Google Groups no longer supports new Usenet posts or subscriptions. Historical content remains viewable.
Dismiss
Corrosion on hot water heater pipes
2 views
Skip to first unread message
Fletcher
Nov 11, 2019, 11:57:03 AM11/11/19
to
Is this hot water heater pipe corrosion normal?
(1) Needs to be connected by a nipple, only brass available
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=20_image6071.jpg
(2) Will the new brass nipple corrode just like the old did?
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=20_image6072.jpg
(3) Hot water outlet nipple seems to be steel?
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=20_image6074.jpg
(4) New & old nipples are both brass so why corrode?
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=20_image6075.jpg
(5) Cold water inlet has less corrosion it seems but why?
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=20_image6076.jpg
(1) Needs to be connected by a nipple, only brass available
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=20_image6071.jpg
(2) Will the new brass nipple corrode just like the old did?
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=20_image6072.jpg
(3) Hot water outlet nipple seems to be steel?
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=20_image6074.jpg
(4) New & old nipples are both brass so why corrode?
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=20_image6075.jpg
(5) Cold water inlet has less corrosion it seems but why?
http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=20_image6076.jpg
HomeOwnersHub Advisor
Feb 14, 2023, 2:31:54 AM2/14/23
to
Corrosion on hot water heater pipes can be a serious issue that can lead to leaks and other problems. Here are some steps you can take to address the issue:
1. Assess the extent of the corrosion: Before you can determine the best course of action, you'll need to assess the extent of the corrosion. Inspect the pipes for signs of rust or pitting. If the corrosion is minor, you may be able to address it with some simple cleaning and maintenance. However, if the corrosion is extensive, you may need to replace the affected pipes.
2. Clean the affected areas: If the corrosion is minor, you can use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove the rust and other debris from the pipes. You can also use a solution of white vinegar and water to dissolve any mineral buildup. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning the pipes.
3. Protect the pipes from future corrosion: Once the pipes are clean, you can take steps to protect them from future corrosion. You can install a dielectric union between the hot water heater and the pipes. This will prevent the pipes from coming into direct contact with the hot water heater, which can help to reduce corrosion. You can also apply a coating of rust-inhibiting paint to the pipes.
4. Consider replacing the pipes: If the corrosion is extensive or if the pipes are very old, it may be more cost-effective to replace them. You can hire a plumber to remove the old pipes and install new ones. This can be a complex job, so it's important to hire a licensed and experienced plumber to ensure that the job is done correctly.
5. Schedule regular maintenance: To prevent future corrosion, it's important to schedule regular maintenance for your hot water heater. This can include flushing the tank to remove sediment and mineral buildup, inspecting the anode rod, and checking the temperature and pressure relief valve.
Based on the images provided, it appears that there is some corrosion on the hot water heater pipes. While some amount of corrosion may be normal, excessive corrosion can be a sign of a problem with the hot water heater or the pipes themselves. Here are some possible explanations for the corrosion:
1. Dissimilar metals: When two different metals are in contact with each other, it can cause galvanic corrosion. This occurs when there is an electrical current between the metals, which can cause the more reactive metal to corrode. In the case of the hot water heater pipes, it's possible that the brass nipple and the steel hot water outlet nipple are causing galvanic corrosion.
2. Chemicals in the water: If the water in the area has high levels of minerals or other chemicals, it can lead to corrosion of the pipes. This is more likely to occur if the water is acidic or if it has a low pH level.
3. Age: Over time, pipes can become corroded simply due to their age. This is more likely to occur in older hot water heaters or in areas where the water is particularly corrosive.
4. Installation issues: If the pipes were not installed correctly or if the wrong type of pipes were used, it can lead to corrosion.
In terms of the specific questions raised in the images, it's difficult to say for certain why the corrosion is occurring. However, it's possible that the use of dissimilar metals (such as brass and steel) or exposure to chemicals in the water are contributing factors. It's also possible that there were installation issues or that the pipes are simply old and have reached the end of their lifespan.
If you are concerned about the level of corrosion on your hot water heater pipes, it's important to have them inspected by a licensed plumber. They can help you determine the cause of the corrosion and recommend the best course of action to address the issue.
In summary, addressing corrosion on hot water heater pipes requires assessing the extent of the corrosion, cleaning the affected areas, protecting the pipes from future corrosion, considering replacing the pipes, and scheduling regular maintenance. Taking these steps can help to ensure that your hot water heater operates safely and efficiently for years to come.
--
For full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/tools/corrosion-on-hot-water-heater-pipes-987-.htm
1. Assess the extent of the corrosion: Before you can determine the best course of action, you'll need to assess the extent of the corrosion. Inspect the pipes for signs of rust or pitting. If the corrosion is minor, you may be able to address it with some simple cleaning and maintenance. However, if the corrosion is extensive, you may need to replace the affected pipes.
2. Clean the affected areas: If the corrosion is minor, you can use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove the rust and other debris from the pipes. You can also use a solution of white vinegar and water to dissolve any mineral buildup. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning the pipes.
3. Protect the pipes from future corrosion: Once the pipes are clean, you can take steps to protect them from future corrosion. You can install a dielectric union between the hot water heater and the pipes. This will prevent the pipes from coming into direct contact with the hot water heater, which can help to reduce corrosion. You can also apply a coating of rust-inhibiting paint to the pipes.
4. Consider replacing the pipes: If the corrosion is extensive or if the pipes are very old, it may be more cost-effective to replace them. You can hire a plumber to remove the old pipes and install new ones. This can be a complex job, so it's important to hire a licensed and experienced plumber to ensure that the job is done correctly.
5. Schedule regular maintenance: To prevent future corrosion, it's important to schedule regular maintenance for your hot water heater. This can include flushing the tank to remove sediment and mineral buildup, inspecting the anode rod, and checking the temperature and pressure relief valve.
Based on the images provided, it appears that there is some corrosion on the hot water heater pipes. While some amount of corrosion may be normal, excessive corrosion can be a sign of a problem with the hot water heater or the pipes themselves. Here are some possible explanations for the corrosion:
1. Dissimilar metals: When two different metals are in contact with each other, it can cause galvanic corrosion. This occurs when there is an electrical current between the metals, which can cause the more reactive metal to corrode. In the case of the hot water heater pipes, it's possible that the brass nipple and the steel hot water outlet nipple are causing galvanic corrosion.
2. Chemicals in the water: If the water in the area has high levels of minerals or other chemicals, it can lead to corrosion of the pipes. This is more likely to occur if the water is acidic or if it has a low pH level.
3. Age: Over time, pipes can become corroded simply due to their age. This is more likely to occur in older hot water heaters or in areas where the water is particularly corrosive.
4. Installation issues: If the pipes were not installed correctly or if the wrong type of pipes were used, it can lead to corrosion.
In terms of the specific questions raised in the images, it's difficult to say for certain why the corrosion is occurring. However, it's possible that the use of dissimilar metals (such as brass and steel) or exposure to chemicals in the water are contributing factors. It's also possible that there were installation issues or that the pipes are simply old and have reached the end of their lifespan.
If you are concerned about the level of corrosion on your hot water heater pipes, it's important to have them inspected by a licensed plumber. They can help you determine the cause of the corrosion and recommend the best course of action to address the issue.
In summary, addressing corrosion on hot water heater pipes requires assessing the extent of the corrosion, cleaning the affected areas, protecting the pipes from future corrosion, considering replacing the pipes, and scheduling regular maintenance. Taking these steps can help to ensure that your hot water heater operates safely and efficiently for years to come.
--
For full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/tools/corrosion-on-hot-water-heater-pipes-987-.htm
0 new messages