Safeguarding New Building Water Lines and Combatting Corrosion
Plumbing systems are the lifeblood of modern construction, enabling the delivery of water for drinking, sanitation, and critical infrastructure such as fire suppression and HVAC systems.
Yet, lurking beneath the surface of these sleek new water lines is a silent threat: corrosion. Often underestimated, this issue can wreak havoc during the lengthy construction process, causing delays, inflating costs, and requiring extensive cleaning before commissioning.
Fortunately, there’s a forward-thinking solution that can save contractors time, money, and headaches—hydrotesting with VpCI®-649 HP.
The Hidden Problem in New Construction
In the early stages of construction, water lines must undergo hydrotesting to check for leaks and ensure structural integrity. However, this necessary process inadvertently exposes pipes to corrosion risks during the months-long waiting period before project completion. With timelines stretching 18-24 months, the stagnant water left behind can lead to the formation of rust, scaling, and other damaging deposits.
Scott Bryan, CWT, of Cortec® Corporation, highlights the challenge: “Contractors already face too many delays in the construction process. Hydrotesting with a corrosion-inhibiting additive can preempt the delay and cost of an extra cleaning to remove corrosion before the building can be commissioned.”
Enter VpCI®-649 HP
VpCI®-649 HP is no ordinary hydrotest additive. Certified to meet ANSI/NSF Standard 61 for use in drinking water system components, this corrosion inhibitor is designed to protect both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including steel, copper, galvanised steel, and aluminium.
Here’s how it works:
- Corrosion Protection: When added to hydrotest water, VpCI®-649 HP circulates throughout the piping system, forming a thin, protective film on metal surfaces.
- Long-Term Safeguard: This protective layer remains effective for up to 24 months, guarding against corrosion throughout the construction timeline.
- Environmentally Friendly Composition: Unlike traditional inhibitors, VpCI®-649 HP is free from nitrites, phosphates, molybdenum, and chromates. Instead, it uses a PTSA tracer for easy concentration monitoring.
Why Contractors Should Act Early
The repercussions of ignoring corrosion are significant. Cleaning corroded pipes post-construction is not only labour-intensive but also costly. Left unchecked, corrosion can compromise pipe integrity, leading to potential failures and increased liability risks.
By incorporating VpCI®-649 HP during the initial hydrotesting phase, contractors can:
- Prevent Delays: Avoid additional cleaning or pipe replacement.
- Save Costs: Reduce labour and materials needed for remediation.
- Enhance Efficiency: Streamline the commissioning process with pipes that are ready for operation.
Bryan stresses the simplicity of the approach: “Hydrotesting with VpCI®-649 HP ensures that pipes remain protected from the get-go. It’s a small investment upfront for significant savings later.”
A Versatile Solution for Modern Plumbing
New buildings feature diverse plumbing systems, from drinking and cooking water lines to fire sprinklers and HVAC networks. These systems often incorporate a mix of materials, making it crucial to use a corrosion inhibitor capable of protecting both ferrous and yellow metals.
VpCI®-649 HP’s versatility makes it ideal for:
- Drinking Water Lines: Safe for potable water applications, thanks to its ANSI/NSF certification.
- Fire Suppression Systems: Protects critical infrastructure during the dormant construction phase.
- HVAC and Cooling Systems: Prevents scaling and corrosion in mixed-metal environments.
Future-Proofing Construction with Smart Practices
Corrosion is one of the most common—and preventable—issues in construction plumbing. By integrating solutions like VpCI®-649 HP, the industry can shift from reactive to proactive measures, ensuring higher quality builds and more predictable outcomes.
Moreover, as the construction sector increasingly embraces sustainability, the non-toxic and eco-friendly formulation of VpCI®-649 HP aligns with these goals. Reducing the need for chemical-intensive cleaning not only lowers the environmental impact but also enhances contractor reputations for responsible practices.
Building Smarter, Not Harder
The road to commissioning a new building is fraught with enough challenges without letting corrosion add to the pile. With VpCI®-649 HP, contractors have a proven, effective tool to safeguard their plumbing systems from day one. Not only does it eliminate the risk of costly clean-ups, but it also ensures that pipes remain in pristine condition for their intended use.
By taking these proactive steps, the industry can build smarter—delivering projects on time, within budget, and with the durability and reliability that modern infrastructure demands.
