What is Corrosion and What Causes Corrosion?

Copper pipes are dominant in the water piping sector due to their smooth inner surface. They also barely react with lime-scale or impurities like metals, making them less susceptible to corrosion. However, it's not corrosion proof as a high amount of calcium carbonate can cause them to clog.

To counter copper corrosion, one may use the Merus ring at the main water entrance. The ring has immense value as it carries out the following duties.

Balancing water oxygen levels to prevent the formation of copper oxide that is corrosive. The Merus ring keeps the water soft, it does not prevent the formation of soft water. 

What is corrosion?

It's the process through which a refined metal is turned into a more stable state. It takes the oxide sulphide and hydroxide form of the metal. Corrosion is detrimental as it causes damage to the metal.

Causes of corrosion

High levels of oxygen;If the amount of oxygen is high, it will mix with Cooper and form Cooper oxide. It causes water corrosion.

High velocity;Water that is flying at high speed can cause damage to Cooper pipes. Hot water causes hydraulic damage to the lines.

The Sediments, soil, and metal impurities;If the pipes lack sieves on their entry points, impurities will flow inside and clog the pipes causing corrosion.

Low pH;Water with a pH of less than 7 contains copper ions that can mix with oxygen to form a Copper oxide, causing corrosion.

Poor pipe installation;Poor work smith during installation is a common cause of corrosion. Poor reaming of pipe edges coupled with the use of excess acid causes severe corrosion.

High alkaline levels;Water with a pH of more than 8.5 has high levels of alkalinity, which causes copper corroding.

Solutions to Copper rusting

Increase the size of the pipes;High velocity causes corrosion to tackle it increase the diameter of the pipes. It reduces the speed of the water.

Chlorinate water;Some of the corrosion is caused by bacteria like iron sulphate. To counter them, use chlorine, which kills them. Through this, you will prevent the production of hydrogen sulphide, which plays a significant role in corrosion.

Install sieves on pipe entrances;Sediments coupled up with metal impurities cause severe corrosion. A sieve will trap them, preventing corrosion.

Proper pipe installation;Hiring the best labour to handle your pipe installation will save you lots of trouble. Reputable companies use rings will ensure proper pipe reimage.

Balance the ph;Too high levels of alkalinity cause corrosion so do low levels. Try to find a balance to prevent corrosion.

Avoid stagnant parts;Stagnant water allows oxygen to mix with Cooper to form Copper oxide. Ensure the whole system is free-flowing.

Corrosion is harmful as it clogs pipes. It should be removed to preserve pipes and the environment. Follow the laid down procedures like installing a ring to counter it. You can also buy an alkaline checker to be abreast of the pH levels of your water. You can pay a visit to companies such as Merus to save yourself from any trouble that arises from copper rusting.