Residential Water Damage Due to Pipe Corrosion

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2023

On average, a household in the US faces water damage at least once every 11 years. There are many reasons for water damage emergency swiftly and effectively. Pipe corrosion is one of the most frequent of them. This may result in very complicated issues for homeowners, ranging from expensive repairs to health hazards.

What Is Water Pipe Corrosion?

So, you know how sometimes pipes can get all rusty and worn out? Well, that's basically water pipe corrosion! It's like when metal pipes start reacting with stuff in their surroundings and slowly break down over time. This reaction can happen with all sorts of materials, not just metal pipes. Moreover, the copper ones, which are good for a while, also tend to corrode eventually. And now, the important part. When pipes corrode, it is not only an aesthetic one. It can actually contaminate water resources, and with that may come health hazards. Thus, to avoid malfunctioning and unsafe running conditions, look out for the pipes and replace any rusted ones before they come up with any problems. A lot of preventive maintenance can ensure that your water system is in proper working order.

Do you know the common causes of residential water damage?

So, what makes our pipes corrode? Here are a few things to watch out for.

• Hard Water. If water has a lot of minerals in it, this can result in the minerals building up on a pipe over time and consequently causing the pipe to be calcified.
• Acidic Water. Water having a pH below 7.0 will be acidic, and the corrosion of metal pipes because of additional acids is possible from the inside out.
• Electricity. Funny enough, the ground's electrical currents can cause a chemical interaction between copper pipes and a certain response that results in corrosion.
• Overuse of Drain Cleaners. Although those drain cleaners appear efficient in dealing with the toughest clogs, one should not rely on them in the long term, for they can break down our sewers.
• Metals in the Water. These times, the metal in water can accelerate the erosion of pipes by conducting electrons away.
• High Water Pressure. A water pressure that is too high can put extra pressure on the pipes, thus fastening the breakdown.
• Very Hot Water. Supreme hot water is yet another hidden culprit, causing corrosion over time. It is better to keep our hot water at a moderate temperature.

The checks for these factors and taking the actions to remedy them will enable us to keep our piping system in the first place!

Effects of Pipe Corrosion

Pipe corrosion can have a variety of impacts on a household's water supply infrastructure.

• Leaks. Corroded pipes are going to make holes through which water will be able to get into your house. It's easy to guess what this means for your home.
• Discolored Water. Oxidized pipes can cause the discoloration of your water supplies. The reason is the rust of rust particles seeping into the water.
• Lower Water Pressure. As corrosion develops, it could eventually lead to a decrease in water flow and, hence, lower water pressure.
• Bad Taste and Odor. Corrosion can also affect the taste and odor of your tap water, thus making it unsuitable for consumption or for cooking.
• Health Hazards. The particular contaminants that can get into the water supply from the corroded pipes could depend on the piping materials and the level of corrosion. This can result in health problems for the household members. One of them is lead from corroded pipes, which can cause lead poisoning, the most harmful to children.

Preventing Pipe Corrosion

Proper maintenance can surely help prevent residential water damage in the future. Hence, in preventing pipe corrosion, there are certain measures you can take! To start with, it is important to schedule periodic check-ups of the piping system. Having an expert take a glance at it will help to catch anything that is corroding early. The pro may also see other problems that are lying in wait. One more smart action is to test your water on a regular basis. This also gives a hint of the presence of any weird mineral levels or acidity that might be accelerating corrosion. Oh yes, and do not forget to install drain traps - these little devils can trap all sorts of goo, except that you will have trouble with corrosion if left unchecked. And talking about checks, it's not a good idea to do any pipe repairs yourself. DIY repairs might seem very attractive, but they can even result in equipment damage in the future. And to finish it off, if the old metal pipes that are in our home are susceptible to corrosion, it might be the right time to replace them with something stronger, such as PEX or PVC. Take my word for it! We can avoid a lot of trouble in the future if we would be a little bit more careful now!

Who Can You Get in Case of Broken Pipe?

In case of pipe rust that leads to water damage, the approach should have fast and efficient experts. Flood Damage Pro brings you the professional services you need so that you can rest assured that your house will be restored to the way it was before the damage. It's important to address any signs of residential water damage promptly. Equipped with today's technology and tools, our experienced technicians are able to discover the true problem, limit its damages, and help with the causes of the leak. When you come to Flood Damage Pro, you will deal with our promise of quality, attention to detail, and customer satisfaction.

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