by Gary Mays | Nov 28, 2022 | banging pipes, burst flexible hoses, Consumer Issues, emergency plumber Gold Coast, erosion and corrosion in plumbing pipes, Health Issues, Insurance coverage of water leaks, Leaking Pipes, licensed plumber, Plumbers Gold Coast, Plumbing Emergencies, Plumbing Maintenance, Water Hammer, Water Leaks, water surge
What is a water surge or water hammer?
At Whywait Plumbing, we understand that a water surge or water hammer can be frustrating and potentially damaging for homeowners. That’s why we’re here to explain the problem in simple terms and offer solutions for preventing and resolving it.
Water hammer or water surge is a common issue in any system that utilises pipework, valves, pumps, and other equipment to control water flow or other liquids throughout a building.
One of the most common causes of a water surge or water hammer is the rapid closing of a valve. When a valve is closed quickly, water hits a dead end, sharp bend, or any other situation that creates a high-pressure shockwave to travel through the pipework, causing a loud banging noise and increased pressure. This can damage pipes, fittings, and appliances and cause leaks.
Another common cause of water surge is a problem with your pressure pump system. If your pump is malfunctioning, it can create a surge of pressure that can cause the same issues as a rapidly closed valve.
The effects of water hammer can range from a loud knocking or banging noise in the pipes to more severe issues such as broken pipework. However, the risks posed by water surge are particularly significant in high-rise buildings.
High-rise buildings are susceptible to water surge
Most high-rise buildings have at least one riser that runs from the basement to the top floor and connects to smaller distribution pipework on each floor. Suppose a pump stops operating, for example, due to a power cut or a fault in the system. In that case, the water pressure in the building gradually declines as outlets are opened, and the remaining water in the system is drained under gravity.
This can create a vacuum in the pipework, depending on whether there are non-return valves or pressure-reducing valves installed in other parts of the water pipe reticulation system. When the power is restored, and the pump begins to operate again, it restores system pressure to pre-set levels. However, if the unit is not designed, installed and maintained correctly and does not have a comprehensive “soft fill mode”, the water hammer or water surge will be almost unavoidable.
In the worst-case scenario, pressurised water is pushed into a vacuum, causing the water to accelerate beyond expected design velocities. This can be due to multiple pumps running or pumps that are designed as “standby”. This results in a hydraulic shock to the pipework that can be beyond the operating pressure of the system, potentially causing weak pipework or connections to burst, resulting in flooding and expensive water damage within the building.
Not only is this expensive to repair, it means downtime to the building’s water supply. It is also a severe health and safety risk to those occupying the building during the burst.
To avoid these issues, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions. One solution is to ensure that you have a booster set with a surge protection feature, so when the pumps are powered back up, they are limited to one pump and gradually increase their pressure to avoid ramping up too quickly. In addition, an AWSPV valve or an Air and Water Protection Valve can be installed at the top of each riser. This device not only avoids vacuum being created, but it also forces air through the “anti-surge” orifice when the system is filling, allowing for the deceleration of the incoming water supply, thanks to the resistance created by rising air pressure in the AWSPV valve.
This softens the potential pressure spike when the AWSPV valve finally closes. The AWSPV valve design ensures effective de-aeration under all pipeline flow and operating conditions via one of three discharge orifices. Once the system is full and free of air, the valve seals and must be piped to a drain or safe area to ensure any leaks are discharged to a visible position. This ensures that everything is visible without causing further water damage.
In conclusion, a water hammer or water surge is a common issue in any system that utilises pipework, valves, pumps, and other equipment to control water flow throughout a building. High-rise buildings are particularly at risk due to the potential for a vacuum to be created when the water pressure is restored, which can cause a surge in water pressure and potentially cause damage to the pipework or connections. By taking the necessary precautions, such as ensuring a booster set with a surge protection feature and installing an Air and Water Protection Valve, you can avoid these issues and ensure the safety and reliability of your building’s water supply.
Proactive prevention you should implement
To prevent water surge, it is crucial to have your plumbing system regularly inspected and maintained by a professional plumber. This can help identify any potential issues before they become a problem.
