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Pipeline corrosion is a common problem that is faced all over the globe in both, commercial and residential plumbing systems. All pipes are bound to face corrosion at some point in time, because no matter what kind of pipe quality you invest in, it’s the heavy, consistent flow of water that initiates the corrosion.

The quality of the pipe can definitely impact the lifespan. Having high-quality water pipes will delay the corrosion process and give you efficient performance for a longer time as compared to the low-quality pipes that can corrode early and start leaking and malfunctioning.

You should always ask a credible and experienced plumbing service in Cleveland, TN to install the plumbing fixtures in your home so that they choose the pipe materials that have maximum life.

Before we delve into exploring the causes of corrosion and the preventive measures you should consider taking, let’s quickly run through the types of corrosion that are likely to happen.

• Uniform Corrosion

This occurs when the metal pipes suffer uniform metal loss from the surface. This is mainly because of the natural eroding nature of metal. It’s also known as generic corrosion.

• Pitting Corrosion

This type of corrosion happens randomly in places due to stagnant fluid or in areas with low fluid or water speed.

• Galvanic Corrosion

Referred to as electrolysis mostly, galvanic corrosion in the water pipes occur when two different metals are placed in water. This happens mainly in copper and steel pipes.

• Erosion Corrosion

This is the kind of corrosion in which pipes start degrading due to abrasion that is caused by the fast flowing water

When installing new pipes for your plumbing system, you should always get the assistance of the professionals of plumbing service in Cleveland, TN to help you understand the basics of corrosion problems that you may come across in the years to come.

Pipe corrosion can be highly damaging for your home as well as commercial place. The biggest challenge in this matter is that you cannot see it yourself. Only an experienced professional from the plumbing service in Cleveland, TN can tell you how exactly your pipes are functioning and what level of corrosion they’ve reached. You’ll be surprised to know that corrosion starts as soon as the pipe experiences the first flow of water.

The core reason for corrosion in the pipe system is the years-long exposure of pipes to the flowing water. Corrosion is an unavoidable process that can be slowed down substantially if you take effective measures and have regular servicing of the plumbing down by proficient plumbing service in Cleveland, TN. Some of the other reasons for corrosion in water pipes are as follows.

1.   Electrolysis in the Water Pipes

This is the galvanic corrosion that happens mainly in the pipes that were installed a couple of decades ago. If your home was constructed in between the 1960s to 1980s, and you haven’t upgraded the water pipes since then, it’s likely that you have copper and steel pipes that are prone to undergo galvanic corrosion.

Copper and steel are two different metals that promote electrolysis when placed in water. It’s best that you consider upgrading your system. Have a professional opinion of the plumbing service in Cleveland, TN to see what options you can avail.

2.   High Water Temperature

Corrosion is likely to occur faster in hot water pipes. This is because as the temperature of the water rises, the electrochemical reactions become more active, too. Warm water facilitates the liberation of carbon dioxide that further promotes corrosion in the pipes.

So, make sure that your hot water pipes are regularly checked by professionals from the plumbing service in Cleveland, TN to inspect the condition of the pipe.

3.   Disinfectants and pH Value of Water

The quality and composition of water have a huge role in the overall corrosion of the water pipes. There are several disinfectants like chlorine and chloramines that can cause a highly damaging effect on the metallic components of your plumbing system including pipes and faucets. Chlorine, especially, can escalate the conductivity problems.

Similarly, the pH of the water should be neutral. Any value lesser than 7.0 or higher than 8.4 on the pH scale can be bad for your water pipes and speed up corrosion. Similarly, water with any change in pH value can cause staining around the bathtubs and sinks. You should have your water inspection regularly done by the professional plumbing service in Cleveland, TN so that you know what quality of water you’re getting.

Preventing Corrosion in Water Pipes

As mentioned, you cannot actually prevent corrosion in the pipes completely. But you can slow down the process and increase the life expectancy of your water pipes. For this, you need assistance from the plumbing service in Cleveland, TN to take measures that will reduce the risks associated with corrosion. Some of the measures are:

• Consider installing water pipes that are least affected by the microbiologically influenced corrosion or MIC that is responsible for internal corrosion. Internal corrosion is most difficult to identify. So, it’s better you take steps that would marginalize its occurrence.
• Getting your pipes biostatic coating is another ideal way of protecting your pipes from internal and MIC-initiated corrosion.
• It’s better to have all the water entering your home treated so that you get rid of the potential microbes that can harm the plumbing system. Plumbing service in Cleveland, TN can help you select the most effective chemical treatment to resolve the matter.
• Effective monitoring of the system from the professionals from plumbing service in Cleveland, TN can allow you to detect the corrosion-related problems at the earliest possible. This can minimize the damage.
• Providing nitrogen to pressurize the pre-action system is the most effective solution for preventing corrosion in the water pipes. This can be, however, most costly, too. You can get in touch with the plumbing service in Cleveland, TN to learn more about this treatment.

Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air offers the best possible solution and plumbing service in Cleveland, TN. Contact us today for all plumbing-related queries and concerns. We have the best team at your disposal to help you find the most effective solution to your problems.