Influence of calcium hypochlorite on the corrosion behaviour of metal components of residential water pipes

The aim of this work is to study the influence of a water disinfectant (calcium hypochlorite) on the corrosion resistance of different metals used in residential distribution pipes (copper, lead, and galvanised iron). Corrosion in residential distribution systems may produce different problems, such as pipe breaks or water quality deterioration. Therefore, among the different parameters of the tap water, it is interesting to study the effect of disinfectants used in drinking water on the corrosion of metallic pipes. Potentiodynamic curves were carried out for copper, lead, and zinc in calcium hypochlorite solutions at 25 oC at different concentration. According to the results, the presence of this disinfectant increases the corrosion rate of metallic pipes. Key-Words: disinfectants; drinking water; copper; lead; zinc; residential water pipes; corrosion