How do you test a pipe for corrosion?

Corrosion is a serious plumbing issue that can damage your water system. It is not just a problem that might ruin your water system in the long run, but it can also be hazardous to your health, and the environment.

There is more to it, corrosion can be costly! If your pipes are rusty, you may need to replace them completely. This can be a significant inconvenience requiring time, energy, and money. Keep reading to find out how you can test and discover this problem before it gets out of control.

What is pipe corrosion?

Pipe corrosion occurs when piping material breaks down due to its environment. It’s a sign of structural deterioration.

What is corrosion?

Contact is the most basic source of corrosion. Metal suffers from corrosion when it comes into contact with water, oxygen, filth, or other metals. Any of these can cause corrosion, but each one does so for different reasons.

Corrosion is a chemical reaction. When a piece of metal loses electrons, it weakens and starts to decay. When a metal comes into touch with an electrolyte, such as water, or electron-hungry compounds, those electrons are encouraged to escape.

This causes the metal to become prone to other damaging chemical reactions such as rust, cracks, and holes. Pipe corrosion is self-perpetuating, which means that once it starts, it only gets worse. There are, however, measures to prevent corrosion from penetrating piping and non-piping surfaces.

What does copper pipe corrosion look like?

Blue, green, and black are the most typical copper color variations:

  • Blue: Corrosion can be indicated by the presence of blue or bluish-green coloration. Corrosion is most likely inside the water pipe if the water comes out blue or bluish-green when it flows out of the taps. You have a pinhole leak if the outside of the pipe starts to turn colors.
  • Green: The presence of green or greenish tints on the outside of your copper water pipes indicates the presence of water leaks, and most likely corrosion. This is particularly true if the water is staining other items such as clothing, sinks, and fixtures.
  • Black: The presence of black copper could suggest excessive sulphur levels or other pollutants in the air, such as sewage gas. It could also mean that the pipe has come into touch with non-compatible metals, such as galvanized steel.

Is it true that all copper pipe corrosion results in pipe failure?

When we talk about copper corrosion, we are referring to conditions that cause the metal to corrode and/or eat away at it. Pinhole leaks, cracks, and burst pipes can occur as portions of the pipe wall get thinner. Pipe corrosion can lead to full-pipe failure and the need for emergency plumbing if not restored.

How can you tell if a pipe is corroded?

You can tell if a pipe is corroded if:

  • The water has a weird taste
  • There is leakage
  • The pipes are clogged

These signs of corrosion are mostly caused by oxidation and the gradual ageing of pipes. Corroding water pipes can cause water leaks and contaminate your water, putting your plumbing system at danger of health problems.

Weird taste

Oxidation can cause the water to absorb too many minerals, giving it an odd flavor that is disturbing for the taste buds. This is a solid sign that something is wrong with the water, and it is recommended to contact professionals to determine whether the water is safe for your health and if there is a solution.

Leakage

As corrosion causes pipes to corrode, leaks can appear. By inspecting your plumbing system, you should be able to tell whether the leaks are dispersed throughout the pipes or concentrated in one area. A leaking system is usually an indication that your corroded pipe can no longer handle the water supply, therefore it should be a reason for concern as soon as you find it.

Leaks can also spread damage to other parts of the building, such as the roof and floors, resulting in mold and, eventually, respiratory illnesses. Leaks can be particularly difficult to detect because they occur in small stages and expand to a larger region over time, causing harm to your infrastructure.

Clogging

Corrosion frequently generates a build-up inside pipes, causing them to narrow. This clogs the pipes and creates a build-up of pressure that may explode or rupture the metal. These implications are far more severe than a leak since the latter can be repaired without having to replace the whole system.

Emergency Plumbing Service

What you need to know about pipeline corrosion

What you need to know about pipeline corrosion is that it is best to contact professional plumbers since corroded pipes can put people’s health in danger. This will ensure that the piping system has been thoroughly inspected and that the solution will be effective.

4 common ways to check for corrosion

The 4 common ways to check for corrosion are:

  1. Find out what pipes you have
  2. Do a water test
  3. Inspect the exterior of the pipes
  4. Hire a professional

1. Find out what pipes you have

The first thing you should do is figure out what kind of pipes are in use in your home. It is possible that your pipes are corrosion-resistant and therefore a corrosion test isn’t even required. Find a pipe sample within your water system or check every pipe that is easily accessible, as different types of pipes can be used in your home.

2. Do a water test

A water test can reveal a lot about your system and your water supply. Corrosion tests that reveal extremely high copper concentrations are a sign that the metal is decaying.

3. Inspect the Exterior of Pipes

Corrosion can be checked on any exterior pipe section that is not underground. Finding pinhole leaks that are starting to leak is as simple as running your palm along the line. If you locate any leaks, look for corrosion indications like rusty, white, and blue stains, as well as sediments.

4. Hire a professional

Plomberie Pro-Drain can help you with any plumbing problem whether it be related to your toilet, air conditioning system, heating system, or plumbing pipes. Our plumbers have the resources, equipment, and expertise required to ensure that all of your installations are stable, clean, and compliant with all the safety regulations in place.

Residential & Commercial Plumbing Services

Tips for Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

Many households are scrambling for insulation and space heaters as winter approaches, but the plumbing pipes are one of the most crucial things to consider throughout the winterization process. Frozen pipes are one of the most dangerous and expensive problems when it comes to severe winter hazards to your property.

Why is pipe freezing a problem?

Water has the unconventional characteristic of expanding when it freezes. This expansion exerts enormous pressure on everything that contains it, such as metal or plastic pipes. Regardless of how strong a container is, expanding water can cause pipes to burst.

The pipes that freeze most often are:

  • Pipes that are prone to extreme cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.
  • Water supply pipes in unheated inside areas like basements, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
  • Pipes that run against outside walls that have little or no insulation.

How to protect pipes from freezing

Tips to protect your pipes from freezing

Stop pipes freezing before the winter weather arrives by following these guidelines:

  • Drain the water from the pool and sprinkler supply lines according to the manufacturer’s or installer’s instructions. Unless otherwise specified, do not use antifreeze in these lines. Antifreeze is damaging to the environment, as well as to humans, pets, wildlife, and gardening.
  • Hoses that have been used outside should be removed, drained, and stored. Close the interior valves that supply the hose bibs outside. Allow water to drain by opening the outside hose bibs. Keep the outside valve open to allow any remaining water in the pipe to expand without bursting it.
  • Attics, basements, and crawl spaces should all be insulated. Insulation will keep these areas at a higher temperature.
  • Look for other spots around the house where water supply lines are installed in unheated regions. Look under the kitchen and bathroom cupboards, as well as in the garage. In certain areas, both hot and cold water lines should be insulated.
  • Consider using UL-listed heat tape, heat cable, or similar materials to insulate exposed water pipes, such as a pipe sleeve. Newspapers can give some insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even a quarter-inch of newspaper can provide significant protection in locations where temperatures are rarely or never below freezing.
  • Consider moving exposed pipes for better protection against freezing.

Tips to protect your pipes before you go away

  • Set your home thermostat to minimum 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees C)
  • Request that a friend or neighbor check your residence on a daily basis to ensure that it is warm enough to avoid freezing.
  • Turn off and drain the water system ONLY if you have an isolation valve on your property. If you have a fire sprinkler system in your home, be aware that it will be deactivated when you turn off the water.

How to prevent frozen pipes

Tips to prevent frozen pipes in the house

  • If there are water supply lines in the garage, keep the garage doors closed.
  • Allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing by opening cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure that any dangerous cleansers or home chemicals are kept out of reach of children.
  • Allow cold water to drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes while the temperature is really cold outside. Pipes can be kept from freezing by running water through them, even if it’s only a trickle.
  • During the day and at night, keep the thermostat at the same temperature. You may suffer a higher heating bill if you temporarily stop using lower nighttime temperatures, but you will avoid a considerably larger repair cost if pipes freeze and burst.
  • If you’re going away during the winter, keep your house warm by setting the thermostat to no less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to kill tree roots in pipes 

How to thaw frozen pipes

It is critical to promptly thaw a frozen water pipe. It is, however, equally important to thaw the frozen pipe properly. Here are several tips for getting the water flowing and avoiding a burst pipe and a potentially destructive flood on your property.

