What is Copper Pitting Corrosion?
Copper “pitting” corrosion is the event where a copper pipe has localized corrosion due to being in contact to highly corrosive materials, especially liquid. It does not occur in the entire pipe but only on small areas of the metal. The concentration of the corrosion is exclusive to the corroded area, which makes it even dangerous to pipes. Copper pitting results in pipe failure due to the pinhole leaks it causes. This can occur after years or even just a few months after installation, depending on the factors present in your water.
As the copper plumbing system gets old, pinhole leaks are more common problem. This is especially high if the plumbing system once had a case of corroded old water heater. The particles that corroded may have mixed with the water that fills the pipe and stick to the steel. The corroded steel particles can start corrosion on other parts of the plumbing system.
This is the main reason why professional plumbers offering pipe repair Naples, FL advise everyone to check their water tanks regularly before it causes a commotion within the pipes of your plumbing system. This can save you tons of money from the big repair that could have been prevented through basic maintenance.
Types of Copper Pitting Corrosion
Basically, there are three types of copper pitting corrosion. Read below to find out more.
Type I
The type I copper pitting corrosion is common on business establishments and private property with moderately hard to moderate water supply that has a pH of 7 to 7.8. Type I happens commonly on cold water lines. As mentioned above, it will result in pinhole leaks if not prevented.
Type II
The second type of copper pitting corrosion only occurs on plumbing system with water supplies containing below 7.2 pH. This is also common on hot water lines than sustain temperature of over 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Type II is not as severe and quite smaller than the type I pitting. But just like the first type, it can cause pipe failure if no fixed in time.
Type III
The third type is not as worrisome as the 1st and 2nd types of copper pitting. It occurs in water lines that supply cold water with 8 and above pH (alkaline water). Since this is not as corrosive as the above 2 mentioned, pipe leak is less likely to occur. However, it can show signs of corrosion like a blue-tinged water. It can also release byproducts that can cause blockage in the pipe.
Therefore, highly corrosive or not, copper pitting corrosion must be treated seriously. This is to avoid bigger problems to arise within your plumbing system.
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