The Danger of Dezincification in Your Home Pipes

Dezincification in Your Home Pipes

While the most recent plumbing technology has solved the problem known as dezincification, the truth is that not all homes actually have the most recent pipes available installed. Because of this, the particular type of corrosion known as dezincification can still occur in the present, despite the fact that it is technically solved. Dezincification is a serious problem that can lead to a variety of related ones, and it is important to recognize and avoid the dangers it can cause. What follows should leave you with a good understanding of exactly how serious dezincification is.

In certain conditions, the zinc in a pipe can dissolve. This is particularly true when chlorinated water is present. In fact, chlorinated water can dissolve copper as well, but generally leaves it behind. However, it takes the zinc with it. This causes a wide variety of problems. Zinc, while required for human health, is problematic if overused, and downright toxic if it reaches a certain level of concentration. Additionally, there is the simple problem of corroded pipes becoming weaker and failing in some way.

Dezincification can be stopped in a wide variety of different ways. One technique, developed early on as soon as dezincification was discovered, is using arsenic as an addition to the brass pipe. Tin can be used in a similar way as an alternative to arsenic as well. In addition to this, gunmetal can replace brass entirely, as it does not result in dezincification. These techniques are standard now, and pipes that are protected against dezincification are clearly labeled as such for easy identification. In the USA, the letters "CR" are used to represent the phrase "corrosion resistant." However, in the UK a different labeling system is used. There, pipes are labeled "DZR," or dezincification resistant. In Australia, pipes are labeled as dezincification resistant with the letters "DR."

As you can see, dezincification is a serious problem. This particular type of corrosion can lead to problems with your plumbing, and it can even cause health risks under the worst circumstances. However, by using corrosion resistant pipes, which are clearly labeled as such, it is possible to avoid the risks of dezincification. This is the responsible thing to do when faced with the alternatives of toxic water and damaged pipes. While it might be tempting to simply leave your plumbing alone, you will be rewarded in the long run for making sure that your home is not in danger from this particular problem.


By Jerry L Work 
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4331233