Detect and Repair Corrosion Leaks with Hank & Sons Plumbing

Damaged pipes are one of the most common causes of home water leaks in San Dimas, CA. In a lot of cases, the damage is caused by corrosion. Over time, corrosion can cause rust, holes, and cracks to form in a metal water pipe.

So, what is corrosion? Corrosion is a natural process that occurs when certain metals are exposed to water, oxygen, salt, and other materials in the surrounding environment. An electrochemical reaction takes place, causing the metal to degrade and deteriorate. Eventually, corrosion can weaken and damage a pipe. Water pipes made from iron, steel, copper, and lead are particularly susceptible to corrosion-related damage.

Some of the Factors That Cause Pipes to Corrode

There are many reasons why your home’s water pipes can become corroded:

Water chemistry: The chemical composition of the water flowing into your home is a leading cause of pipe corrosion. High levels of acidity (low pH) or alkalinity (high pH) in the water can greatly accelerate the rate of corrosion.

Dissolved gases – While oxygen is vital for life, it can be hard on the metals in your pipes and water heater. Rust is one of the most common types of corrosion. High levels of carbon dioxide can also cause corrosion in metal pipes.

Environmental factors: Temperature, humidity, exposure to sunlight, and exposure to chemicals or pollutants are a few of the environmental factors that can cause corrosion of water pipes. The UV rays from the sun can cause damage to PVC pipes as well as metal ones.

Galvanic corrosion – Galvanic corrosion results from an electrochemical reaction between different metals. For example, galvanic corrosion can occur if a copper pipe is connected to a steel pipe. Metals need to be insulated from each other to prevent galvanic corrosion.

Microbial corrosion – The waste and other byproducts produced by certain types of microorganisms can cause corrosion in water pipes.

Warning Signs That Your Pipes are Being Damaged by Corrosion

It’s important to know the warning signs that the pipes in your home are being damaged due to corrosion. It’s recommended that you call a San Dimas, CA plumbing professional if you begin to experience:

• Pinhole water leaks
• Discolored water
• Water with a metallic taste or odor
• Hairline cracks in pipes
• Low water pressure due to corrosion-related clogs
• Mold growth near water pipes
• Water stains, spots, or other damage

Water Heaters Can Also be Damaged by Corrosion

Many water heater problems can be related to corrosion, including water that’s not hot enough, low hot water supply, strange sounds coming from your water heater, and poor water quality. Flushing the water heater regularly can help prevent the buildup of sediments and other materials that can lead to corrosion.

Ignoring signs of corrosion can result in costly water damage to your home and property. Early detection and intervention are the best way to avoid corrosion-related plumbing problems. Depending on the extent of the corrosion, a water pipe may need to be patched, resealed, or replaced.

Call the San Dimas Plumbing Experts at Hank & Sons Plumbing

Corrosion-related water leaks and other problems can cause thousands of dollars in water damage to your home. If you’ve been noticing the warning signs of corrosion, give Hank & Sons Plumbing a call. We’ve been providing expert, affordable plumbing services to home and business owners in San Dimas and throughout the Inland Valley area since 1999. Our team of licensed San Dimas, CA plumbers have the training and tools to tackle just about any home plumbing problem you may be experiencing, including corroded pipes.

You can contact Hank & Sons Plumbing through our contact page or call us at 909-524-2906 to schedule a call from a skilled San Dimas, CA plumber. Don’t forget to ask about our coupons and specials!