Failing Copper Pipes: Causes, Risks, & Repipe Solutions
Understanding Failing Pitting Copper Pipes: A Comprehensive Guide
Copper piping has been a popular choice for plumbing systems in homes and buildings for decades. Known for its durability, resistance to corrosion, and ability to withstand high water pressure, copper piping has been the go-to material for many plumbing professionals. However, despite its many benefits, copper piping is not immune to failure, particularly in the form of pitting corrosion. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the history of copper piping, the different types of copper pipes available, the galvanic corrosion process, and why homeowners and property managers should consider replacing failing copper piping systems.
The History of Copper Piping
Copper has been used for plumbing purposes for thousands of years, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient Egypt and Rome. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that copper piping became widely used in modern plumbing systems. In the 1930s, copper piping began to replace lead and galvanized steel pipes due to its superior performance and longevity.
Throughout the decades, copper piping has undergone various improvements and standardizations. In 1963, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) established the B88 standard for copper piping, which outlined the requirements for seamless copper water tubes. This standard ensured consistent quality and reliability in copper piping products.
The Three Types of Copper Piping
Type M Copper Piping:
· Type M is the thinnest and most lightweight of the three types of copper piping.
· It is commonly used in residential plumbing systems for water supply lines and drainage.
· Type M piping is suitable for low-pressure applications and is the most economical option.
Type L Copper Piping:
· Type L copper piping is thicker and more durable than Type M.
· It is often used in commercial and industrial plumbing systems, as well as in residential applications where higher water pressure is present.
· Type L piping is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations and can withstand moderate to high water pressure.
Type K Copper Piping:
· Type K is the thickest and most robust of the three types of copper piping.
· It is commonly used in underground water mains, gas lines, and other high-pressure applications.
· Type K piping is the most expensive option but offers the highest level of durability and resistance to corrosion.
The Galvanic Corrosion Process in Copper Piping
One of the main reasons for the failure of copper piping systems is galvanic corrosion. Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are in contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte, such as water. In copper piping systems, galvanic corrosion can occur when copper pipes are connected to other metal in the plumbing system, such as cast iron components or steel fittings.
The corrosion process begins when the less noble metal (in this case, the other metal component) starts to corrode and dissolve into the water. This process creates an electrical current that accelerates the corrosion of the more noble metal (copper). Over time, this leads to the formation of small pits or holes in the copper piping, a phenomenon known as pitting corrosion.
Pitting corrosion can cause leaks, reduced water pressure, and eventual failure of the plumbing system. In addition to the structural damage, corroded copper pipes can also lead to water contamination, as the dissolved copper and other metals can leach into the water supply.
When two dissimilar metals are in contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte (such as water), galvanic corrosion can occur. The metal higher on the galvanic series (more noble) will act as the cathode, while the metal lower on the series (less noble) will act as the anode and corrode preferentially.
In the galvanic corrosion chart, the metals are arranged vertically according to their nobility. The further apart two metals are on the chart, the greater the difference in their nobility, and consequently, the higher the risk of galvanic corrosion when these metals are coupled together. For example, if magnesium (at the bottom of the chart) is in contact with platinum (at the top of the chart), there will be a significant risk of corrosion for the magnesium, as it is much less noble than platinum.
To minimize the risk of galvanic corrosion, it is best to choose metals that are close together on the galvanic series when designing systems where dissimilar metals may come into contact with each other.
Why Homeowners and Property Managers Should Replace Failing Copper Piping
If your home or building has failing copper piping due to pitting corrosion, it is essential to consider replacing the entire plumbing system. While spot repairs may temporarily fix leaks and other issues, they do not address the underlying problem of galvanic corrosion. As a result, the corrosion will continue to spread throughout the system, leading to more frequent and costly repairs.
Replacing failing copper piping with a new, modern plumbing system offers several benefits:
· Improved Water Quality: A new plumbing system ensures that your water supply is free from contaminants and dissolved metals caused by corrosion.
· Enhanced Reliability: With a new plumbing system, you can expect fewer leaks, better water pressure, and a longer lifespan for your pipes.
