Discoloration – One of the telltale signs of pipe corrosion is water discoloration. If the water has a brown or red tint to it, then this is a sign that the pipes are rusted or corroded. Odor – Perhaps the water is emitting an unpleasant or foul-smelling odor.
However, copper pipes are prone to corrosion, changing from a warm reddish-brown color to green. If your copper pipes have a green or green-blue sheen, that's a sign of oxidation. Oxidation happens when copper is exposed to moisture and air. It forms a green compound called patina.
Corrosion or blockages deep in your pipes can interfere with water pressure by preventing the water flowing through your pipes from gaining momentum. This can lower the effectiveness of your water-based appliances and also makes clogs more likely.
If you have exposed pipes (for example, in a basement ceiling), you can remove small spots of external corrosion yourself. Make a paste of equal parts white vinegar, baking soda, and salt and apply it to the corrosion. Ten minutes later, wipe away the paste. Most, if not all the corrosion will also be wiped away.
Corroded piping can sometimes call for repairs on part of your water line, but in other cases it can call for complete replacement. Typical costs for this type of repair can run $600 to $5,000.
While a small visible patch of rust may seem minor right now, corrosion can eventually cause a pipe to burst. Your home's plumbing won't last forever. Wear and tear can weaken the pipe wall. This can increase the likelihood the pipe will fail or burst any time of the year.
Signs of pipe corrosion occur as early as two years post-installation. A neutral or acidic pH of water dissolves the copper oxide barrier of pipes, making them vulnerable to accelerated corrosion, resulting in pinhole leaks.
The lifespan for the most common residential plumbing systems are: Brass: 40 to 70 years. Copper: 50 or more years. Galvanized steel: 20 to 50 years.
Inspect your pipes visually to look for signs of trouble.
Rust stains, discoloration, dimpling, and flaking all indicate a problem that requires professional evaluation. You may not need to completely replace your pipes, but the plumber can give you an idea of the repairs that should be made.
Injecting high levels of microscopic rust may cause iron poisoning, which manifests in fever, headaches, dizziness, low blood pressure, and more. While you're unlikely to ingest enough tainted water for this to occur, there is still the risk of sickness, especially in children and those with certain medical conditions.
The best way to protect against metal-to-metal corrosion is to insulate the metal. For piping, consider installing insulators, such as wear pads or pipe shoes. Insulators add a buffer between metals, so the metal stays durable longer.
You can expect the entire process to be completed anywhere from two days to a week. If your house constantly needs plumbing work, has lead pipes, or will soon undergo a remodel, it's time to repipe your home.
Supply Pipes
Brass pipes have a general life expectancy of around 40-70 years while copper usually only lasts around 50 years and galvanized steel taking the prize for the shortest lifespan of around 20-50 years on average.
Metal Smells – Water that smells like metal could be contaminated with zinc, iron, or copper in your pipes. The older your home, the more likely metal smells are the result of corroded pipes.
Galvanic corrosions occur when different metals are in contact with each other. It commonly occurs when carbon steel pipes are threaded to brass valves, and more serious galvanic corrosion happens at galvanized steel to brass valve connections.
Common issues that cause corrosion include a high level of dissolved oxygen (called oxygen corrosion), pipes that were not installed correctly, improper electrical grounding, high flow rates, and a lot of sediment in the water.
Oxidation and High Temperatures
Oxidized water travels through your plumbing pipes, this means that there is a certain amount of oxygen in your water, usually about 30%. Metal pipes are susceptible to corrosion from rust, which occurs once the metal interacts with oxygen.
Water moving through a pipe at unusually high velocity can wear away copper from the interior of the pipe. If the pipe ends weren't properly reamed smooth prior to soldering, the raised burrs inside the pipe can cause local turbulence, called erosion corrosion, which will corrode the pipe.
Here is a good rule of thumb Brass and galvanized steel supply pipes typically last 80 to 100 years, while copper can go anywhere from 70 to 80 years. Cast-iron drain lines will usually survive 80 to 100 years, and those made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are typically good for 25 to 40 years.
Locate your water meter and check the leak indicator to see if it is moving. Depending on the brand of your meter, the leak indicator could be a small triangular shaped dial or a small silver wheel that rotates when water is flowing through the meter. If the dial is moving, chances are, you have a leak.
Put soap in water, stirring gently, and rub it onto each of the pipe joints one at a time. Where the solution bubbles, there is a leak. Test all the joints in this manner to ensure you find all the leaks. Then release the air pressure and make repairs to seal the pipes.
Here are the expected lifespans for common supply pipes: Copper Pipes: 70-80 years. Brass Pipes: 80-100 years. Galvanized Steel Pipes: 80-100 years.