This article is a guide for sprinkler contractors, facilities managers, and their
technical advisors who sometimes have to deal with the consequences of
iron–water corrosion inside pressurized, low-carbon steel fire protection
systems that contain water. The consequences include: (1) pinhole leaks and (2)
build-up of insoluble corrosion residues on the interior pipe wall that increases
pipe friction losses. A reference is made to sections of the National Fire
Codes/NFPA 13 that address pipe materials, protection of steel piping against
corrosion, and pipe friction losses. Electrochemical metal–water corrosion
processes that can occur inside pressurized, low-carbon steel fire protection
systems that contain water are discussed, as is microbiologically influenced
corrosion. Corrosion control measures arising from the electrochemical science
underlying both metal–water corrosion and microbiologically influenced
corrosion are suggested.
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