supply, they create an insoluble protective layer on the inside of the plumbing pipes. Phosphates in a water supply is minimal. You should ask a professional before adding phosphate to your water supply. He will guide better as to how much phosphate would be sufficient.
Keep water pipes clean
If you feel the water is tasting bitter in the morning and it tastes ok after a while, it means there is some sort of contamination in water due to pipe corrosion. When pipes come in contact with sulfides, they create corrosion. It is important to keep your pipes clean by doing some chemical treatment to the water. You can use chlorine tablets for this purpose.
Prevent galvanic corrosion
Galvanic corrosion occurs when two different metals are immersed in a conductive solution electrically connected to each other. For instance, if aluminum and carbon steel are kept together, aluminum will corrode quicker. You can prevent galvanic corrosion by:
- Insulating the metal and breaking the electric connection
- Selecting materials with the same kind of corrosion potential
- There should be coating on both metals to avoid corrosion. Make sure the coating on the cathode should be more
- Use a spacer between the two metals causing water corrosion
Use a restraint such as a U-bolt
Water that is supplied with friction and pressure can cause water corrosion. To address this use some restraint such as U-bolts and clamps that can cut down the vibrations are used to lower the water corrosion.
So, these were some of the best ways to prevent water corrosion in pipes. Make sure you treat the water at homes occasionally for a clean supply of water. Here are some other DIY ways to filter water at home that you should check out. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Zameen Newsletter appearing on the right hand side of the page. Stay tuned to Zameen blog, the best lifestyle blog in Pakistan.
