Case Study: an occupied residential home reduces plumbing corrosion risk with Rimkus materials testing and investigation

Occupied Residential Home addresses 100% through-wall dezincification with Rimkus

The customer, an occupied residential home, faced a severe and imminent leakage issue with its brass plumbing fittings. The homeowner engaged Rimkus and its Materials Testing and Investigation service to determine the cause of the excessive corrosion and degradation observed on the fittings.

Rimkus experts conducted a detailed analysis and determined the fittings had failed due to severe dezincification corrosion, leaving them porous. The investigation identified the root causes, including water chemistry, temperature, and stagnant flow conditions. Rimkus recommended replacing all similar fittings with a corrosion-resistant alloy, treating the water, lowering its temperature, and inspecting any aluminum components. This solution provided the homeowner with a clear path to resolve the immediate failure and prevent future occurrences.