A Probe into Failure of Selected Plumbing Parts: Alloy Composition, Microstructural Condition and Aqueous Exposure

Abstract

A probe into the metallurgical integrity of selected plumbing parts was carried out for an informed evaluation of the failures observes in service. Faucets and sink drainer were focused on. Alloy compositions and microstructures were assessed, and test exposures to normal service conditions were simulated. Alloys were found with off-specification compositions, with residual stresses in the microstructures providing energy to initiate degradation early in service. Hence, plumbing parts corrodes freely in ordinary neutral water, with metal overload in water. The materials choice and production design predisposes the units to short service life. Conformity to basic material and manufacturing standards is still lacking in some operations.