There are many factors involved in pipe failure, and the corrosion process is complex and not always fully understood due to the interplay of a broad range of causes. The type of pipe failure varies depending on the piping material used, the age of the pipe system and the quality of the original installation.
Common Pipe Failures
In the mid-1980s it became apparent that the acidic water supply in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia was causing serious water pipe corrosion.
Some of the pipe failures were due to unnecessary exposure to UV rays and poor installation practices. In other instances, sediments collected inside the lining of the pipes which could eventually lead to restricted pressure in the water system.
In materials such as CPVC and Polybutylene, the material used in the manufacturing process can become brittle after just a few years of usage which can lead to cracks and leaks. Cast iron or copper drainage piping can experience failures due to chemical contamination within the pipes and the use of inferior product.
Hot water pipes made of thin copper (‘L’ or ‘M’ types) can fail due to chemical reactions, exceedingly high temperatures, or due to the age of the copper itself.
Some of the more common causes of pipe failure include:
- Generalized surface corrosion
- Copper corrosion
- Acidity galvanic response
- High levels of oxygen or salt
- Poor installation protocols
- CPVC becoming brittle
- Polybutylene becoming brittle
- Degradation due to UV ray exposure
- Sediments/contaminants in the water supply
- Water pressure imbalances
- Chemical contamination
- Inferior, inappropriate, or outdated piping product
- Thin copper (‘L’ or ‘M’ type)
- High water temperature and temperature fluctuations
- Scale buildup inside pipes
- Glacial water corrosion
- Non-conforming plumbing systems
- Electrolysis
- High-velocity water flow
- Undersized piping
Give Us a Call
Product improvements and amendments to building codes allow pipe system replacements to last longer than pipe systems of the past. Repiping now can result in many years of worry-free water system maintenance.
If you are concerned about the possibility of pipe failure in your residential or commercial building, give us a call at (604) 253-9330. We provide free onsite estimates, and our re-piping experts can answer any questions you may have.
