Corrosion of water pipes is a common thing in any type of metal piping system. It is mainly caused by oxidation and the aging of pipes over time. Corroding water pipes can put your plumbing system at the risk of water leakages as well as contaminate your water, making it a recipe for health complications.
Here are the 4 common signs of corroding pipes that you need to be aware of:
1. Weird taste or smell in the water
Clean and fresh water is odorless and without a taste. However, oxidation, which is the leading cause of corrosion in water pipes, causes the water to take up too many minerals and therefore have some weird taste. Corroded copper pipes could make the water have a metallic taste while corroded lead pipes could make the water have a sweet taste.
2. Discoloration in the water
This is another major way to know if your pipes are corroding. The first water draw in the morning is the best indicator of whether there is discoloration. This is because as the water settles in the corroding pipes overnight, the particles become more concentrated. Corroded copper pipes give the water blue-green stains while iron and steel pipes give the water a reddish-brown color of rust.
3. Leakages
Corroding pipes are a major cause of leakages. Corrosion makes the pipes weak over time and if not checked in time, this could lead to pipe bursts.
4. Clogging in the pipes
Corrosion often results in the build-up of corroded particles within the pipes, causing them to narrow down and hence result in low water pressures. Clogged pipes are also a major reason for leakages and pipe bursts.
Watch out for these 4 signs and take precautionary measures early. Consult W. P. Law, Inc for any additional advice and guidance. An ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure!