Corrosion on Faucets and Pipes

Causes

• Water treatment plants don't mind a bit of scaling, one of the causes of corrosion, because it coats the inside of distribution pipes and retards other forms of corrosive growth. When it forms to the point that it reduces water flow, then it becomes problematic; it requires the replacement of the bad pipes. Another form of corrosion happens when dissimilar pipes connect within the plumbing system, or when lead or copper leaches into water supply lines from metal fittings, even plumbing systems outfitted with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping.

Health Hazards

• When pipes and faucets become corroded, this dumps corrosive water in your water supply or wastewater system. Besides causing damage to pipes and faucets, corrosive water results in aesthetic and health problems. When pipes are corroded on the inside of the system, some of the metal from the pipes leach into the drinking water. In wastewater systems, it can lead to raw sewage leaks in your home or in your yard when corrosion rots the pipes. If there are brass couplings anywhere in the plumbing system, this also could leach lead and copper into the water, which is not safe for human consumption.

Galvanic Corrosion

• When two dissimilar metals are coupled together in the plumbing, this can set up a galvanic reaction that leads to corrosion in plumbing. Galvanic corrosion most often occurs where the public water-supply distribution pipes connect to the water meter. If the corrosion is severe and pipes begin to leak, contact your water utility to fix the problem. Corrosion occurs because of an electrochemical reaction between electrons. When rust breaks free inside pipes, it releases red or rust bits into your system, which makes water taste bad. It also causes stains when laundering.

Mineral Buildup

• Hard water contains extra amounts of calcium and magnesium, not necessarily unhealthy in drinking water, but ugly looking on pipes and faucets. A common solution involves installing an ion-exchange system to soften the water; but most of these use salt to soften the water, which is not an effective or legal choice in some communities because of environmental hazards and health issues.