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Do you know how to check for corroded water lines as a homeowner? Corroded water lines can cause serious health problems and costly damage to your home, but fortunately, it’s easy to spot the signs of corrosion.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of how homeowners can inspect their pipes for corrosion so that they can take action before it becomes a major problem.
So what exactly should you look for when checking for corroded water lines?
Afterward, feel free to check out this article if you’d like to learn why your kitchen faucet’s water pressure is low.
How Do Water Lines Get Corroded?
Water lines get corroded when the metal that makes up the pipe reacts with something in the water or air around it. This reaction causes the metal to break down and create holes in the pipe where water can leak out.
The most common cause of corroded water lines is the presence of acidic or alkaline substances in the water, such as chlorine, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide. These substances can react with the metal in your pipes and cause them to break down over time.
Step-By-Step Guide For Checking Corroded Water Lines
When it comes to protecting the integrity of your home’s plumbing system, checking for corroded water lines is an essential task that homeowners should be aware of. Corrosion can lead to significant damage to pipes, causing them to malfunction and create costly repairs. To ensure that you are regularly assessing the state of your water lines for corrosion, here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Visual Inspection
The easiest way to check for corroded water lines is to look under sinks and inspect all visible pipes. To spot signs of corrosion, look out for any discoloration or bubbling on the surfaces of the pipes. If you notice any rust stains on fixtures or on walls near the piping system, this could be a sign that corrosion has already taken place.
2. Use a Moisture Meter
Moisture meters are tools used by professionals to measure levels of moisture in objects such as drywall and wood framing in homes. Similarly, these tools can also be used to detect a higher level of moisture in water lines indicating corrosion present in the pipe walls. This can be done by placing the meter close to a pipe joint, allowing you to get an accurate reading right away.
3. Apply a Conductivity Test
Water contains minerals, which make it electrically conductive. So if your home has galvanized steel pipes with galvanized fittings, you can use electrical current applied from a battery source like a 9-volt battery connected with two wires attached at each end on both sides of each joint to determine if there is corrosion present on the water lines using electrical current conduction testing method (ECT).
If electric current does not pass through both sides of joints easily due to corrosion residue building up around them, then it is likely that your water lines have been corroded over time and need immediate attention from plumbing professionals.
By following these steps and performing regular checks for corroded water lines in your home’s plumbing system, you will have peace of mind knowing that these essential components are working properly and safely!
Signs To Look For When Inspecting Your Pipes For Corrosion
When inspecting your pipes for corrosion, there are a few key signs that you should look for. These include:
- Discoloration on the outside of the pipe: You may notice patches of rust-colored discoloration on your pipes which could indicate that corrosion has started to form and needs to be addressed before it becomes a bigger problem.
- Water leaking from the pipe or dripping from a seam: If you notice water leaking from a pipe or dripping out of a seam, it’s likely an indication that corrosion has begun to form and needs to be addressed.
- Clogged pipes: Clogged pipes can also be caused by corrosion, as layers of rust build up inside the pipe and restrict the flow of water.
How To Address Corroded Water Lines
If you suspect your water lines are corroding, it’s important to take action immediately in order to avoid major damage and health risks.
The best course of action is to contact a qualified plumber who can inspect your pipes and determine what kind of repairs or replacements may be necessary. They’ll also be able to advise you on what steps you can take to prevent corrosion in the future, such as making sure your pipes are properly insulated and that your water usage is within safe limits.
By taking the time to inspect their pipes for corrosion, homeowners can help ensure their family’s safety and financial well-being by preventing costly damage and having peace of mind that their home is safe. With the right knowledge and action, it’s possible to keep corrosion at bay!
How To Check For Corroded Water Lines — Conclusion
As a homeowner, it is important to be aware of the signs of corrosion in your water lines. By regularly inspecting for discoloration, bubbling on surfaces, rust stains, and moisture levels with a meter you can spot any potential problems before they become more serious. Additionally, by applying an electrical current conduction test (ECT) you can further assess whether there may be corrosion present in the pipes.
If so, contact a qualified plumber right away to address the problem and take steps to prevent future corrosion from occurring. Taking these measures will help ensure that your family’s safety and financial well-being are protected while providing peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure!
