Are polyphosphates effective in reducing the corrosive action of water on copper?

Polyphosphates are commonly used in water treatment processes, particularly in the context of corrosion control. They work by forming a protective film on metal surfaces and can help to mitigate issues associated with corrosive water. However, when it comes to their effectiveness specifically on copper, they are not universally effective.

The primary function of polyphosphates is to help sequester hardness and can inhibit scale formation, but their ability to significantly reduce corrosion in copper is limited. In many cases, water chemistry, including the presence of oxidizers and pH levels, plays a critical role in how effective polyphosphates are. Consequently, in typical conditions found in plumbing systems, they may not provide the desired level of protection against corrosion specifically for copper.

Thus, the idea that they are not effective is grounded in the understanding that while they can have some roles in water treatment, specifically their protective qualities on copper may not be strong enough to combat corrosion effectively across all scenarios. This is crucial for proper water treatment practices and highlights the need for alternative corrosion inhibitors that may be more effective for ensuring the integrity of copper piping.