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PlumbingHome SafetyJune 24, 2025
How a Water Treatment System Can Help Your Copper Pipes
Copper pipes use to be a popular choice for plumbing systems in Pittsgrove houses. They were a great choice for many homes for a long time because of their “assumed” long lifespan, rigidness against breaks, and their eco-friendliness. Copper pipes still pose some concerns, especially for homes in the South Jersey area. Learn how a home water treatment system can help preserve your copper pipes, keeping your plumbing safe and running for years to come.
If you notice rust colored or greenish blue water, staining in your sinks and tubs, or odd tasting and smelling water, this could be a sign your water is too acidic. Water treatment may be necessary to prevent damage like pinhole leaks or drinking water safety concerns.
It was not until 1987 that the State of New Jersey banned the use of lead in materials used to connect copper pipes used for drinking water. Even more concerning, it was not until January of 2014 that fittings, such as brass ball valves from the 90’s that are often used with copper pipe installs, had to meet the new “Lead Free” standards.
What does this mean for homes with copper pipes? Until 2014 copper pipe installs and repairs were performed with fittings that contained a certain amount of lead, and when the acidic water corrodes those fittings, the lead contaminates the water that you could be drinking. Water treatment does not only stop the corrosion, but it also prevents dangerous contamination.
When the root of the problem is not addressed, more and more pin holes will appear, until a major failure occurs and causes a flood. Imagine your pipes as thin as the paper a greeting card is printed on, and it must hold water that is pressurized to 50psi or greater. This ends up being a disaster waiting to happen, resulting in a burst pipe if the problem is not solved.
Before determining what water treatment system is best for your South Jersey home, it is important to test your homes water to get to the root of the problem. It will be important to know how hard and acidic your water is before determining next steps. Home water tests are quick and easy ways to find out your water’s pH, mineral levels, and if there are any harmful elements like lead.
Water without enough minerals may be more acidic and cause copper pipes to erode quicker. Acidity and reduced lifespan of your plumbing systems go hand in hand. Water testing is the first step to protecting your copper pipes.
Neutralizing Water Treatment Systems: Neutralizing systems are used to treat acidic water by raising the pH. The water is passed through a neutralizing medium as it enters your homes plumbing system. Neutralizing treatments are great for Pittsgrove homes with copper pipes because they are low maintenance and prevent corrosion.
Neutralizing water and raising the pH has the added benefit of making sure the water does not harm other valuable items in your home, such as your metal faucets and water heater.
Water Filtration Benefits: Other than ensuring your pipes are protected, there are other types of water filtration and treatment that have added benefits. You can rest easy knowing you are drinking clean and safe water, filtering out things that can cause water to taste bad, smell bad, or be hazardous to drink. Proper water treatment is not taking a cookie cutter approach, rather it designing a customized treatment system to meet the needs of the homeowner and their water.
Book your next water treatment or plumbing service with Ace Hardware Home Services!
Not in New Jersey? Find an Ace Home Services plumbing location near you!
Concerns with Copper Piping
There are two main concerns about caring for your copper pipes. 1, if your water is too acidic and 2, when it fails at one location, it is ready to fail at other locations. Either of these can be a concern if your home is on a well and not connected to a city’s water system or if the water in your area is naturally more acidic.1. Acidic Water
Typically, water is considered acidic when it has a pH below 7. Although copper pipes are durable, water that is too acidic can cause corrosion of your pipes. Corrosion is a concern because copper can leach into your water causing discoloration and odd tastes or develop pinhole leaks causing water damage.If you notice rust colored or greenish blue water, staining in your sinks and tubs, or odd tasting and smelling water, this could be a sign your water is too acidic. Water treatment may be necessary to prevent damage like pinhole leaks or drinking water safety concerns.
It was not until 1987 that the State of New Jersey banned the use of lead in materials used to connect copper pipes used for drinking water. Even more concerning, it was not until January of 2014 that fittings, such as brass ball valves from the 90’s that are often used with copper pipe installs, had to meet the new “Lead Free” standards.
What does this mean for homes with copper pipes? Until 2014 copper pipe installs and repairs were performed with fittings that contained a certain amount of lead, and when the acidic water corrodes those fittings, the lead contaminates the water that you could be drinking. Water treatment does not only stop the corrosion, but it also prevents dangerous contamination.
2. High Risk of Failure
The corrosion that acidic water causes results in a thinning process of the walls of the copper pipe. This will continue for as long as the water remains acidic, and eventually the copper pipe springs a pin hole leak. It is common for the standard plumber and home owner to simply repair the small leak and move on. However, what they may not know is that the pin hole leak is a result of the thinning process, and that is not isolated to one section of pipe.When the root of the problem is not addressed, more and more pin holes will appear, until a major failure occurs and causes a flood. Imagine your pipes as thin as the paper a greeting card is printed on, and it must hold water that is pressurized to 50psi or greater. This ends up being a disaster waiting to happen, resulting in a burst pipe if the problem is not solved.
Water Testing to Find a Water Treatment Solution
Lucky for Pittsgrove and surrounding areas’ homeowners, Ace Home Services offers home water treatment options to combat overly acidic water or any other water contamination concerns such as high iron, hardness, nitrates, VOCs, PFAS, PFOA, sulfur, and more.Before determining what water treatment system is best for your South Jersey home, it is important to test your homes water to get to the root of the problem. It will be important to know how hard and acidic your water is before determining next steps. Home water tests are quick and easy ways to find out your water’s pH, mineral levels, and if there are any harmful elements like lead.
Water without enough minerals may be more acidic and cause copper pipes to erode quicker. Acidity and reduced lifespan of your plumbing systems go hand in hand. Water testing is the first step to protecting your copper pipes.
Whole House Water Treatment to Save Copper Pipes
Whole home water treatment can help by filtering out harmful minerals and chemicals, neutralize water, or soften water, depending on what your water test reveals your home may need.Neutralizing Water Treatment Systems: Neutralizing systems are used to treat acidic water by raising the pH. The water is passed through a neutralizing medium as it enters your homes plumbing system. Neutralizing treatments are great for Pittsgrove homes with copper pipes because they are low maintenance and prevent corrosion.
Neutralizing water and raising the pH has the added benefit of making sure the water does not harm other valuable items in your home, such as your metal faucets and water heater.
Water Filtration Benefits: Other than ensuring your pipes are protected, there are other types of water filtration and treatment that have added benefits. You can rest easy knowing you are drinking clean and safe water, filtering out things that can cause water to taste bad, smell bad, or be hazardous to drink. Proper water treatment is not taking a cookie cutter approach, rather it designing a customized treatment system to meet the needs of the homeowner and their water.
Treat Your Water with Ace Hardware Home Services in Pittsgrove, NJ
The first step to peace of mind in your homes plumbing is getting your water tested. Our expert plumbers at Ace Hardware Home Services – South Jersey can diagnose your water and provide helpful solutions for homes in Pittsgrove, Cherry Hill and the surrounding areas. Whether you need whole home water treatment solution, a preliminary water test, or leak repair for your copper pipes, we can’t wait to help!Book your next water treatment or plumbing service with Ace Hardware Home Services!
Not in New Jersey? Find an Ace Home Services plumbing location near you!
