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Gas lines are typically buried out of sight, and they rarely develop serious problems overnight. Corrosion is not uncommon, however. The process usually starts underground and that activity can continue without any obvious warning inside the home.
Then, you may notice a strange odor, a drop in gas pressure, or other signs that something has gone wrong.
In this brief article brought to you by Rooter Guard, we explain why gas lines corrode so that you can better recognize potential trouble before a small weakness turns into a major plumbing concern.
If you’d rather consult a trained and uniformed plumber, then contact the professionals at Rooter Guard. Our live representatives are on standby to take your call or message today.
Soil has water, minerals, salts, organic material, and other compounds. When moisture surrounds a metal gas pipe, those substances can create an electrolyte environment.
An electrolyte allows electrical charges to move through the surrounding moisture, and that movement can trigger electrochemical reactions at the metal surface. Eventually, those reactions can remove metal from the pipe.
Think of it as a slow chemical attack.
The process can become more aggressive when soil holds a lot of moisture or contains acidic compounds. Soil with low electrical resistivity also allows electrical current to move more easily.
That does not mean every wet property will develop a corroded gas line. Several factors work together. Soil chemistry, pipe material, protective coatings, age, installation conditions, and electrical activity can all influence the corrosion rate.
A plumber in La Canada Flintridge can investigate visible signs of trouble around accessible gas piping, but underground corrosion requires a more careful approach. The pros at Rooter Guard use advanced tools and technology to safely investigate.
Acidic soil can produce an especially harsh environment for metal. Soil acidity refers to the concentration of hydrogen ions within the soil; A lower pH means greater acidity. That acidity can interfere with protective layers on metal and encourage corrosion reactions.
As the protective surface breaks down, the underlying metal faces greater exposure to the surrounding environment. Then, you’re caught in a vicious cycle: corrosion damages the protective barrier, increased exposure accelerates corrosion, and continued metal loss gradually weakens the pipe.
Electrical resistivity describes how strongly soil resists the movement of electrical current. Soil with low resistivity allows current to travel more easily.
This explains why two properties with similar-looking soil may create different conditions for buried metal. Their moisture levels, mineral content, and electrical properties can differ.
Protective coatings, which we mentioned earlier, separate the pipe surface from the surrounding soil and moisture. Scratches, installation damage, aging, shifting soil, and other conditions can compromise that protection and moisture and corrosive compounds can reach the metal underneath.
That small damaged area can then become a starting point for localized corrosion. Over time, corrosion can create pits in the metal. At that point, you’re looking for gas line repair.
Stopping a leak with prompt gas line repair addresses the immediate concern, but recurring corrosion deserves a closer look at the conditions surrounding the pipe.
A plumber from Rooter Guard can assess pipes and identify signs that call for additional investigation. Our professionals come with parts, tools, and materials to handle most repairs the first time around.
Don’t roll the dice with potential gas line problems. Call or message Rooter Guard for emergency plumbing repair service at any time of the day – or night. We are proud to service residential and commercial plumbing systems alike.
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