How the pH Scale and Water Chemistry Can Affect Your Pipes & Hoses

Absolutely pure water is neutral on the pH scale and won’t cause any damage to your pipes and hoses as it has been stripped of any minerals and impurities, leaving only H2O molecules. However, this is not what runs through our plumbing systems. The water we get from the tap has been treated so that it’s safe to drink, but isn’t solely H2O – it contains valuable minerals that are beneficial for our health.

This tips the pH to just above or below the pure neutral rating on the pH scale. While perfectly fine for us, these extra materials build up and cause damage to unprotected pipes and hoses transporting water on a daily basis (i.e. limescale).

Therefore, it’s important to be aware of how water chemistry can fluctuate and affect your pipes and hoses. Keep reading to learn more…

A brief introduction to chemistry

Chemistry, or the scientific study of the properties and behaviour of matter, helps us understand how things exist in the world. More specifically, when it comes to hose and pipe maintenance, understanding certain aspects of chemistry can help you clean and improve the longevity of your systems.

What is the pH scale?

The pH scale is the measure of substance acidity. Working on a scale of 0 to 14, 0-6 indicates acidity levels, 8-14 covers more alkali materials, and sitting in the middle at 7 are neutral materials like water and salt solutions.

The ways to discover a substance’s pH reading is to either use a pH meter which will give a numerical value, or to use an indicator which will change colour (as seen in the diagram below) and give an approximate pH reading. 

What is water chemistry?

Strictly speaking, water chemistry involves the composition of water (whether in solid, liquid, or gas form). Its chemical composition is remarkably simple, with two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen, and pure water sits at a neutral 7 on the pH scale. 

However, when we talk about water chemistry in relation to hoses, we’re looking more at how water, and molecules within it, interact with the hoses and pipes themselves. For example, if carbon dioxide dissolves in water, it impacts the acidity, while dissolved minerals can build up into limescale over time.

How does chemistry affect your hoses

In the UK, we’re known for having clear differences in the water composition; namely, hard water has a lot of minerals dissolved within it due to traversing mineral-rich rock types such as chalk and limestone, whilst soft water has less of these compounds. Mineral-rich water is slightly above neutral and more alkaline, while acidic water sits lower on the pH scale.

But why does this matter? Well, when water sits further to either side of the pH scale, it can cause problems for your pipes and hoses over time.

Corrosion

Corrosion happens when materials deteriorate under exposure to their environment. This slow process can impact the structural integrity of pipes and hoses, eventually leading to damage and costly replacements.

When water is acidic, it has a higher potential of causing corrosion. While the majority of materials will naturally corrode over time, acidic water may accelerate this process. Acids are naturally quite corrosive, due to their highly reactive natures. Tipping towards a higher water acidity (or indeed transporting other acidic chemicals) means you need hoses and pipes that can withstand these chemical pressures. 

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Along with the corrosion that’s already occurring, any metal or materials can dissolve into the water. This makes it even more acidic, leading to further damage in a cycle. 

Mineral buildup

When a water is more alkaline, it contains minerals that have typically dissolved into the solution when it passed through certain types of rock. 

These mineral deposits from hard water can often lead to clogged pipes and hoses, which will reduce water flow and appliance failure. The solidified form of the mineral buildup is limescale. It commonly builds up in areas where water evaporates away, as it leaves the minerals behind.

This can cause issues with various appliances connected to the water supply. A blocked water supply is less efficient, leading to higher water bills, more wastage, higher maintenance costs, and blotchy stains across your system.

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What can you do to protect your hoses?

To protect hoses and pipes from water that has fallen either side of neutral on the pH scale, there are several options. One is to treat the water at the source to ensure it is balanced and falls neutral. However, this can be incredibly expensive. So, a much more accessible solution is to protect the pipes and hoses that the water will pass through. 

There are various ways in which pipes can be protected. 

• Use corrosion resistant materials such as stainless steel, or PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). These materials can allow for acidic water to pass through causing minimal damage, ensuring they will last longer. 

• Use alkaline resistant materials such as fibres and polymers in the construction of your hose pipes.

• Choose hoses or pipes with protective linings, which will combat limescale build-up and ensure there is minimal drop in water pressure as it travels from source.

It is also possible to have various filters and neutralisers in the hoses and pipes to ensure that when the water reaches a certain point, it is neutralised thereafter. This reduces the amount of additional particles in the water, and therefore the likelihood of further corrosion or limescale build-up.

Protect your hose systems with help from The Hosemaster

Picking the best hoses for your needs doesn't have to be a chore. By thinking about how chemistry can impact your hoses, you can find one that fits perfectly into your system. 

That’s where The Hosemaster can help. We have a wide range of hoses suitable for a whole host of applications. And, if you need additional support or buying advice, we’re always happy to help. 

Contact us online with any sales or technical questions, or give us a call on 01282 604 002 to speak to one of our team during any part of your purchasing journey.

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