The pH Of Your Water

The pH of your water is important because water that is more acidic causes pipes to corrode. pH stands for potential Hydrogen and measures acidity, it ranges from 1 to 14, 1 being  the most acidic, 7 being neutral, and 14 being the most alkaline. Ideally your pH should be as close to 7 as possible. Alkaline water produces a layer of copper oxide, which serves as a barrier inside of your pipes. This protective layer helps prevent corrosion. If your water is acidic, the copper oxide barrier dissolves, leaving your copper pipes vulnerable to corrosion. But wait, aren’t copper pipes supposed to be immune to corrosion? While they are more durable, they are still susceptible to corrosion if the environment is right, meaning the pH of your water.

Oxidation and High Temperatures

Oxidized water travels through your plumbing pipes, this means that there is a certain amount of oxygen in your water, usually about 30%. Metal pipes are susceptible to corrosion from rust, which occurs once the metal interacts with oxygen. Rusty pipes are something that often happens over a long period of time, however, high water temperatures can accelerate the growth of rust. This makes hot water lines more susceptible to corrosion. This also leaves your hot water heater vulnerable to corrosion.

Liquid Drain Cleaners

Many people view liquid drain cleaners as a quick fix for a clogged drain. Occasional usage probably won’t do much harm, however if you find yourself repeatedly reaching for the liquid drain cleaner, you are probably doing more harm than good. Liquid drain cleaners are made of some pretty heavy duty stuff, they have to be in order to eat through whatever is clogging your drains. The problem is, they don’t stop there, once finished with the clog, it can continue to eat right through your pipes. In addition, the chemicals found in drain cleaners, can speed up the oxidation process, which causes pipes to corrode even faster.    Aside from the damage liquid drain cleaners can do, they can also put a band-aid on an even bigger plumbing problem. They often treat only the symptoms, which can leave underlying plumbing problems to fester. This can cause more damage, and lead to bigger repairs down the road. When it comes to your pipes do your plumbing a favor, and have your drains professionally cleaned. This can not only quickly restore the function of your plumbing, but also check for any more serious problems that require attention.   Corrosion can be devastating for your pipes. Corroded pipes are prone to pinhole leaks, which can cause a lot of damage over time. Weakened pipes are also susceptible to breakage, especially if you live in an area where the ground shifts a lot. It is important to address corrosion head on. Have your plumbing inspected today. Contact Rooter Hero to learn more.