It’s a nightmarish scenario – you’re patching leaks like it’s your job, only to discover a new leak for each one you fix. You’re stuck in plumbing purgatory, wondering which of the plumbing gods you’ve angered to deserve such a punishing fate. Luckily, the experts at Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing are here to rescue you from this hellish nightmare with our pro tips to avoid pipe corrosion!
Knowing the Different Types of Corrosion
First of all, you should know the different types of corrosion that you may encounter.
Here are the two types of corrosion that are most common in household plumbing:
Galvanic Corrosion – There are three main causes of this type of corrosion:
- Secondary Electrical Ground Current:
A secondary electrical ground protects appliances from contact with higher voltage systems. Therefore, if it’s connected to your water service line, a direct current can be transferred. As a result, it can cause galvanic corrosion to the pipes. - Connection of Dissimilar Metals:
Dissimilar metals conduct electricity at different rates. Consequently, the connecting points of two different pipe materials can be consumed by galvanic corrosion. - Damaged Underground Utilities:
If you have undetected damage to underground utilities, there may be a stray electric current running. Consequently, that current can reach your water line and cause galvanic corrosion. - Uniform Corrosion
As the name suggests, this common type of corrosion uniformly coats the exposed surface of a metal. The primary cause of uniform corrosion is oxidation in the presence of air or water.
Tips to Avoid Pipe Corrosion:
Now that you’ve learned about types of corrosion, here are some tips to keep it from happening to your pipes:
To Avoid Galvanic Corrosion:
- Install a grounding rod
Another solution is to replace your ground wire connection with a grounding rod. As a result, you will have protected your water service line from electrical currents of exposed metals. - Install a dielectric coupling
In order to resolve the difference in the rate of electricity conduction, install a dielectric coupling between dissimilar metals. - Cover your exposed water
To protect your water line pipes from stray currents, cover them with PVC or plastic irrigation tubing.
To Avoid Uniform Corrosion:
- Use thicker materials for corrosion allowance
Corrosion allowance is the amount of pipe corrosion that can occur before it cannot sustain pressure. As a solution, you can add thicker materials for corrosion allowance to avoid uniform corrosion. - Use paints or metallic coatings
Coatings rich in zinc, such as paint, can offer cathodic protection to steel. Also, you can apply primers and finished coatings as a barrier between the steel and corroding elements. - Use corrosion inhibitors
This can be the most cost-effective way to avoid uniform corrosion. Add corrosion inhibitors to a chemical stream to prevent corrosion. To select the right inhibitor for your pipes, you should consult with an expert.
Our Final Tips to Avoid Pipe Corrosion:
While we have highlighted some pro tips to avoid pipe corrosion, you can do even more! Therefore, consulting an Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing expert is one of the best tips we can offer. For reliable service from a Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing pro, call us today or schedule an appointment by filling out the online form on our website!
