Galvanized steel has been a popular choice for home plumbing lines for many years. But steel is prone to corrosion and rust, so after several decades, pipes within a home will need to be replaced completely. Copper was the preferred material due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. Copper piping is now used in many homes across Florida and throughout the United States.
If you live in Florida, you might be able to get your water from reverse osmosis plants. While there are many benefits to drinking water that is clean, clear and free of mineral inclusions, there are also some drawbacks. Desalination and reverse osmosis water can cause corrosion to copper pipes, which could lead to eventual leaking.
Why R/O Water Corrodes Copper
Copper is supposed to be resistant to corrosion. But what could make it suddenly so vulnerable to falling apart? What happens to water during reverse-osmosis is the answer. Because of the salts and other substances found in water, south Florida’s water is naturally slightly alkaline. Alkaline water is less likely than corroded metal. The salts and other substances that provide alkalinity can be removed and water becomes more acidic. This makes it more likely to corrode and absorb other substances.
Reverse osmosis systems use the same water you would find in a municipal supply network to reduce the alkalinity. This makes it more aggressive on your plumbing, and can slowly eat away at copper lines in your house. You’ll see the effects of this over time in small plumbing leaks and pipe bursts.
Copper Pipe Corrosion: Solutions
What can you do if your house is supplied with water by a massive reverse osmosis plant? You don’t want to worry about your water quality. However, it is impossible to switch water providers or cancel this service unless you are able to move to another service area. There are several options.
You might first consider installing a Calcite filter on your main water supply. Calcite filters are basically blocks of calcium carbonate. They gradually dissolve, increasing the pH and making your water less aggressive to your plumbing lines. This may sound absurd as it would reverse all the hard work that was put into purifying the water. Calcite is not harmful and can be found in water all over the country. However, it can make water taste strange to some people. This means that you might want to filter the water once more to preserve the original taste.
You can also get rid of copper pipes and replace them with plastic ones that are completely free from corrosion. These plastic lines are extremely resistant to corrosion and can last for many decades. They are also extremely affordable. Although copper prices have risen over the years, these plastic plumbing lines are extremely affordable. They only cost a few cents per ft. and are very easy to install.
This post was written by Joey Denick. Joey is the Owner and Operator of Clog Kings. At Clog Kings, LLC, we pride ourselves on our dedication and efficiency. We know you don’t have time to waste. That’s why we work fast to get your home or commercial building back up and running in no time. If you are looking for plumbers in Clearwater FL then look no further because we got you covered!
