Which factor can lead to the corrosion of pipes?

The presence of oxygen and moisture is a critical factor that can lead to the corrosion of pipes. When water comes into contact with oxygen, it facilitates a chemical reaction that can produce rust and other corrosive compounds. This is particularly true for metal pipes, where the combination of water, oxygen, and sometimes other environmental factors can lead to oxidation and deterioration of the pipe material over time.

Moisture acts as an electrolyte in the corrosion process, allowing electrical currents to flow, which further accelerates the degradation of the pipe. This is fundamentally why environments with higher humidity levels or where water exposure is frequent can lead to more significant corrosion issues.

While high temperature water can also contribute to corrosion, particularly by speeding up oxidation rates, it is the combination of oxygen and moisture that plays the most direct and pervasive role in the corrosive processes affecting a wide variety of materials. Lack of insulation can lead to condensation which creates moisture, but it is not the sole factor in corrosion. Using low-quality materials may predispose pipes to corrosion, but the presence of oxygen and moisture remains an underlying cause affecting even the best materials over time.