New certified solution from Cortec® helps contractors prevent corrosion in potable water pipes and tanks before commissioning.
Corrosion rarely crosses the minds of building occupants, yet it can begin long before anyone turns on a tap. To address this hidden risk, Cortec® is urging plumbers and contractors to adopt a phosphate-free corrosion inhibitor designed specifically to protect drinking water systems during and after hydrotesting.
Hydrotesting is a routine but essential procedure carried out on newly installed or repaired drinking water pipes, fittings and storage vessels. By filling systems with water and pressurising them, contractors can verify structural integrity and identify leaks before commissioning. However, once the test is complete, residual moisture left inside the system can trigger corrosion during construction delays or idle periods.
While corrosion inhibitors have long been used in oil and gas pipelines and industrial pressure vessels, potable water systems pose stricter requirements. Any treatment must comply with ANSI/NSF Standard 61, which governs materials in contact with drinking water.
In 2023, Cortec® addressed this challenge with VpCI®-649 HP. When used as a surface treatment in hydrotesting water at concentrations of up to 3% and then drained, the product is certified to meet ANSI/NSF Standard 61. This enables contractors to hydrotest potable water systems without leaving pipes and tanks vulnerable to corrosion before they are brought into service.
VpCI®-649 HP provides protection for steel, copper, galvanised steel and aluminium, both above and below the waterline. It contains no nitrites, phosphates, molybdenum or chromates, and application can be verified using a PTSA tracer.
With global demand for safe drinking water only increasing, ensuring the long-term integrity of water infrastructure starts at installation. By using corrosion inhibitors that protect during and after hydrotesting, contractors can reduce costly repairs and help ensure reliable water systems from day one.