Nothing lasts forever, including copper pipes. When your plumbing equipment is installed it’s shiny and sturdy. But decades later they’re corroded and crusty.
If you’re lucky, your copper pipes might last 70 to 80 years but some will need removal much sooner than that. Mike Wilson Plumbing has been called to multiple homes to replace 50-year-old pipes that no longer work properly.
Copper pipes are designed to be corrosion resistant but that is not foolproof. Eventually they can start to degrade just like other pipe materials. Certain problems like high-acidity water can cause your pipes to dissolve even faster than expected.
Acidic Water and Copper Pipes
Ideally the drinking water entering your home has a neutral pH of 7 but sometimes the pH falls within the acidic range of 0 to 6.5
There are no EPA regulations for drinking water pH. However, there are recommendations for keeping it close to neutral.
If your home’s drinking water is acidic it can cause your pipes to deteriorate. This leads to copper entering your water. The dissolving copper can make your water taste like metal and cause blue-green stains on your faucets.
The gradual breakdown of the copper can also create leaks in your pipes. Most of which will be tiny and hard to find right away. This slow water leakage could escalate into larger issues such as mold accumulation.
Copper Contaminated Water
If your copper pipes are worn down by time or acidic water, the degrading metal can start to impact your drinking water. Overconsumption of copper is known to cause health issues such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The good news is that these issues are rare. The CDC states these issues typically only occur in older homes that need new pipes.
According to the CDC, if your water is contaminated by copper pipes you can try the following treatments:
You can also try flushing the water from your faucet. If you haven’t used a particular sink or shower for more than 6 hours then you should run the water for 15 seconds before using it.
Signs You Should Replace Your Copper Pipes
Old age or obvious malfunctions means it is time to have a plumber take a look at your pipes.
If your plumbing hasn’t been updated in decades it is worth getting your pipes inspected. But if something seems to be working poorly, you should make the call regardless of age.
Low water pressure, moisture accumulation on your pipes, visibly ruined pipes, discolored water and strange tasting water are all signs your pipes are due for replacement.
Mike Wilson Plumbing helps home and business owners in Chesterfield, Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake and Richmond with fixing their copper pipes.
Our expert plumbing team can handle everything from emergency pipe bursts to major renovations. Give us a call to service your copper pipes.