Last Updated on May 10, 2023
Many of us have experienced the frustration of having our water valves corroded When dealing with plumbing. Though it may look unpleasant, more importantly, corrosion could potentially result in a leak, which is not something that any homeowner wants to deal with.
To ensure that your water supply remains uninterrupted, it’s important to arm yourself with the knowledge of how to de-gunk rusty valves.
Gather your tools, loosen the line that holds the valve, and don’t forget to apply rust remover or acid if needed. Be sure to neutralize afterward by sprinkling some baking soda around the area. Put everything back together once it’s all dry. Then make sure you lubricate using wd-40 for maximum effect.
Taking proper preventive measures is key to avoiding problems in the long run. This guide takes a detailed look at the causes and removal methods for all forms of water-valve deterioration, so you’re now informed when trouble strikes.
How To Remove Corrosion From Water Valve Easily: Complete Instructions
Removing corrosion from water valves is a common home maintenance task and is essential to ensure that the valves are functioning properly. Here are the step-by-step instructions on safely removing corrosion from water valves.
Step 1. Preparing the Area and Gathering Tools:
Prepare the area surrounding the valve by removing any debris or dirt that may be present in order to ensure a clean surface. It is also essential to ensure that all protective gloves and eyewear are worn while performing. Turn off the main water valve to shut off the flow of water to the pipe.
1. Include Protective Wear like Gloves, Goggles, and Respirators
2. Sand Paper in Various Grits
3. Rust Removal Product or Acid
4. Wire Brush or Steel Wool
Step 2: Remove the Corroded Part from the Water Line:
It is important to disassemble any fixtures or fittings that are obstructing access to the pipe before beginning the removal of the corroded part. After disassembling all fixtures, securely cap off any open pipes to prevent leaks while you work.
Have a bucket or container available to catch any drips or spills during the procedure. Once everything is prepped, use sandpaper to remove loose rust and debris from the metal surface.
Step 3: Apply Rust Removal Product or Acid To Treat The Area:
Apply the chosen chemical cleaner onto the corroded area using a soft-bristled brush in gentle circular motions until all traces of corrosion have been removed from the surface. Let the cleaner sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water and drying thoroughly with a clean cloth or towel.
Step 4: Neutralize Area with Baking Soda:
Once treatment with acid or rust removal product is complete, neutralize the area after treatment with baking soda or vinegar solution. This will help protect against further corrosion and can help reduce unpleasant odors due to chemicals in the treatment process.
Step 5: Reassemble All Fixtures Back In Place Once Completely Dry:
Once all parts have been dried completely, reassemble all fixtures back into place according to instructions in reverse order of disassembly. Make sure each part has been reconnected properly before testing out your newly restored valve system.
Step 6: Lubricant the Valve:
Once all parts have been assembled correctly, lubricate them with a suitable lubricant such as WD-40 or silicone grease. Afterward, wipe off any excess residue with a clean cloth.
Types of Corrosion Found in Water Valves
Corrosion is one of the most common problems encountered in water valves, and it can have serious consequences for the operation of a valve. Here are 6 corrosion types in water valves: galvanic corrosion, pitting corrosion, high-temperature corrosion, crevice corrosion, intergranular corrosion, and friction corrosion.
1. Galvanic Corrosion:
Galvanic corrosion occurs when two different metals are placed in contact with one another and also exposed to an electrolyte solution such as water or soil. When this happens, an electrical current is created between the two metals which cause one metal to corrode faster than the other.
This type of corrosion is typically seen on water valves when two dissimilar metals are placed together with no protection against their interaction with each other or with the surrounding environment.
2. Pitting Corrosion:
Pitting corrosion occurs when localized areas on a metal surface become attacked by an aggressive chemical attack resulting in deep pits forming within these areas. It is typically seen on stainless steels and other ferrous alloys exposed to oxidizing agents such as chlorides or sulfates over time.
This type of attack can take place even if there is no direct contact between the two metals, so long as they’re exposed to similar environmental conditions at the same time.
Although pitting corrosion may start out slowly, it can quickly cause extensive damage to the metal and lead to the failure of the component if it is not addressed properly. That’s why you need to know about and watch for potential signs of this corrosion before it’s too late.
3. High-Temperature Corrosion:
High-temperature corrosion can be a tricky beast to spot since it’s the result of unseen chemical reactions. In hot spots of piping systems with prolonged exposure to both heat and aggressive chemicals, oxidation on metal surfaces can really do some damage.
So if you’re not on your toes constantly monitoring and intervening as necessary, this corrosion could result in significantly reduced life expectancy for your valves.
4. Crevice Corrosion:
Crevice corrosion is a type of localized corrosion caused by aggressive electrolytes, stagnant liquids, and tight spaces. Basically, if something is made out of metal and exposed to those conditions for long enough, crevice corrosion will form.
The most common areas for this type of corrosion are usually the small cracks or crevices between two non-metallic surfaces.
When rainwater that contains carbon dioxide dissolves in the valve, acidic solutions can accelerate crevice corrosion. The end result is pitting to form in the metal which can lead to weakening and eventual failure if not taken care of properly.
5. Intergranular Corrosion:
If you’ve ever experienced rusting or corrosion on any metal components of something like a water valve, chances are it’s due to intergranular corrosion. This type of corrosion occurs along grain boundaries in metallic materials.