Even in your traditional home, installing a water hammer arrestor, a device that absorbs the shock wave created by a rapidly closed valve, can help prevent water surge or water hammer from occurring.
If you have doubts about whether you are experiencing a water hammer or a water surge in your home or your high-rise building, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Whywait Plumbing. Our team of experienced plumbers can diagnose the problem, offer solutions, and get your plumbing system back to working correctly. Whether a simple adjustment or a complex repair, we have the skills and expertise to get the job done right.
At Whywait Plumbing, we are experts in protecting you from water surge or water hammer. We can help you understand the causes of your problems and recommend the best solutions for your home or high-rise building. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
by Gary Mays | Nov 26, 2022 | banging pipes, burst flexible hoses, Consumer Issues, DIY Plumbing, erosion and corrosion in plumbing pipes, Health Issues, Hot Water Temperature, Hot water tempering valve, Insurance coverage of water leaks, Leaking Pipes, licensed plumber, Plumbing Maintenance, water damage insurance claims, Water Hammer
What are erosion and corrosion in your water pipes?
At Whywait Plumbing, we understand the importance of protecting your plumbing and infrastructure from damage caused by erosion and corrosion. These processes can cause significant damage to pipes, fittings, and other components, leading to costly repairs and even complete system failures. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of erosion and corrosion and the steps you can take to prevent or mitigate these issues.
Erosion is the gradual wearing away of materials caused by the movement of water, air, or other natural elements. This can happen in various ways, including water flowing through pipes, air passing over metal surfaces, or even soil movement around underground pipes. Erosion can cause damage to the surface of pipes, fittings, and other components, making them more susceptible to leaks and other problems.
Conversely, corrosion is the gradual destruction of materials caused by chemical reactions to the environment. For example, this can happen when pipes and fittings are exposed to water containing dissolved oxygen, acids, or other harmful chemicals. As a result, corrosion can cause damage to the surface of pipes, fittings, and other components, making them more susceptible to leaks and other problems.
Temperature and high water pressure velocity are the leading causes of erosion and corrosion in your water pipes.
High velocity or high pressure over a long period can cause the internal pipe surface to corrode, eventually leading to pinholes in the pipes.
Your hot water pipes are even more susceptible to erosion and corrosion as they age. In commercial buildings or older homes without tempering valves, the circulating hot water temperature is usually over 60° C which, combined with high pressure, creates a high risk for erosion and corrosion.
Repercussions of eroding water pipes and the consequences
Erosion and corrosion in your hot and cold water reticulation pipes can have multiple consequences, resulting in costly plumbing rectification work. The most common issues will be:
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High water bills with significant amounts of wasted water leaking through underground pipes.
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Corroding pipes leads to reduced flow rates, especially if you have copper pipe or galvanised piping.
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Failure of critical infrastructure, especially in commercial buildings.
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Both erosion and corrosion weaken the structural integrity of pipes leading to leaks that cause damage to buildings structurally and to furniture and possessions.
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High-pressure velocity and the breaking down of pipes internally can create failure in valves such as toilet cisterns and hot water systems.
Which water pipes are most at risk from erosion and corrosion?
With the right combination of temperature and high-pressure water velocity, all piping systems are at risk of erosion and corrosion. Listed below are pipe types and their risks.
- Copper – copper piping is most at risk of internal and external erosion and corrosion. Externally mainly if laid in concrete or underground the pipe needs to be fully covered by impervious wrapping such as Denso tape. Copper is the most at risk pipe from high-pressure water velocity corroding the internal pipe surface.
- Pex – pex piping has a much more significant internal and external tolerance to erosion and corrosion. As with all pipes, high-pressure water velocity can still damage the pipe internally over time.
- Polyethylene or Poly Pipe – poly pipe is mainly used externally underground and, if installed correctly, has significant internal and external tolerance to erosion and corrosion. As with all pipes, high-pressure water velocity can still damage the pipe internally over time.
- Stainless Steel – stainless steel piping is frequently used in commercial buildings as it has highly significant internal and external tolerance to erosion and corrosion. As with all pipes, high-pressure water velocity can still damage the pipe internally over time.
