Pilot‐plant Simulation of Corrosion in Domestic Pipe Materials

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Abstract
Pilot‐plant corrosion testing, using pipe inserts fabricated from domestic pipe materials and a typical on–off flow cycle, established equilibrium corrosion rates for domestic pipe materials in the soft, low‐alkalinity water of Portland, Ore. Low corrosion rates for typical consumer plumbing materials were measured by pilot‐plant inserts and verified by pipe samples from consumers' home plumbing. Eight‐hour standing water samples removed from a copper coil, soldered at 20‐ft (6‐m) intervals with a lead–tin solder, exhibited lead and copper levels above the USEPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) after exposure to chloraminated water. After exposure to chorinated water, only copper levels were above the MCL. Metal levels began to fall below the MCLs after eight to twelve months' exposure.