Pipe corrosion is a serious issue that you’ll need help from your Houston commercial plumbing company to solve. In this article, we’ll explore some common signs of pipe corrosion and what causes it. We’ll also go over some preventative tips for your commercial or multi-family property.
Talk to Our Houston Commercial Plumbing Company if You Suspect Pipe Corrosion
If you think you have corroded pipes, you need to call our Houston multi-family commercial plumbing company as soon as possible. Corroded pipes can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Pipe corrosion typically causes pinholes and cracks. These can leak or even flood your entire property.
In addition, once you notice pipe corrosion, there’s a good chance that the other pipes in you property are old and potentially corroded as well. Therefore, it’s a major risk to your property. In these cases, property insurance often won’t pay for damages because corroded pipes typically signal the end of the pipes’ expected lifespan. Since it’s generally considered a maintenance issue, damages from pipe corrosion often isn’t covered.
Here are some signs to look out for that may point to pipe corrosion in your commercial or multi-family property:
- Rust-colored water
- Metallic tasting water
- Pipe leaks
- Visible corrosion
What Makes Pipes Corrode?
Corrosion can happen on either the interior or exterior of the pipe. It affects primarily metal pipes. Corrosion occurs when electrons are taken away from the metal. The issue is that water and other metals can steal electrons from metal. Therefore, plumbing pipes are extremely prone to corrosion. This is especially true when two or more metals meet in the plumbing system.
Once corrosion starts, it typically gets worse over time. One of the most common types of corrosion is rust. Rust generally happens on steel pipes and creates that easy-to-identify orange red color.
One type of pipe that may rust is galvanized steel. Galvanized steel pipes were commonly used in plumbing systems between the 50s and the 80s. Unfortunately, they can start to rust after about 40 to 50 years, as they lose their galvanization (anti-corrosion treatment) over time. You can ask your Houston commercial plumbing company whether you have galvanized steel pipes in your building. This can help you determine the risk for rust and corrosion for your property’s plumbing system.
Preventing Pipe Corrosion at Your Property
Generally speaking, there isn’t a lot you can do to prevent pipe corrosion, since water and time are against you. Beyond making sure that no metal materials touch each other after Houston commercial plumbing repair, corrosion is simply a fact of having metal pipes in the plumbing system. However, there are things you can do to help prevent the risk of damage from pipe corrosion.
For instance, some properties are choosing to get pipe lining services. This involves coating the interior of the pipes with a special water-resistant material to prevent water coming into contact with the metal and causing corrosion. Another option is to re-pipe the building with newer plumbing materials, like PVC pipes, before your pipes corrode and break down. Our team can walk you through the options as well as the pros and cons of each for your property.
AAA Plumbers – Your Trusted Houston Multi-Family & Commercial Plumbing Company
When you need top quality plumbing services for your commercial property, choose our experts at AAA Plumbers. We are an experienced Houston commercial plumbing company offering comprehensive services to multi-family and commercial properties throughout the Greater Houston area. Our team includes some of the best commercial plumbers in the area and we are available 24/7 to help you keep your plumbing in good condition. Contact us today to schedule service or call us 24 hours a day at (713) 462-4753 for emergency service.