Protecting Your Plumbing from Algarve’s Coastal Corrosion
Living along the Algarve coast offers an unbeatable lifestyle, sunny days, ocean breezes, and spectacular views. But with those benefits comes one hidden downside: the salty sea air that surrounds your home every day. While it might feel refreshing to you, it can be a nightmare for your plumbing system.
Over time, salt particles carried by the wind cling to exposed metal surfaces, accelerating rust, pitting, and general corrosion. This can shorten the lifespan of pipes, taps, and fixtures, leading to expensive repairs or even full system replacements.
WHY COASTAL CORROSION HAPPENS
Coastal air contains microscopic salt particles that can travel kilometres inland. When these particles settle on metal surfaces, they create a thin film that traps moisture. In the Algarve, where humidity levels can remain high for much of the year, this moisture doesn’t dry quickly, making corrosion inevitable without preventive measures.
Materials such as untreated steel, low-grade copper, and some alloys are especially vulnerable, but even high-quality metals can suffer without regular care.
PLUMBING AREAS MOST AT RISK
* OUTDOOR TAPS AND HOSE CONNECTIONS: Constant exposure to salt air speeds up rust formation.
* HOT WATER SYSTEMS: Internal components like valves and heating elements can corrode from both the inside and outside.
* METALLIC PIPE JOINTS: Especially where two dissimilar metals meet, galvanic corrosion can oc...