The photo above is a pipe we removed and sent to Kembla for testing, as our client had suffered multiple leaks in both hot and cold pipes. They then cut and sectioned the copper pipe longitudinally to examine the internal surface in more detail. The interior surface was observed to have a well-formed black oxide layer partially covered in a layer of fine light brown silt. Multiple corrosion nodules were observed running the entire length of the cross-section. Most of these corrosion nodules are covered in fine brown silt. Brown silt was removed from several corrosion nodules to determine what was underneath. It was observed in many of the corrosion nodules the silt crust was hollow, with a void or air bubble immediately under the surface, under that a layer of corrosion product was sitting at the surface of the tube. The corrosion products were shown to be a loose mixture of black copper oxides and blue-green copper carbonate corrosion products.
Preventing erosion and corrosion?
Preventing erosion and corrosion is essential to protecting your plumbing and infrastructure. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using materials that are resistant to the effects of erosion and corrosion. Stainless steel, for example, is highly resistant to corrosion and can be used in various applications. Other materials, such as plastics and copper, can also be used to protect against erosion and corrosion.
Another essential step in preventing erosion and corrosion is properly maintaining your plumbing and infrastructure. This includes regular inspections and repairs and proper cleaning and maintenance of pipes, fittings, and other components. In addition, it is essential to protect your plumbing and infrastructure adequately from the elements by using coatings and other protective measures.
It is also essential to be aware of any potential sources of erosion and corrosion in your area. This can include heavy rainfall, high water table, or even nearby construction projects. By understanding the specific risks in your area, you can take steps to mitigate or prevent damage caused by erosion and corrosion.
What do you need to do to prevent a high plumbing bill?
Individually, you cannot do much to protect your plumbing water pipe infrastructure. The critical step you should take is for Whywait Plumbing to undertake regular inspections and preventative maintenance. We need to ensure the following:
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Your water pressure does not exceed 500 kPa by ensuring a fully functioning pressure reduction valve after your water meter. This eliminates the risks created by high-pressure water velocity.
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Your hot water does not circulate above 50° C, requiring fully functioning tempering or thermostatic mixing valves. This eliminates the risk of internal erosion of pipe surfaces due to water temperatures over 60° C.
In conclusion, erosion and corrosion are serious issues that can cause significant damage to your plumbing water pipe reticulation infrastructure. However, using materials resistant to erosion and corrosion, correctly maintaining your plumbing and infrastructure, and being aware of potential sources of erosion and corrosion can help protect your property and avoid costly repairs. At Whywait Plumbing, we are committed to helping you protect your property from the effects of erosion and corrosion.
If you have any concerns about the condition of your plumbing and infrastructure, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We’re here to help and ensure your plumbing is in top shape.
by Gary Mays | Sep 23, 2022 | banging pipes, burst flexible hoses, Consumer Issues, electrolysis in copper pipes, emergency plumber Gold Coast, Gold Coast Water, Health Issues, Insurance coverage of water leaks, Leaking Pipes, Water Leaks
What causes Copper Pipes to get Electrolysis?
Copper pipes are a popular choice for plumbing because they are durable and resistant to corrosion. However, over time, copper pipes can develop a problem called electrolysis. This occurs when electrical currents pass through the pipes, causing them to corrode and weaken. If left unchecked, electrolysis can lead to leaks and even pipe failures. In this blog post, we will explain what electrolysis is and how to prevent it from causing copper pipe leaks.
Electrolysis is a chemical reaction that occurs when electricity is passed through a liquid or metal. In the case of copper pipes, the electrical current can come from a variety of sources, such as nearby electricity wires or stray currents from appliances and lights in ceilings. When the current passes through the copper pipes, it causes a reaction between the copper and the water in the pipes, which can weaken and corrode the pipes over time, causing copper pipe leaks.
Common signs of electrolysis in copper pipes are the blue-green discolouration on the pipes. This is created by the formation of copper oxide over time and is a byproduct of the electrolysis reaction. This electrolysis can cause pinholes and leaks in the copper pipes.
Increasingly the most common cause of electrolysis that we are finding is an electrical fault in the earthing of the copper pipes. This is especially true with properties that have been renovated. Unfortunately, locating earthing issues is complex, and we need to use an electrician to confirm or eliminate earth leakage as the cause. Other electrolysis causes can be due to dissimilar metals, such as galvanised, steel, brass and copper pipes, coming into contact with each other.
