Plumbing Safety - Water Contaminants and Corrosives

Many people overlook what amazing compound water is. It can combine with an endless number of elements and compounds. There are only a few materials that will not dissolve if left in water long enough. Glass is one of these. There are also a few other special components that will not completely dissolve in water. These are the substances that you need to be concerned with if you want to keep your water supply clean.

Calcium carbonate is one of the most common, and troublesome water contaminates. This would be the familiar white, chalky compound that is so hard to keep up with. It's typically found coating sinks and showers, as well as spouts and drains. It will eventually find its way into every creak and opening that is available.

It’s rare to have water without having calcium carbonate. When you hear people speak of hard water, this is what makes it that way. It will give you some trouble, even though it's not harmful or corrosive. Over time it can clog pipes, much the same way arteries get clogged in your body. It will eventually slow the flow of water through your pipes.

This problem can easily be remedied by dissolving it with any number of substances, such as baking soda or vinegar. Many times, you can just wipe it away with a scrub sponge. If you stay on top of it and keep it cleaned up, your seals will last longer and your pipes will flow better.

Oxides are also common water contaminates that can be found in almost any home. These will cause you even more problems, whether it's red rust (iron oxide), green (copper oxide), or white (aluminum oxide).

When metals begin to corrode, oxides are the result. If this corrosion is allowed to continue, it will damage the integrity of the part in question. The atoms in the water itself provide the oxygen needed to complete this process. Some of these atoms are free-floating, and are called ions. Others will break loose and join with the metal to begin this chemical reaction.

A small amount of rusty water will make your water taste funny, but it is not harmful. Copper oxide builds up on the inside of pipes, restricting the water flow. Pits will form in smooth surfaces when aluminum oxide is present.

Oxidation is virtually unavoidable. This process can occur in other areas as well, where moisture is in the air and combines with certain materials. This is more of a problem in climates that experience high humidity. Avoid letting water lay around on surfaces where this could be a problem. This will dramatically lengthen the life of your plumbing.

Lead , mercury, cadmium, and sulfur are other contaminants, typically found in water supplies. These are more dangerous to you and your pipes. These substances can damage your pipes and cause health problems for you and your family. When this happens, you'll need more than a plumber.