Addressing Corroded Pipes

When it comes to corroded pipes it is important to be able to recognize the signs of corrosion. The quicker you respond to the issue, the easier it will be to fix. In addition, recognizing the early signs of corrosion can help you take the proper steps to prevention. Some signs that indicate corrosion include:  

• Weird tasting water - Under normal circumstances, clean water has no taste. However, due to oxidation too many minerals can build up, which can lead to a metallic taste from copper pipes or a sweet taste from lead pipes. 
• Strange smell to the water - Clean water should also have no smell, it is the oxidation process that can give it an off smell.
• Discolored water - Discolored water, especially when you first turn on the faucet in the morning is a good indicator that you have corroded pipes. Corroded copper pipes will cast a blue/green hue to water, while corroded cast iron will turn water a rusty brown color. Discolored water can stain plumbing fixtures, clothing, and even light colored hair.
• Leaks - Corroded pipes can cause your pipes to become brittle leaving them susceptible to pin hole leaks. These are small leaks that if left unchecked can get much worse.
• Clogs - Corrosion can provide enough of a blockage to obstruct the flow of water. If you are suffering from repeat clogs, it may be time to take a deeper look.
• Low Water Pressure - If water comes trickling out of the faucet, it could be due to corroded supply lines.

Options For Treating Corroded Pipes

Corroded pipes can reduce the function of your plumbing. If your water lines are corroded you may suffer from poor water pressure and stained plumbing fixtures. If your drain lines are corroded, sluggish drainage and clogs could be prolific. Once you have identified the problem, it is important to formulate a treatment plan. Contact Rooter Hero today to schedule experienced plumbers in your area.  

Copper Lines 

Copper for the most part is more resilient against corrosion, which is why it gets used so often for water lines. However if the conditions are right, like if the pH of the water is off, copper pipes can still be susceptible to corrosion. Treatment will depend on the severity of the corrosion. Sometimes, flushing the pipes with a vinegar solution or CLR can help. However, in order to flush the entire system, you need a lot of the solution, and it needs to set for at least 24 hours to be the most effective. If your corrosion is severe, you may want to consider re-piping. This is the most costly option, but it will completely alleviate the problem.  

Drain Lines 

Metal drain pipes are also susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion occurs in metal pipes because of oxidation. Oxygen in the water interacts with the metal, corrosion is the byproduct of oxidized water. In cast iron pipes, this leads to rust buildup.    Professional drain cleaning is a great way to remove corrosion that builds up inside of your pipes, however if your pipes are severely corroded, where there are areas of weakness, you may want to consider pipe-lining. Pipe-lining is a more affordable and less invasive option than replacement. It consists of injecting a resin into existing pipes where it coats the inside of the pipe, forming a new pipe within. This alleviates the need to dig trenches, so there is less mess and less down time. In most cases, trenchless pipe-lining is an option. In few instances, like if the lateral has joints or has collapsed, traditional replacement may be the best option. This will depend on the condition and placement of your pipes. 

Get Help For Your Corroded Pipes

Corroded pipes are not something that you should ignore or get used to. Often times corrosion is the first step in the breakdown of your plumbing. If left untreated, you can end up with more costly repairs and other plumbing problems. Have your plumbing inspected by a professional today. Video camera inspection is an effective and non-invasive way at diagnosing corroded pipes. To learn more contact Rooter Hero today.