How do you know if your copper pipe has electrolysis?
Often the problem is not found until you have copper pipe leaks. For example, your copper pipe may have turned green and shown pitting. Once the leaking section of the copper pipe is removed, you will observe that the inside is no longer smooth but has internal corrosion. A close inspection will reveal a crater appearance with pitted holes starting to form.
Once a copper pipe leaks due to electrolysis, it is essential to locate the cause. The replacement copper pipe quickly becomes infected if the reason is not found and removed.
To prevent electrolysis in copper pipes, it’s crucial to identify and eliminate the source of the electrical current. This will involve working with an electrician to check for stray currents or power line interference. In addition, it’s vital to use corrosion inhibitors in the water supply to help protect the pipes.
Another way to prevent electrolysis is to use a cathodic protection system. This unique device is installed on the pipe to provide a negative charge, which neutralises the positive charge caused by the electrical current and prevents the corrosion of the pipes.
In addition to these preventative measures, it’s also important to regularly inspect and maintain your copper pipes. This includes checking for signs of discolouration or leaks and ensuring that the copper pipes are appropriately insulated to reduce the risk of electrolysis.
In conclusion, electrolysis is a problem that can occur in copper pipes and can cause significant damage. However, by understanding the causes of electrolysis and taking steps to prevent it, you can help ensure that your copper pipes remain in good condition for many years. For example, suppose you suspect that your copper pipe leaks are ongoing and may be experiencing electrolysis. In that case, you need to contact the qualified plumbers at Whywait Plumbing to diagnose and repair the problem as soon as possible.
by Gary Mays | Jul 7, 2019 | Consumer Issues, Insurance, Insurance coverage of water leaks, Leaking Pipes, Water Leaks
Here at Whywait Plumbing, we frequently get a phone call asking does insurance cover water leaks? Every week we are called upon to deal with insurance companies or assessors on behalf of clients when they have sustained water damage to their home.
With water leaks just like everything else to do with insurance, there seem to be multiple grey areas with numerous interpretations. It is our experience we find every time we deal with an insurance company where the circumstances of the water leak are similar to previous we meet with a different response.
The product disclosure statement issued with your policy is where we find all the confusion starts. This is where the insurance company hopefully discloses what is covered by your policy. If you find the product disclosure statement confusing then call the insurance company to clarify what the coverage is that you are paying for. The more questions you ask, the more you will understand. Remember there is no such thing as a stupid question. Also, remember insurance companies record all calls, so keep diary notes of when you called and who you spoke to. Better still send them an email confirming your phone call and what your understanding was of the answers you received. This creates an electronic paper trail that can be utilised at a later date.
Important Definitions & Clauses
There are three important definitions and clauses which appear to apply to the question does insurance cover water leaks:
- the “Water Damage Clauses” in the actual policy
- the definition of what is water damage
- the definition of what is gradual water damage
The Water Damage Clauses
The water damage clauses you should always read carefully and ensure you understand. Generally, it will have a section with several clauses and subclauses in the policy which will cover water damage and what you can claim for if you make a water damage claim on your home.
As a rule, it will state precisely what water damage your insurance policy covers and what is excluded. The exclusions are what you need to be aware of as often they will include an all-encompassing negligence clause coupled with a failure to maintain your home in good repair. If you have these general all-encompassing clauses, ask your insurance company what they precisely mean as we’ve seen these clauses used to deny coverage where it was in a very grey area and open to interpretation in their favour.
The Definition of Water Damage
Water damage can occur in so many ways that it’s generally not well defined in your insurance policy. In our experience, insurance companies specify water damage in two ways:
- accidental or sudden water damage
- gradual water damage
We’ve found that instances such as burst pipes, burst taps, burst valves, overflowing sewerage, overflowing stormwater and storm damage are covered by most insurance policies. This is because it was a sudden event that you could not have prevented.
In contrast, the damage caused by slow plumbing leaks in pipes, showers, toilets, gutters and roofs not damaged by a storm is not covered as they are classified as gradual water damage.
