Copper is a very durable material but it does corrode in certain circumstances. By understanding the causes of the different types of corrosion it is possible to treat them before they cause a leak.

Keep Water Velocity Low

Water moving too fast through narrow sections of pipe can lead to erosion corrosion. The flow rate in pipework should be as low as possible for a domestic situation, typically below 1.5 m/s.

Avoid Contact With Dissimilar Metals

Copper pipework in contact with dissimilar metals can also suffer from galvanic corrosion. This type of attack is driven by the electrical difference between two metals and is most common when copper pipes are connected to steel radiators and boilers. In these circumstances, dielectric unions or short sections of pipe with a plastic liner can be used to separate the two metals.

Test Your Water pH

The type of water fed to the pipes also has an influence on the rate of corrosion. Soft, slightly acidic water will corrode copper more quickly than hard water. The standards for the quality of drinking water set out by water suppliers in the UK give a guideline for the pH value of drinking water and this will give an indication of the potential for corrosion in a particular area. It is possible to test the pH of the water at the tap using a simple pH test strip such as those used to test the water in an aquarium. If the reading is below 6.5 it would be worth investigating the possibility of using a neutralising filter.

Flush Out Flux After Soldering

Most importantly, make sure that any flux which has penetrated the joint is washed out of the pipe after soldering. This will prevent the flux breaking down into an acid which can cause local pitting. Allow the joint to cool and then run water through the pipe for several minutes to flush out the flux. For a complete system this should be done before it is put into operation. For Copper Pipe, visit /watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems/.

Insulate Pipes in Cold Spaces

Condensation on the outside of pipes in cold areas such as utility rooms, storage rooms and outside spaces such as conservatories, and rooms that have high humidity such as kitchens, cause surface attack of copper pipework. This type of attack is prevented by insulating cold pipes with foam pipe lagging in these types of locations. This is a very cheap and very quick fix for pipework.

Fix the problem, not the symptom. Your copper pipework can last for decades.

Metal balustrades are a common feature in many contemporary homes, delivering practicality, safety, and style. Maintenance is important. However, to ensure they stay looking and performing as they should. The following tips can all help with this task.

Check fixings

The primary job of a balustrade is to prevent falls and so it is important to check that it is safe and secure. Check fixings by looking for missing bolts or screws and tightening if required. Check for any movement and rectify if necessary.

If outside, welded joints, fixings and screws can corrode due to the weather but corrosion can also occur inside. Check for weaknesses and signs of deterioration and repair as soon as possible if any problems are identified.

Handrail

Metal balustrades such as those produced at donkeywellforge.co.uk/what-we-make/metal-handrails-balustrades often have integral handrails, and these should stay secure but, if you have a wooden handrail, for example, check for movement and adjust any fixings beneath if necessary.

If you have metal balustrades outside, it is important to keep an eye on any wooden handrails for signs of damage caused by the weather. This can include rot and mould, which can make the wood go soft. To help prevent this, make sure to coat wooden handrails regularly in varnish or oil.

Balusters

This is the space between support posts where fixings and joints need to be checked for any wear and tear. Missing sections should always be replaced.

Check regulations

Ensure that older balustrades continue to meet current regulations, such as rules on design and height. Seek expert advice if necessary.

Think about the ‘Fast Fashion’ industry and how the business model of making clothes to be fashionable for a very short period of time is causing important environmental problems. There is a ‘take, make, dispose’ cycle happening with fashion. You can compare it to a ‘take, make, dispose’ cycle in the furniture industry, with wardrobes being a prime example.

If you buy a well-made, fitted wardrobe, it is likely to be built to last and will not fall apart or warp. Not only does this give you years of trouble-free use, but you are also removing the waste created by the ‘take, make, dispose’ cycle, as you are not having to constantly replace it. For Bespoke Fitted Wardrobes, contact https://lamco-design.co.uk/bespoke-fitted-wardrobes

If you think about it, when you buy a flatpack wardrobe, you are not buying a piece of furniture for life but rather something that will have a short shelf life. They are usually made from cheap materials that are not of high quality and will start to deteriorate quickly. They don’t get built to last; they are built to be sold, as a cheap and quick solution to meet a demand for storage space.

The first sign that they will start to deteriorate is usually after about 3-5 years, when the first of the hanging rail clips start to break. If this happens, the whole wardrobe needs to be taken apart, and the broken rails and supporting brackets need to be replaced. The wardrobe will then start to lose its structural integrity and will eventually start to get wonky. This can then start to warp the panels, and as a result, you will start to lose the usable height and depth of the wardrobe.