Unprotected pipes that have been exposed to moisture can end up corroded with rust.
A leaky metal pipe left unchecked for long enough can begin to accumulate unsightly rust. Rust forms when certain metals are exposed simultaneously to air and water, so metal pipes in damp environments can easily develop rust. Fix any leaks and remove rust from metal plumbing before the corrosion expands, leading to pipe failure. After the rust is removed, paint the pipe to prevent future rust from occurring.
Instructions
1. Coat the affected pipes with organic solvent degreaser and scour them using a scrub brush. The degreaser will remove grime and loose rust. Use organic or biodegradable degreaser to avoid toxic chemicals and environmental damage. Rinse and then dry the pipes.
2. Sand away any remaining rust with 80-grit sandpaper. Use a wire brush to get into hard-to-reach crevices and seams. You could use drill with a wire brush bit to expedite larger jobs. Leave no rust behind; a little spot of rust can give rise to another rust outbreak.
3. Switch to 120-grit sandpaper and give the pipe a final sanding.
4. Rinse and dry the pipe again to remove all residual rust dust.
5. Paint the pipe with rust-inhibiting metal primer. Both aerosol and brush-on primers and paints are available. Allow the primer to dry to the touch.
6. Paint the pipe with rust-inhibiting metal paint.
Tips Warnings
Wear a dust mask when sanding rust to avoid inhalation of particles. If the environment is not well ventilated, wear a respirator when using spray paint.