Read this short guide to learn all about copper pipe corrosion, including how it occurs, how to test for it, and which systems are most effective at treating it. Includes handy pictures and links to our website (http://www.cleanwaterstore.com) where you can browse our large selection of water test kits and whole house water treatment systems.

1. How to Treat Copper Pipe
Corrosion
Brought to you by Clean Water Systems

2. What Is Corrosion?
Corrosion is when metal (commonly copper) from piping dissolves into water,
potentially causing pipe failure and damaging water heaters, appliances and fixtures.
Corrosion in plumbing systems is due to physical and
chemical reactions between the pipe material and
water.

3. Primary Causes of Corrosion:
• Low (< 7.0) pH, otherwise called acid water
• High levels of dissolved oxygen, salts, or
iron/sulfate bacteria
• Sand, sediment, or other grit
• Improper grounding of electrical appliances
• High water velocity causing hydraulic wear on
piping

4. Testing for Corrosion
We carry both corrosion test kits and pH tests on our website:
Corrosion tests:
http://www.cleanwaterstore.com/te
st-kit-corrosion.html
pH tests:
http://www.cleanwaterstore.com/te
st-kit-ph.html

5. Corrosion Treatment Methods
1.
Identify source and severity of problem by inspecting pipe and performing
water analysis:
•
•
•
Check water’s pH level
Check for unnecessary electrical appliances or wiring connected to piping
Make sure piping system is properly grounded

6. Corrosion Treatment Methods
2. Correct low pH with calcite neutralizer tank (pictured
right) or soda ash feeder

7. Corrosion Treatment Methods
3.
Install a phosphate feeder before the copper piping to
coat pipes and reduce or prevent corrosion effects

8. Corrosion Treatment Methods
4. Remove unnecessary electrical appliances or
wiring and properly ground piping system

9. Recommended Systems:
Calcite Neutralizer
•
•
•
•
Filled with a blend of calcium and magnesium carbonates
which dissolve into water and raise its alkalinity
Can also act as sediment/rust filter
Most common and convenient method of raising acid water’s
pH
Size of system directly proportional to flow rate of water –
higher flow rates require larger systems

10. Recommended Systems:
Soda Ash Feeder
• Injected with small metering pump, usually
in combination with contact tank
• For best results, allow a few minutes of
contact between soda ash and water
• Soda ash bought dry in 25 or 50 lbs bags
and mixed with water in solution tank until
desired ratio of about 3 lbs soda ash per 5
gallons of water is reached
Soda ash feeder pictured left

11. Selecting a System
• Use our online system selector form for help selecting
the right system for your application - we’ll get back
to you within 24 hours with a customized
recommendation based on the details you provide
http://www.cleanwaterstore.com/help/customdesigner1.php

12. Thanks for watching!
You can learn more about corrosion prevention and treatment on our website at
http://www.cleanwaterstore.com. There you will also find a large selection of water treatment
and filtration systems, and a bevy of information about various water problems and treatment
methods.