Locate the frozen pipe

To thaw a frozen pipe, you need to figure out which pipe or pipes are frozen. Turn on the water faucets in your home. If no water or only a trickle emerges from the faucet, the pipe leading to it is most likely frozen. If one pipe freezes, there’s a good risk that others will as well.

You may be able to see the frozen piece of the pipe if it is exposed, such as pipes under sinks, in basements, or along the exterior of the house. Frozen pipes are often covered with frost or have a little bulging. If the obstruction is in a section of the pipe that you can see, you’ll have more alternatives for thawing it than if the frozen segment is hidden behind a wall.

Open the faucet

Before you start thawing a frozen pipe, make sure the faucet that the pipe feeds water into is open. Make sure both the hot and cold handles are open. Once you start to defrost the pipe, this will help reduce pressure in the system and allow the water to leave.

Where to begin the thawing process

Always start the thawing process at the faucet and work your way down to the block. The melting ice and steam will be able to escape through the open faucet as a result of this. If you begin the thawing process closer to the blockage, the melting ice may become trapped behind the blockage, raising pressure in the pipe and increasing the risk of it bursting.

Thawing exposed pipes

If the frozen pipe is in an easily accessible location, you have various alternatives for trying to thaw it. Continue to apply heat until the water escaping from the faucet has returned to its original strength. There are four different ways to defrost an exposed pipe:

  • Hair dryer: Using a hairdryer to thaw a pipe is one of the simplest methods. Simply turn on the dryer and direct the heat toward the pipe, starting at the end closest to the faucet. When using the device, take the necessary measures and prevent coming into contact with water, as with any electrical equipment.
  • Heat lamp or portable space heater: A heat lamp or a portable space heater can also be used to thaw a pipe. Place the device in such a way that the heat may reach the frozen pipe. This indirect heat can help defrost a pipe rapidly. Follow the device’s safety measures and precautions, and keep it away from water.
  • Hot towels: Another method for thawing a frozen pipe is to wrap it in towels that have been soaked in hot water. This may aid in the gradual thawing of the block.
  • Electrical heating tape: Applying electrical heating tape directly to the pipe is a final approach. The heat is distributed evenly throughout the pipe with this tape. You may buy electrical heating tape that you can plug in and disconnect as needed, or you can buy heating tape that automatically shuts off.

Thawing enclosed pipes

If the frozen pipe is in an area that is difficult to reach, you have three different options for thawing it:

  1. Increase the property’s temperature: You can try to thaw the frozen pipe by raising the property’s internal temperature. It’s possible that simply raising the temperature will be enough to melt the ice blockage.
  2. Infrared lamp: If you know where the frozen pipe is located in the wall, you can use an infrared lamp to try to thaw the blockage by positioning it in front of the piece of the wall where the pipe is located. The heat from the lamp might be able to get through the wall and defrost the pipe.
  3. Cut out a section of the wall: If you’re confident in your abilities, you can cut out the part of drywall in front of the frozen pipe to gain access to it. The enclosed pipe can then be thawed using one of the options outlined above.

Things to avoid

Never use an open flame, such as a propane torch, to defrost a pipe. This can cause pipe damage, or even a fire in your home.

If the pipe bursts

If a frozen water pipe bursts in your property, the first thing you should do is turn off the main water supply. This will stop more water from leaking into your home and causing damage. You should be aware of the location of the shut-off valves for each of your homes and for each unit. Smaller shut-off valves are frequently found near sinks and toilets, while the main shut-off valve is normally found near the water meter.

Call a professional

You should contact a plumber or other professional if you are unable to defrost the pipe, are unable to identify the frozen pipe, do not feel safe thawing a pipe yourself, or if a pipe explodes. They will be able to assist you with the issue.

Plomberie Pro-Drain can help with all of your plumbing requirements, including residential, business, and industrial. Whether you’re on the south shore or the north shore, our plumbers provide prompt, courteous, and customized service throughout the greater Montreal area and its surrounds. We’re here to help you solve your difficulties or complete your projects.

Our services include:

Get in touch for more information or to set up an appointment