Common Causes of Corroded Pipes in Raleigh-Durham

Corrosion in copper piping can be caused by a variety of environmental and chemical factors. Here are some of the frequent causes homeowners in Raleigh-Durham should be aware of:

• High Levels of Chlorine in the Tap Water
  Chlorine is commonly added to municipal water supplies to purify and eliminate harmful microbes. However, excessive chlorine can have a corroding effect on copper plumbing. Over time, this can lead to the steady deterioration of the pipe linings, resulting in pinhole leaks and discolored water.
• Rust-Induced Corrosion Inside the Hot Water Heater
  Rust and sediment buildup within your water heater can get into the pipework, causing the corrosion of copper pipes. This is especially typical in older water heaters that haven’t been regularly maintained or flushed. The presence of rust particles hastens the corrosion process, weakening the pipes from the inside out.
• Acidic Water (Low pH Levels)
  Low-pH water can be especially harmful to copper plumbing. Low-pH water slowly corrodes the copper, causing the formation of pinhole leaks and, in the end, pipe failure. Residences in the Raleigh-Durham area with private wells are especially at risk for this issue, as groundwater can fluctuate greatly in acidity.
• Microbial Activity in the Water Supply or Soil
  Certain microbes found in the water or soil can cause the corrosion of copper pipes. These microbes can create a bacterial coating inside the pipes that hastens the corrosion process. Homes with underground copper pipes or those situated in areas with contaminated soil may experience this issue more frequently.

How to Fix Copper Pipe Corrosion

If you’re noticing signs of corrosion, such as brown water, weak water pressure, or frequent leaks, it’s crucial to handle the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Here are some approaches to look into:

1. Replacing Pipes
   For small areas of corrosion or isolated leaks, replacing the affected section of pipe may be adequate. However, this is typically a temporary solution, as the underlying causes of corrosion may keep affecting the rest of the pipes.
2. Full Repiping
   For homes with extensive corrosion or aging plumbing, a full repipe is the most reliable solution. Replacing the whole plumbing system with high-quality materials like high-grade, made-in-the-USA Type-L copper or PEX will get rid of existing corrosion and prevent future complications. Repipe Specialists offers complete repiping services in Raleigh-Durham, employing premium supplies to guarantee a durable, reliable plumbing system.

Stopping Corrosion in Copper Piping

Mitigating copper pipe corrosion demands routine maintenance and, in some cases, moving to more corrosion-resistant materials. Here are some tips to fix corroded pipes in Raleigh-Durham homes:

• Use a Water Softener
  Installing a water softener or a water filtration system can help decrease the chlorine content and other damaging particles in your water system. This can substantially extend the life of your copper plumbing system by cutting down the factors that contribute to corrosion.
• Water Heater Maintenance
  Draining and flushing your water heater annually to remove rust and sediment buildup can stop these particles from entering your pipes and triggering corrosion. Regular maintenance also helps boost the performance and working life of your hot water heater.
• Repiping
  If your home’s water pipes is aging or you’ve dealt with frequent water leaks due to pipe damage, it may be time to explore a repiping option. Swapping out your old copper piping with a more corrosion-proof option like cross-linked polyethylene can provide a lasting solution to water system failures.