In the mid-1980s it became apparent that the water in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia was causing serious corrosion in water pipes.
There are several causes of pipe failure in different types of material in a potable water system, heating, and other means of fluid transmission. Most notable, copper corrosion stems from acidity galvanic reaction, high levels of oxygen or salt, unequal pressure, poor installation, etc.
Common Pipe Failures
In other materials, such as CPVC, there were known products that became brittle after a few years of usage. Some were failing due to exposure to UV rays and poor installation practices. In other instances, sediments form inside the lining of pipes which eventually led to restricted pressure in the water system.
Drainage piping in cast iron or copper are also experiencing failures due to chemical contamination within the pipes and inferior products. Heating pipes that were made of thin copper (L or M types) were failing due to the chemicals, high temperature, and also from the age of the copper itself.
Product improvements and amendments to building codes allow pipe replacements today to last longer than pipe systems of the past.
If you are concerned about pipe failure in your residential or commercial building, contact us at 604-253-9330.