It is caused by things like impurities from saline solutions that create pitting within the material and can concentrate near grain boundaries. Thermal stresses which disrupt grain boundaries during welding processes can also cause this kind of corrosion, leading to premature failure of metal parts.
6. Friction Corrosion:
Often, friction corrosion occurs when metals, such as those in a valve, rub against each other due to vibration or pressure from nearby liquids or air.
This creates relative motion which can cause wear and tear over time, eventually leading to the weakening of parts such as pipes due to fatigue. Not something you’ll have to worry too much about unless your pipes are really old, but it’s definitely something to keep an eye out for if that’s the case.
What Causes Corrosion on Water Valves?
1. Chemical Factors:
Low pH Level:
The most common chemical factor leading to corrosion on water valves is low pH. The acidity of the water can cause metal components in the valve, including copper, iron, zinc, lead, and alloys, to oxidize and corrode over time.
Oxygen in Water:
Corrosion on water valves is caused by several environmental factors, one of the most important being oxygen in the water. This can cause oxidation, which is when the metals used to build the valve react with oxygen and form corrosion.
Acidic Water and Extreme Temperature:
Acidic or alkaline water can also be damaging to metal, as it causes a chemical reaction that breaks down the metal structure over time. High total dissolved solids (TDS) or chloride or sulfide levels in the water can also lead to corrosion issues for metal parts in valves.
Temperature extremes can cause corrosion due to the expansion and contraction of metal components in response to extreme temperatures.
Airborne Pollutants and Saltwater:
Exposure to pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and other airborne pollutants can cause corrosion by creating an acidic environment. Proximity to saltwater bodies such as seas or oceans can further accelerate corrosion due to salt deposits on the valve.
2. Structural Factors:
Poor Coating or Construction:
Poor construction or coating of valves is another primary factor in causing corrosion. Valves made with inferior materials or using improper designs can lead to weakened parts that become corroded more easily.
Poor maintenance:
Inadequate water valve maintenance can lead to failure points such as rust and wear. It opens up pathways for corrosive elements to work their way into the valve’s internal components.
3. Material Factors:
Material factors also come into play when it comes to water valve corrosion.
Composition of Metals:
The composition of metals such as ferrous metals such as iron and steel is more susceptible to corrosion than non-ferrous metals like aluminum, brass, bronze, and stainless steel.
Valve Age:
Age and amount of wear also play a role in determining how resistant a material will be against corrosion. Older parts may need more frequent repairs or replacements than newer ones due to more wear and tear making them more vulnerable over time.
Internal Parts Damage:
Potential damage to internal parts caused by pressure imbalances or debris buildup can also increase the chances for corrosion to take place inside the valve itself. This type of damage may not be visible from the outside but is often just as hazardous if left unchecked for too long without repair work done on it.
What Does a Corroded Valve Look Like?
A corroded valve typically appears to have a white or green powdery substance on its surface and can be easily identified by its rough texture. This powdery substance is usually a combination of rust and other corrosion products, such as oxides and salts.
These salts form because of an electrochemical reaction between the valve material and water molecules.
Does Calcium Cause Corrosion On Water Valves?
Calcium can cause corrosion on water valves. Soft water that lacks dissolved cations such as calcium can lead to scale-forming water, which eventually results in the precipitation of calcium carbonate, forming a coating that inhibits corrosion.
Does Calcium Hydroxide Prevent Corrosion On Water Valves?
Maintenance of water valves can be tricky at times, but luckily, there’s an effective solution with calcium hydroxide. This substance provides a protective layer between metal water valves and the environment, thus shielding them from corrosion-inducing elements that would otherwise cause damage.
By keeping metal away from these elements, calcium hydroxide helps to prevent further corrosion and ensure the long-term stability of the water valves.
Can You Spray WD-40 On Water Shut-Off Valves to Prevent Corrosion?
You can spray WD-40 on a shut-off valve to help prevent corrosion. WD-40 is a lubricant that helps hard to reach places and lubricate joints. By spraying WD-40 on the shutoff valve, it will help keep the valve from corroding and help ensure that it lasts longer.
How Long Do You Wait After Spraying WD-40 On Shut-Off Valve?
After spraying WD-40 on a water shutoff valve, it is recommended to wait at least a few minutes before wiping off any excess with a clean cloth. This will allow the lubricant time to reach all parts of the joint and effectively lubricate them without leaving any residue behind.
Can You Get Affordable Penetrating Oil for Removing Corrosion From a Stuck Water Valve?
You can definitely find affordable penetrating oil to remove corrosion from a stuck water valve. The key is to look for a product that offers both quality and affordability.
Specifically, you want a penetrating oil with high penetration strength, low viscosity, anti-corrosion additives, and VOC compliance. While there are many affordable options on the market, choosing one that is well-rated and highly recommended. With our help, you can find high-quality and affordable penetrating oil for a stuck water valve that effectively removes corrosion from it.
Prevent and Remove Corrosion from Water Valves
Corrosion of water valves can be an annoying problem for homeowners, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. It can develop for a variety of reasons, such as the pH levels in the water, the presence of other elements, and oxygen concentration.
From galvanic to friction, many types of unwelcome deposits could be preventing your valves from functioning properly. With proper maintenance and knowledge about the causes of corrosion on valves, as well as how to remove it, you’ll be able to take care of your corroded valve like a pro.
