Pipe corrosion is a sneaky enemy that can wreck your entire plumbing system before you even know it’s there. As Spokane’s go-to plumbing pros, we’ve tackled countless jobs where this slow-moving damage turned into expensive nightmares for homeowners. Getting the scoop on what causes pipe corrosion is your best defense against major plumbing disasters and those middle-of-the-night emergency calls. Let’s dig into the usual suspects behind this common problem and what you can do before it bites you in the wallet.
Understanding Pipe Corrosion
What Is Pipe Corrosion?
Simply put, pipe corrosion happens when water, oxygen, and minerals gang up on your plumbing pipes—whether they’re metal or plastic. This nasty chemical reaction chews through your pipes from the inside out or outside in. While no plumbing system gets a free pass, homes with older pipes or untreated water are sitting ducks for serious damage.
Impact on Plumbing Systems Over Time
Corrosion starts off innocent enough—a tiny leak here, some funky-colored water there—but trust us, it doesn’t stay small for long. When you ignore these warning signs, you’re rolling out the red carpet for burst pipes, water damage, and repair bills that’ll make your eyes water. At Bulldog Rooter, we’ve pulled up to homes where what started as a minor issue snowballed into complete system failure just because folks missed (or ignored) the early red flags. Catching problems early can mean the difference between a quick fix and kissing your vacation fund goodbye.
Common Causes of Pipe Corrosion
Age of Your Pipes
Old plumbing is one of the top reasons homeowners contact us for help. Over time, protective layers inside pipes—especially metal ones like galvanized steel or copper—start to break down. Once that barrier disappears, water begins to wear away the material underneath.
In Spokane and nearby areas, many homes were built 40 to 50 years ago or earlier. We’ve helped homeowners facing recurring leaks, stained sinks, and weak water pressure—classic symptoms of pipe corrosion due to aging infrastructure.
Water Quality Issues
What flows through your pipes has a huge impact on how long they last. Water quality plays a direct role in pipe health.
Acidic Water (Low pH Levels)
Acidic water, which has a pH below 7, can be especially rough on copper and CPVC pipes. It strips away the protective inner layer and speeds up deterioration.
Even if you haven’t seen physical signs yet, acidic water may already be weakening your plumbing. It often causes metallic-tasting water or pinhole leaks. In many homes, we’ve had to replace entire sections of copper piping because acidic water quietly caused extensive corrosion.
Hard Water and Mineral Content
High mineral content in water—especially calcium and magnesium—leads to hard water. Over time, those minerals build up inside pipes, creating a crusty layer that traps moisture and accelerates corrosion underneath.
If you’ve spotted green or white stains near faucets or showerheads, chances are your home has hard water. We frequently trace recurring clogs or leaks back to long-term mineral buildup inside the plumbing.
Environmental Factors
Corrosion isn’t always caused by what’s inside a pipe. Outside elements can wear plumbing down just as easily, especially for buried or exposed lines.
Soil Conditions and Ground Shifts
The earth beneath your home doesn’t stay still. Seasonal changes—dry spells followed by heavy rain—can cause soil to swell and shrink. That movement stresses underground pipes and may cause cracks or separations.
In places like Spokane Valley and Deer Park, where soil makeup varies, we’ve seen pipes break simply because the ground shifted too much. When soil movement damages the pipe’s protective layer, corrosion often starts at the exposed spot.
Root Intrusion
Tree roots constantly search for moisture. If there’s even a small crack in a pipe, roots will find it and push their way in. Once inside, they grow quickly and place pressure on the pipe walls, making breaks and leaks far more likely.
We’ve replaced sewer and drain lines made from clay, cast iron, and even PVC because roots managed to bust through. Homes with large trees nearby and frequent drain issues often have root intrusion driving the corrosion.
Chemical Reactions
Reactions happening inside plumbing systems are often the root cause of corrosion, especially in older homes with mixed materials.
Oxidation
When oxygen reacts with metal in the pipes, rust forms. This rust thins the pipe walls and creates weak spots that eventually leak or burst under pressure.
Older homes tend to deal with this more often. If your water has a rusty color or metallic smell, oxidation is likely causing internal damage to your pipes.
Electrochemical Reactions (Galvanic Corrosion)
When two different metals are used in the same plumbing system without the right connectors, an electric current forms between them. This causes one of the metals to corrode faster.
We’ve seen this in homes where newer copper pipes were connected to older steel ones. If the right fittings aren’t used during a plumbing upgrade, galvanic corrosion often starts at the junction where the metals meet.
External Factors
Everyday habits around the house can also wear down your pipes over time.
High Water Pressure and Velocity
Water moving too quickly through plumbing can cause internal erosion. This happens more often in homes with pressure boosters or narrow pipes, where the water speed wears down the interior surfaces.
If you’ve noticed leaks near joints or around fixtures, it’s worth checking your water pressure. High pressure may be causing damage faster than you realize.
Use of Chemical Drain Cleaners
Store-bought drain cleaners might clear a clog quickly, but they’re tough on plumbing materials. The harsh chemicals inside them break down both metal and plastic pipes.
We’ve seen many homes where repeated use of drain cleaners led to leaks and serious corrosion. If clogs keep coming back, it’s safer to call a professional instead of pouring more chemicals down the drain.
Types of Pipes and Their Susceptibility to Corrosion
Copper and CPVC Pipes
Both copper and CPVC are widely used in residential plumbing, but neither is immune to corrosion. Acidic water, high mineral content, and improper installation can all trigger problems.
In Hayden, we recently repiped an entire home after more than a dozen pinhole leaks appeared in under a year. The homeowner had no idea their water was hard. Once we figured out the cause, we swapped out the corroded copper pipes and installed a water treatment system to prevent future damage.
ABS, PVC, Orangeburg, Clay, Concrete, and Cast Iron Pipes
These types of pipes are common in sewer lines and drainage systems. They’re especially vulnerable to outside threats like shifting soil, moisture, and aggressive tree roots.
One homeowner in Post Falls had a severe backup caused by roots breaking through an old clay pipe. We replaced the whole line with a tougher, root-resistant pipe using trenchless methods to avoid digging up the yard.
Signs Your Pipes May Be Corroded
Catching corrosion early can save you from major damage. Look out for:
- Water that’s brown, yellow, or cloudy
- A metallic or foul taste or smell in tap water
- Gradual drops in water pressure
- Leaks or damp spots under sinks
- Inconsistent water temperatures
- Strange noises when faucets are turned on
If you’ve spotted any of these signs, give Bulldog Rooter a call for an evaluation.
Why Professional Pipe Inspection Is Essential
Corrosion often hides behind walls or underground, making it hard to spot without the right tools. At Bulldog Rooter, we use pipe cameras and pressure tests to pinpoint the damage without tearing up your home.
Inspections aren’t just about finding where the leak is. They help us figure out what caused the corrosion in the first place, so we can fix the problem at the source and help you avoid it happening again.
Gotta Clog? Call the Dog!
Bulldog Rooter has been serving homeowners in Spokane, Liberty Lake, and nearby areas since 2007. Whether you need a full pipe replacement or just want a second opinion, our licensed team is available around the clock.
- No surprise fees
- 24/7 emergency service
- Straightforward, honest advice
- Trenchless repair options available
Call (509) 687-7001 to schedule a service. Don’t wait for a leak to turn into a disaster—let Bulldog Rooter take care of your pipes before damage sets in.