· Increased Property Value: Updating your plumbing system can increase the value of your home or building, as it demonstrates a commitment to maintaining and improving the property.
· Cost Savings: While the initial investment in a new plumbing system may seem significant, it can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent repairs and preventing water damage caused by leaks.
Case Study: Copper Pitting and Pinhole Leaks
Localized copper corrosion, often resulting in pitting and pinhole leaks, is a significant issue for many water utilities across the U.S. The EPA conducted a study focusing on the analysis of failed pipes, customer surveys, and water chemistry. Findings revealed that pitting issues were primarily in cold water plumbing, with leaks commonly occurring within the first 20-30 feet of horizontal piping. This pitting was heightened by high pH and low alkalinity in the source water, leading to severe corrosion and structural failure of the pipes.
Case Study: Microbiologically Induced Corrosion
A study on copper piping in a domestic hot water system found that microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) led to extensive wall thinning and perforation. The affected pipes, which were in service for 12 years, displayed significant deposits of iron-rich corrosion products. MIC is a complex issue that can significantly reduce the lifespan of copper piping, necessitating comprehensive water treatment and system monitoring to mitigate its effects.
Class Action Lawsuits
1.) Viega ProPress Copper Press Fittings Settlement:
· Case: Al’s Discount Plumbing, et al. v. Viega LLC.
· Details: This class action involved claims against Viega LLC for defective copper press fittings. The settlement amounted to $10 million, covering purchases made between January 29, 2015, and September 18, 2020, in various states including California, New York, and Texas.
· Outcome: Affected members are entitled to cash distributions and rebates on future purchases.
2.) City of Miramar Class Action:
· Case: Residents of Miramar, Florida, filed a class-action lawsuit against the city and engineering firms for failing to properly treat water, leading to severe corrosion of copper pipes.
· Details: The improperly treated water caused pitting and leaks, forcing homeowners to re-pipe their homes. The lawsuit claims professional negligence and malpractice.
· Outcome: The case aims to secure compensation for the affected homeowners.
3.) Ladera Ranch Homeowners Settlement:
· Case: A class action involving 600 homeowners in Ladera Ranch, California, against homebuilders for installing copper pipes that degraded due to the community’s water conditions.
· Details: The case settled for $8 million, addressing claims of property damage and the need for extensive plumbing repairs.
· Outcome: The settlement provided financial relief to affected homeowners.
These lawsuits highlight the widespread issues associated with copper piping failures, often due to poor water treatment or defective fittings, leading to significant property damage and financial burdens for homeowners.
Turnkey Repipes: The Solution to Failing Copper Piping
When it comes to replacing failing copper piping systems, many homeowners and property managers turn to professional plumbing companies that specialize in turnkey repipes. A turnkey repipe is a comprehensive solution that involves the complete replacement of a building’s plumbing system, from the water main to the individual fixtures.
Companies that offer turnkey repipes have the expertise, tools, and materials necessary to efficiently and effectively replace failing copper piping systems. They work closely with property owners to assess the extent of the corrosion, develop a customized replacement plan, and execute the repipe with minimal disruption to the occupants.
By choosing a turnkey repipe solution, property owners can rest assured that their plumbing system will be replaced with high-quality, durable materials that are designed to withstand the test of time. This investment in a new plumbing system not only solves the immediate problem of failing copper pipes but also provides long-term benefits in terms of water quality, reliability, and property value.
Protecting Your Plumbing System: Taking Action Against Failing Copper Pipes
Copper piping has been a reliable and widely used material in plumbing systems for many decades. However, the issue of galvanic corrosion and the resulting pitting corrosion can lead to the premature failure of these systems. By understanding the different types of copper piping, the corrosion process, and the benefits of replacing failing pipes, homeowners and property managers can make informed decisions about their plumbing systems.
If you suspect that your home or building has failing copper piping, it is essential to act promptly and consider a turnkey repipe solution from a professional plumbing company. By investing in a new, modern plumbing system, you can ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of your water supply for years to come.
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