Have you noticed your faucets losing their shine and showing signs of corrosion? If so, the reason is minerals in the faucet water. Quantities of minerals such as magnesium and calcium are high in your house water which are making the faucet shine dull and result in unsightly discoloration and even leaks.
There are different ways to remove corrosion from the faucet. By removing corrosion, you can restore the faucet to its former glory. From household ingredients vinegar to commercial cleaners, this guide shows you how to get rid of corrosion on faucet and keep the faucet in good condition.
Cause of Corrosion on Faucet
Exposure to Hard Water
Hard water is a major reason for many faucet issues and corrosion is one of them. In hard water, quantities of minerals are high. These minerals can build up on the surface of the faucet over time and create a mineral deposit that becomes the reason of the corrosion. With time, hard water creates more damage to the faucet. There are many faucets that are specially designed for the hard water, you can use them to reduce the impact of the hard water.
Chemicals In Cleaning Products
People use cleaning products to clean faucets. But not all cleaning products are safe to use. If you are using any cleaning product, you should check what chemicals are in the cleaner.
There is a protective coating on the surface of the faucet. When you use cleaners that contain bleach, ammonia, and abrasive chemicals can break down the coating and damage the body of the faucet and the result is corrosion.
An unprotected faucet surface will come into contact with air and water and cause corrosion. These cleaners react with the metal body of the faucet and cause discoloration and damage to the surface of the faucet.
Environmental Factor
Environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and exposure to sunlight can contribute to the corrosion of faucets. If your bathroom or kitchen has a high level of moisture, it would have humidity. When moisture will settle on the surface of the faucet, it will react with the metal of the faucet and lead to rust and corrosion.
Extreme temperatures can also contribute to corrosion on faucets. High temperatures can cause the metal to expand and contract, leading to stress on the metal and eventually causing it to corrode. Exposure to sunlight can cause discoloration and fading of the finish of the faucet. This is especially true for faucets with a polished or chrome finish, which are more susceptible to fading.
What Are Signs of Corrosion on Faucets?
Discoloration
The discoloration is one of the common and earliest signs of corrosion on the faucet. If you see discoloration on the faucet, it is a concerning sign. When the protective layer of the faucet is compromised, it means the faucet body is not protected anymore and its metal will start corroding. Some common colors associated with corrosion on faucets include green, blue, and brown.
Flaking or Peeling of Finish
If the finish on your faucet begins to peel in certain spots, it is a clear indication that something is wrong. The finish on your faucet may begin to flake or peel off in places, exposing the metal beneath. This can occur due to a variety of factors, including hard water exposure, chemicals in cleaning solutions, and environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature variations.
Rust Stains
Rust spots on your faucet are a sure sign that corrosion has occurred. Rust is a reddish-brown material formed by the reaction of iron or other metals with oxygen in the presence of water. Rust on your faucet indicates that the metal is corroding and can be caused by a variety of circumstances.
A high concentration of iron or other minerals in the water supply is one of the leading causes of rust stains on faucets. If your water originates from a well or is from a location with a high iron concentration, rust streaks on your faucet may occur. Rust stains on your faucet can also be caused by other minerals such as manganese and copper.
How To Get Rid of Corrosion on Faucet?
Tools To Clean Corrosion
- Rubber gloves to protect your hands
- A soft-bristled brush to scrub away the corrosion without damaging the faucet finish
- A homemade or non-abrasive cleaner to break down corrosion
Identify The Affected Areas
You don’t need to clean the whole faucet. You just need to clean the affected areas of the faucet. To identify the corrosion on the faucet, see discoloration, flaking or peeling, and rust on the faucet body. These signs are a clear indication of the corrosion.
Check the whole faucet body to identify the corrosion. The handle, aerator, and spout are most susceptible to corrosion. These parts are in continuous touch with the water and cause corrosion.
Apply Cleaning Solution
When you identify all corroded parts of the faucet, it’s time to apply a cleaning solution to them. You can use a homemade cleaner or a commercial cleaner.
When you use a commercial cleaner, you should read its label and follow its manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any damage to the faucet.
Vinegar and baking soda are good homemade cleaners. They easily remove the corrosion from the faucet and don’t damage the faucet body. They are a popular choice among people to get rid of the corrosion of faucets.
Dip the soft-bristled brush in the cleaning solution and gently scrub it on the faucet body. Scrub the brush on the whole area evenly. Don’t try to use steel wool or any abrasive material. These will scratch the finish of the faucet.
If the corrosion is old, let sit cleaning solution on the affected areas for an hour and then scrub the area with the brush. This resting time will break down the corrosion and cleaning will become easy.
Scrub and Rinse The Faucet
When you scrub the corrosion on the faucet, pay close attention to the corners and crevices of the faucet. Don’t apply much pressure while scrubbing the faucet otherwise, it will damage the faucet finish. When you let the cleaning solution sit for an hour, a gentle scrub is sufficient to get rid of the corrosion.
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When scrubbing is completed, make sure to rinse the faucet thoroughly with clean water. By rinsing, any remaining cleaning solution will be removed.
Buff With a Clean Cloth
After you’ve washed and cleaned the faucet, it’s important to properly dry it. Wipe away any excess water with a clean towel before buffing the faucet gently. This will eliminate any water stains or streaks and give the faucet a lovely gloss. You may use a polishing product to make your faucet shine even more. However, make sure to carefully follow the directions on the polishing compound and avoid applying too much pressure, as this might ruin the finish of the faucet.
Can You Prevent Corrosion on The Faucet?
You can take precautions to prevent corrosion on your faucet, yes. Here are a few tips:
- Regular cleaning and maintenance: Cleaning your faucet on a regular basis and drying it off after use will stop dirt, grime, and mineral deposits from building up. After each usage, dry-wipe your faucet to avoid water streaks and stains.
- Use a protective coating: Coating your faucet with a protective coating can help stop corrosion. Some shielding materials are made especially for faucets and are simple to use. These coatings act as a barrier between the faucet and the water, reducing corrosion risk.
- Avoid abrasive materials and chemicals: Avoid using abrasive materials and chemicals on your faucet. These products, such as steel wool, can scrape the surface of the fixture and exacerbate the issue. Instead, utilize a soft-bristled brush and a light cleaning agent.
- Fix any leaks: Any leaks should be repaired since corrosion can develop on your faucet if water is allowed to build up and remain there. To avoid this, fix any leaks as soon as you become aware of them.
- Consider the type of faucet: If you are installing a new faucet, consider choosing one made of stainless steel or another material that is less prone to corrosion. Faucets made of brass or other metals may be more susceptible to corrosion over time.
James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.