How to Know If a Leak Is Caused by Corrosion
Leaks can significantly impair the operation of any industrial facility. Depending on the leak’s scale, it could lead to a tremendous waste of resources. In a worst-case scenario, it could even threaten your workers’ safety.
When trying to repair piping leaks, you must find the leak’s cause. Doing so can give you a much clearer idea of how to prevent the issue from occurring again. One common source of leaks is that of corrosion.
Industrial corrosion is a dangerous force for your equipment. If it’s causing your leak, you need to act fast to repair the leak and eliminate corrosion. So, we’ll explain how to tell if your leak comes from corrosion in the article below!
Signs of Corrosion: Check Your Water
Many symptoms of corrosion have to do with your water. For example, when you first turn on your water, does it have discoloration? If you’ve had water sitting in corroded pipes or tanks all night, it often takes the color of your corrosion.
Usually, the three signature discolorations include brown, green, or blue tints to your water. Steel and iron pipes produce brown water when facing line corrosion. Copper pipes, however, often yield blue or green water.
Another sign is if your water has an unusual smell. If your water has a metallic scent, it likely comes from corrosion in iron or copper pipes. This corrosion then causes metallic particles to transfer to your water.
This transfer can also result in an unusual taste. Water from corroded pipe usually has a metallic taste, similar to its smell.
How Frequently Do You Experience Leaks?
Another question to consider when facing a leak is whether it’s happened before. If you frequently experience leaks from the same pipes, there’s a high likelihood that corrosion is the cause.
Corrosion weakens your metal pipes, making them more susceptible to damage and leaks. If you constantly need to repair the same leaks, it may be time to check those pipes for corrosion.
In some cases, you may notice that your pipe or tank leaks have spilled copious amounts of water. If so, there’s a chance the corrosion got so bad it caused a container to burst. This burst deserves your immediate attention, so call a professional to examine the situation today.
Does Your Plumbing Sound Normal?
For the most part, plumbing should be relatively quiet. If you do hear sounds, these should resemble flowing or trickling water. If you notice loud noises in plumbing, such as clacking or banging, they could signify corrosion.
Corrosion often causes pipes to clog, which makes it harder for water to travel through. In such cases, the pressure from inside could cause damage to your pipes. This damage then allows water to leak out.
Call a Professional Pipe Repair Service
Leaks can cause significant problems in your daily operation. If you suspect you have a leak caused by line corrosion, don’t hesitate! Call professional services today.
We at RakCorp offer several repair options for on-line leaks. We also provide preventative services to prevent corrosion from affecting your pipes. If your pipes need work, contact us today!
