How to Know If a Leak Is Caused by Corrosion

A sudden leak in your industrial pipeline or tank is always a cause for concern—but is corrosion to blame? Pinpointing the true cause of a leak is critical for choosing the right repair and avoiding repeat failures. Corrosion is one of the top offenders behind industrial leaks, threatening safe water access, compliance, and plant reliability. Here’s how to determine if corrosion is the culprit—and how RAK Industrial Services delivers fast, accurate diagnostics and repair.

Why Corrosion-Induced Leaks Demand Urgent Attention

Corrosion weakens pipe and tank walls from within, often undetected until a leak or failure occurs. If left unaddressed, corrosion can lead to:

• Escalating leaks and product loss
• Contaminated water or process fluids
• Regulatory violations and safety risks
• Expensive pipe or tank replacements

Being proactive—and acting at the first sign of trouble—saves you thousands in future repairs and keeps operations running.

Key Signs Your Leak is Caused by Corrosion

• Visible Rust, Pitting, or Flaking:
  Check around the leak for rust stains, bubbled paint, pitted metal, or areas where material is flaking away. These are classic corrosion indicators.

• Discoloration or Staining:
  Brown, orange, or black staining around joints, welds, or tank bases often signals corrosion beneath the surface.

• Soft, Thinned, or Brittle Metal:
  If you notice the metal around the leak is soft, thin, or breaks apart easily, corrosion is likely the cause.

• Multiple Leaks or Damp Spots:
  Repeated leaks in the same area or along the length of aged pipes frequently point to widespread corrosion rather than mechanical damage.

• Leaks in Underground or Buried Pipes:
  Underground pipelines are more vulnerable to unseen corrosion due to moisture, soil chemistry, or stray electrical currents.

How to Confirm Corrosion as the Cause

• Professional Inspection and Testing:
  RAK Industrial Services uses specialized inspection tools—such as ultrasonic thickness gauges and corrosion probes—to assess wall integrity and detect hidden metal loss.

• Water Quality & Metal Testing:
  Testing for elevated metals and minerals in water can indicate corrosion inside pipes, especially for potable water systems.

• Visual Assessment by Experts:
  Experienced technicians recognize subtle corrosion cues that might be missed by the untrained eye.

What to Do If You Suspect a Corrosion Leak

• Act Quickly:
  Even a minor leak from corrosion can escalate rapidly. Schedule an immediate inspection if you notice any warning signs.
• Avoid DIY Patches:
  Temporary fixes may hide deeper corrosion and lead to larger failures. Professional assessment and repair are essential.
• Request a Full Corrosion Assessment:
  RAK will perform the needed tests, check for additional at-risk areas, and recommend the best action—whether it’s composite repair, internal lining, or targeted section replacement.

How RAK Industrial Services Helps

• Comprehensive corrosion tests—including metal and mineral analysis in water lines
• Non-destructive inspection for hidden damage in pipes and tanks
• Emergency on-line leak repair—often with no system shutdown needed
• Advanced coatings, linings, and composite wraps for permanent protection
• Turnkey project management, rapid response, and clear documentation

Leaks caused by corrosion are not just a maintenance problem—they’re a risk to your entire operation. By recognizing the signs early and relying on experienced professionals like RAK Industrial Services, you can stop corrosion in its tracks, restore safety, and avoid costly replacements.