Dirty, smelly water. Leakage and repairs in your plumbing. What causes these problems in your water pipes? Very often, you may find that corrosion is at the heart of your problem. Corrosion in your pipes can be caused by improper maintenance or an imbalance within your system. Once corrosion starts, it can potentially cause a great deal of damage. Here are some of the ways you identify corrosion and the hidden problems that it can cause within your plumbing system. 

Causes of Pipe Corrosion

Technically, corrosion in your pipes is when the metal begins to break down, essentially changing the properties of the material. This is a naturally occurring hazard and one that can cause expensive and extensive damage throughout your plumbing system. 

There are a variety of factors that can cause corrosion. They include:

• Water pH: When your water becomes more acidic and is flowing through a copper pipe, this acidity can cause pipes to be destroyed much more quickly than normal. 
• Oxygen in the water: While water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen, an excess of oxygen in the water lines can cause problems, too. The additional oxygen within the plumbing system will eventually cause rust and corrosion as well as potential blockages in the pipes. 
• Water temperature: Cool water tends to have fewer problems with corrosion, while pipes that carry hot water will fall victim to this problem more quickly.

While you're most likely to see the problems of corrosion over time, the severity will continue to build. Another indicator of corrosion is anywhere you find turbulence within the plumbing system — which can cause damage due to excessive stress on a closed system.

Hidden Problems with Corrosion in Your Pipes

Corrosion is a hidden problem within your plumbing system because you may not be able to see the effects right away or even while the decay is happening. It may be many years down the road before you notice that there's a significant change in water quality or as leaks occur. Corrosion may be evident over a series of weeks, months or even years. The costs of resolving corrosion can be extensive, especially if you let it go for a long period of time. It's always best to catch corrosion as soon as possible. 

Sometimes it's too late to prevent extensive corrosion in your pipes, and you'll need to look at replacing them. A licensed professional plumber can take a look at your system and let you know whether the problem has gone too far, or if they can still be saved with proper care and maintenance. Call the professionals at Amanda Plumbing, Sewer & Drain today at 740-369-5161 to get the information that you need to protect your investment in your home or office.