Most of us are familiar with corrosion in some form or another. We notice unattractive rust on cars, iron fences, outdoor furniture, and even common nails. The more general term for rusting and other similar processes is corrosion.
Corrosion is likely all around your home, including your plumbing system. Corrosion is never a good sign and can exact a costly toll. It doesn’t just look ugly, it can destroy the smallest particle and the largest object, so don’t take it lightly.
Your pipes, metal fireplace inserts, furnace exhaust ducts, and garbage disposal housings could be in peril. To prevent possible danger, other places to look for rust and corrosion are shower heads, indoor and outdoor faucets, and hot water heaters.
What is corrosion and what causes it?
Short answer: anything touched by water corrodes.
Corrosion is the process by which certain materials (metals and non-metals) deteriorate as a result of oxidation. All common metals are processed with oxides to bring them to a usable state. From the moment processing is complete, Mother Nature slowly goes to work to convert metals back to their original form.
It’s also iron decay. It can happen anywhere iron is present, even in very small amounts. An iron rod can rust, and so can tiny iron particles. And because steel is an iron alloy, it also rusts.
Corrosion and Your Plumbing System
Corrosion is one of the worst enemies a home’s plumbing system can face. The word corrosion comes from the Latin word “to chew,” and this appropriately describes what’s happening to your pipes, especially those made of cast iron and present in homes built before 1970.
Corrosion chews into the metal of pipes and eats it away. The metal weakens to the point where leaks begin, breaks occur, and eventually, the pipes fail completely. Corrosion in freshwater pipes can also lead to toxins entering the water.
Telltale Signs of Corrosion
One of the most overlooked and often forgotten home maintenance chores is maintaining pipes in our homes. We never really think about our plumbing system until something goes wrong with it.
Perhaps you’re brushing your teeth one day and find something odd tasting about the water. Or, when standing near the garbage disposal you notice a foul odor.
Further, take note if you experience sewage backups, slow drains, or frequent clogs. Be sensitive to leaks, unusual noises from the plumbing, and/or low water pressure.
Another obvious sign is when you turn on the water in the morning or take a bath at night. Is it brown, blue, or green? Water sitting in corroded pipes will take on the tinted color of the corrosion.
Another clue is interior and exterior tubing that show signs of dimpling, pimples, or flaking.
We Help Homeowners
Flader Plumbing and Heating is uniquely suited to assist you in determining the solution that best fits your home and family’s needs. We’ve been serving your neighbors and our community for over 100 years and 4 generations.
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Only Flader Heating and Air Conditioning delivers:
- The most responsive service. We’re here for you 24-hours/7-days a week.
- Personal attention from certified and licensed technicians.
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- Money saving maintenance agreements.
- FREE annual filter replacements.
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Flader Plumbing and Heating recommends equipment, models, and brands proven to have the fewest problems and service calls. We specialize in:
Comprehensive Services
Whether you’re replacing your water heater, furnace or central air conditioning, adding a humidifier or clean air system, or cleaning and servicing your air quality system or sump pump, we are knowledgeable and expert in delivering the service you need.
Our professional technicians arrive on time, listen to your concerns, and answer your questions. They will recommend the right solution and deliver as promised. Flader technicians average 15 years of experience and are EPA certified.
Expert service, quality parts, and satisfaction guaranteed. That’s the winning trifecta you deserve. There is no reason to compromise. Call us at 847-491-6980.
