Top Causes of Copper Pipe Corrosion

 

Copper pipes are common in American homes. This is because they are long-lasting and effective. However, corrosion can impact pipes of any kind, including copper pipes. If your home has copper pipes it’s important to get them inspected at least every two years, or if you notice any of the telltale signs of corrosion, such as issues with water pressure, color, or temperature. Below you will find the top causes of copper pipe corrosion.

What is Copper Corrosion?

Copper pipes are the top choice for home piping systems. While they are long-lasting and highly effective, corrosion can occur. Corrosion is the deterioration of a substance or its properties due to a reaction within the environment. In the case of copper piping, corrosion occurs when the copper from the piping dissolves into the water.

Copper corrosion can occur due to a number of causes. This is why it is important to have your pipes regularly inspected by repiping experts in Ventura. If corroded pipes aren’t addressed it can cause serious issues, such as pipe failure and corrosion of water heaters, appliances, and fixtures. Avoid more serious damage and financial costs by working with a trusted and credible piping expert. 

Top Causes of Copper Pipe Corrosion

Corrosion can impact copper pipes and cause serious issues if left untreated. Consider the following causes of copper pipe corrosion and get your pipes inspected regularly to ensure they are in good shape. 

Low or High pH:

Copper corrosion can occur when well or spring water is acidic (pH less than 7.0). Copper ions can oxidize (“rust”) and create blue water or stains. On the other hand, alkaline water with a pH higher than 8.5 and high dissolved solids can also create copper corrosion. 

High Levels of Dissolved Oxygen:

The corrosion process can be sped up by high levels of dissolved oxygen in the water. This can cause mildly aggressive water to become corrosive.

High Levels of Total Dissolved Solids:

Total dissolved solids (“TDS”) in the water causes it to be more conductive. This increases the electrons in the water to flow between corrosion sites causing more of a breakdown.

Bacteria:

Sulfate or iron are two of the common types of bacteria that cause corrosion. One of the most commonly known is the sulfate-reducing bacteria as it creates an odor similar to rotten eggs.That smell is an indication of severe corrosion problems.

Electric or Chemical Causes:

This cause can be due to improper grounding of electrical appliances to the water pipe, lightning strikes, or bad main grounds on the piping system. 

High Velocity of Water:

Water that moves at a high velocity, as compared to the size of the pipes, can cause corrosion issues. It specifically causes hydraulic wear on copper piping often found in circulating hot water systems.

Sand, Sediment, Grit:

Any debris outside of water inside copper pipes can cause corrosion, including sand, sediment, and grit.

Improper Pipe Installation:

If your pipes are installed improperly it can prematurely lead to corrosion. This includes not properly de-burring or reaming the ends of the pipe, or the use of excessive acid flux when soldering the pipes. 

Copper Repiping in Los Angeles

If you have copper pipes that need to be replaced, contact the team at Henrik Plumbing. They are copper repiping experts in Los Angeles that have a trusted reputation among the community. There are a number of risks associated with pipe corrosion that can cost you a lot of time and money. In fact, it’s much more efficient and cost-effective to repipe your home versus waiting for an unforeseen issue to occur. Contact the team at Henrik Plumbing today for any of your repiping needs!