Pipe Corrosion: The Hidden Cause of Costly Leaks in San Diego Homes

When most homeowners think of a water leak, they imagine a burst pipe, a dripping faucet, or a puddle forming under the sink. But some of the most damaging leaks start invisibly—inside the pipes themselves—due to an often-overlooked culprit: corrosion.

At 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration, we specialize in detecting and resolving leaks at their source, including those caused by pipe corrosion. If you live in an older San Diego home or you’ve noticed signs of a hidden plumbing issue, this blog is for you.

What Is Pipe Corrosion?

Corrosion is a natural process where metal gradually deteriorates due to chemical reactions—typically with water, oxygen, or other elements in your plumbing system. Over time, this process eats away at the inside of your pipes, eventually leading to pinhole leaks, burst pipes, or major system failure.

In San Diego, where many homes have aging copper or galvanized steel plumbing, pipe corrosion is a common and serious issue.

Common Causes of Corrosion in Residential Plumbing

Pipe corrosion doesn’t happen overnight. It’s usually the result of several contributing factors, including:

• Water chemistry: San Diego’s hard water can accelerate corrosion due to its high mineral content.
• High water pressure: Excessive pressure stresses pipe walls, making them more vulnerable to corrosion.
• pH imbalance: Water that is too acidic or too alkaline can eat away at metal piping.
• Electrolysis: If dissimilar metals are connected in your plumbing system, electrical currents can corrode the metal.
• Age: Pipes that are 20+ years old are naturally more prone to corrosion and leaks.

Signs You May Have Corroded Pipes

Because pipe corrosion starts inside your plumbing system, it’s often invisible until it causes damage. However, there are a few early warning signs:

• Unexplained increase in your water bill
• Discolored or rusty water, especially when first turning on a faucet
• Low water pressure in one or more areas of your home
• Recurring leaks in the same section of piping
• Green or blue stains on pipes, fixtures, or under sinks
• Unpleasant metallic taste in drinking water

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, corrosion could be compromising your plumbing system—and your wallet.

Why Early Detection Matters

Left unchecked, pipe corrosion can lead to:

• Hidden leaks behind walls or under floors
• Water damage to drywall, flooring, and foundations
• Mold growth from lingering moisture
• Complete pipe failure, requiring costly repiping

The sooner you detect corrosion-related leaks, the more damage (and expense) you can avoid. That’s where 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration comes in.

How 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration Finds and Fixes Corrosion-Based Leaks

Our licensed technicians use advanced leak detection technology to identify leaks caused by pipe corrosion—before they turn into full-blown disasters. We offer:

• Electronic leak detection to locate leaks behind walls and under slabs
• Thermal imaging to identify areas of moisture and heat variation
• Camera inspections to visually assess the interior condition of your pipes
• Water pressure testing to detect slow leaks that aren’t yet visible

Once we’ve located the problem, we’ll walk you through your repair options—whether that means spot repair, pipe replacement, or long-term corrosion prevention.

Preventing Future Pipe Corrosion

While pipe corrosion can’t always be avoided, you can take proactive steps to slow it down and protect your plumbing system:

• Install a water softener if your home has hard water
• Test and balance your water’s pH levels
• Replace aging pipes with corrosion-resistant materials like PEX or PVC
• Schedule annual plumbing inspections to catch issues early

Don’t Let Corroded Pipes Drain Your Budget

If your home has aging plumbing or unexplained leaks, corrosion could be the culprit. At 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration, we combine years of hands-on experience with advanced tools to detect and repair corrosion-related plumbing issues quickly and effectively.

Don’t wait until you’re facing water damage or a major repiping project. Call 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration at 866-437-0205 today to schedule a leak detection service in San Diego and find peace of mind before a small issue becomes a big problem.