Why Is Corrosion Bad?
Metals in nature exist in different forms than when they get refined to become pure copper or iron that becomes part of the plumbing. Since these products have been refined, they tend to want to return to their natural state through oxidation. The major downside is that naturally-occurring forms of iron and copper aren’t structurally sound enough to do what they need to do to be reliable plumbing materials. Rust is a great example of what happens with iron corrodes.
The process of corrosion can happen any time that conditions are favorable. This leads to major problems for the piping made of iron and copper. Stopping corrosion is key to a long-lasting plumbing system. Here are a few ways homeowners can protect against corrosion and get the most from their plumbing.
Coatings and Protective Linings for Corrosion Repair 
A very common form of protective coating is a dielectric union device. These devices prevent the most common form of corrosion: electrolytic corrosion. They work by providing a break between two pipes made of dissimilar metals. This prevents the water flowing through them from working like a battery and eating away at one of the two pieces of pipes.
Water Softeners Can Help
One of the main ingredients in electrolytic corrosion is the mineral-laden water that flows through pipes. These minerals act like electrolytes to speed up the process. Water softeners remove these minerals and reduce the potential for corrosion to occur.In addition to stopping corrosion, water softeners also prevent scale from building up in pipes. While the mineral scale isn’t a severe form of corrosion, it can be mistaken for corrosion, and it isn't ideal for plumbing. Mineral scale can cause water pressure problems and reduce the lifespan of appliances, so using a water softener can stop corrosion and provide other benefits.
Don’t Forget Plumbing Maintenance
Corrosion can be hard to spot if one isn’t a professional. Since corrosion can come in many forms and no two plumbing systems are exactly alike, seeing the signs can be tricky. What homeowners need to know are the common signs of corrosion, like:
- Green buildup on copper pipes
- Rust on iron pipes
- The crusty, white scale at pipe joints
- Crusty buildup on brass fittings
If these signs are noticed it may be time to schedule a plumber for maintenance just to be sure. Plumbing maintenance is a service offered by nearly every plumber. Experts recommend that plumbing maintenance be performed every year to keep problems from getting serious. During a plumbing maintenance visit, a professional will not only look for signs of corrosion but also attempt to spot potential causes that might compromise plumbing in the future.
About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing stands ready to give expert service to its customers. With water softener installation and a membership program, they have all the answers to keep plumbing safe. Call today for regular or emergency plumbing service in Northfield, MN.