The Definition of Gradual Water Damage
Essentially gradual water damage is the insurance policy get out of jail free card. It is water damage they assess has occurred gradually over time. Frequently the water damage was visible to the trained eye but invisible to you as it covers the rotting of timber under the paint or mould in the walls, floor or ceiling. Essentially the insurance company will conclude you were negligent in not maintaining your home.
Examples of gradual water damage we frequently see are:
- seepage from leaking taps into cupboards
- leaking shower trays
- leaking shower taps
- leaking toilet cisterns
- leaking drain pipes
- rusted-out sections in gutters and roof
The water damage from many of these occurrences is often not covered by your insurance policy as it will be concluded you failed to keep your home in good repair through regular and reasonable maintenance.
Water Leak Prevention
The best way to avoid an unsuccessful water leak claim is regular maintenance by Whywait Plumbing. Now this will not prevent every possible water leak scenario happening, but it will demonstrate to the insurance company that you have been undertaking regular maintenance.
At Whywait Plumbing, we see instances every day of water damage that has occurred through the failure to maintain your home regularly. That is why we recommend all our clients to become a Service Partner and enjoy the VIP benefits of having a Service Partner Plan to maintain your most valuable asset, your home, proactively.
by Gary Mays | Nov 15, 2011 | banging pipes, Consumer Issues, erosion and corrosion in plumbing pipes, Gold Coast Plumber, Gold Coast plumbers, Gold Coast Plumbing, Health Issues, Insurance coverage of water leaks, Leaking Pipes, PEX pipes, Plumbers, Plumbers Gold Coast, Plumbing Maintenance, water damage insurance claims, Water Filtration, Water Hammer, Water Leaks, water pipe pressure
Traditionally most homes used copper pipes to circulate hot and cold water. Since the 1970’s plastic pipes have increasingly replaced traditional copper or galvanised steel pipes.
Over the last ten years, pipe-in-pipe systems have been commonly installed to circulate water in most newly constructed homes. The inner pipe for drinking water is made of a plastic called cross-linked polyethylene (PEX).
Since the advent of plastic plumbing systems, there have always been questions regarding the effects on health and do they affect the taste and odour of drinking water. International studies have shown that plastic pipes can release substances that give drinking water an unwanted taste and odour. It has also been suggested that some of these substances may be carcinogenic.
Several investigations worldwide on health issues have been conducted, and most are inconclusive or positive. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has just released a new study on whether leaching or leakage products from these pipes harm health and if they affect the taste and odour of drinking water. The potential leakage products consist of residues of additives used during manufacture to give plastic pipes their desired properties and any subsequent breakdown products.
The Norwegian study results indicated:
- There are no health risks associated with drinking water from PEX pipes
- A few types of PEX-pipe may cause prolonged undesirable taste and odour if the water remains in pipes over time
- Although the taste and odour usually dissipate with use, water from two PEX types still had an unpleasant smell and taste after a year.
- The volatile organic compounds that leaked from new PEX pipes were generally low.
- The level was further reduced with the use.
- No correlation was found between manufacturing methods and leaking products.
This study was undertaken far more scientifically than many tests or studies in Australia. It is common in Australia for international products that have undergone extensive testing to fail AS4020 based on a highly subjective taste test from a panel of 5 – 7 people. The Norwegian study tested ten different PEX pipe types for leaching products in a standardised laboratory test. The water was in contact with the tubes for 72 hours.
Three different manufacturing methods produce pipes known as PEX-a, PEX-b or PEX-c. These methods use slightly different additives, but this study found no correlation between production methods and leakage products. Two of the most commonly occurring substances detected in the experiment’s water were 2.4-di-tert-butyl-phenol and methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE). For three new pipe types, MTBE was detected in higher concentrations than the US government’s recommended limits for the taste and odour of drinking water (USEPA). Still, the values were reduced to below this limit after the tubes were used for a while.
This study confirms what the plumbing technicians at Whywait Plumbing frequently observe: no matter what type of pipe, there can be a taste or odour in new piping systems or where a house has been unoccupied. The taste and odour soon disappear once the water is in use in the house and is in constant circulation.
