One of the complicated plumbing issues to resolve is septic system corrosion. The only time that this issue can be spotted is during a routine inspection or septic system cleaning. Before finding out the issue, it has done serious damages such as copper pipe corrosion. What is the copper pipe repair solution that can be done here? Let us find out.

What causes copper pipe corrosion on the septic system?

Before we further discuss copper pipe repair, let us talk about the causes of septic system corrosion. Here are some of them.

• Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria

The septic tank discharges hydrogen sulfide gas which smells like a rotten egg! This is mainly caused by naturally occurring sulfate-reducing bacteria that dwell in septic tanks. These bacteria have enzymatic systems which contribute to the corrosion process. They can solubilize the metal by depolarizing the metallic surface with their hydrogenases enzymes.

• Improper Pipe Installation

If the end of the pipe is not properly reamed, it causes turbulence and increases velocity which allows corrosion to happen. Excessive use of acid flux can also trigger corrosion. Flux is a chemical material that solders the copper pipes together.

• Chemical Drain Cleaners

Acid-based cleaners can also be a culprit of copper pipe corrosion. Chemical cleaners have a corrosive property that damages the pipes if overly used.

Repairing A Corroded Copper Pipe

You need to pinpoint the corroded area of the pipe before doing a copper pipe repair. Start looking from the beginning of the pipe or the piping joint. Once you identified those areas, you may proceed with the following solution.

1. Patch The Damaged Pipes

Applying a quick patch is an easy fix. All you need to do is to wrap the tape around the damaged pipe. This is not a permanent solution though, so we do not really recommend this.

2. Cut And Replace Method

For heavily corroded pipes, cut the affected part and replace it with a new copper pipe. Using a tubing cutter, the corroded pipe is cut off. With a new copper pipe, you will place it next to the cut you made. After that, apply the flux inside the couplings and slide them on both ends of the original pipe. The final touch is finishing the repair with a torch. Using the torch, melt solder around the joints of the couplings to bond the pipes. But we don’t really recommend this solution since copper is still vulnerable to corrosion.

3. Replace Copper Pipe With PVC Piping

Replacing copper pipe with modern PVC piping is a HIGHLY recommended and a long-term solution. PVC pipe is much resistant to oxidation and corrosion from the fumes in a sewer.

Don’t wait to get stressed!

We know that dealing with septic system issues can be stressful. Regardless if it’s a copper pipe repair or pipe replacement, leave it to us! Contact us right now so we can help you.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Photo Credit | Torchblower – Image by Eugene Brennan from Pixabay