Abstract Erosion-corrosion is a complex mechanism of material degradation resulting from interactions between electrochemical and mechanical processes. The consequences of erosion-corrosion are severe with economic penalties resulting from premature failure of components, increased downtime and increased maintenance costs. This paper assesses the efficiency of corrosion inhibitors in reducing material damage occurring as a consequence of erosion and corrosion processes. The inhibitor action is measured using gravimetric and electrochemical analysis. It has been demonstrated that the inhibitors, effective in reducing corrosion in static conditions, are not always effective in erosion-corrosion environments. Inhibitor action under erosion-corrosion in this study is through adsorption on the metal surface and effective elimination of charge transfer. Through reduction of corrosion processes the inhibitor facilitates the reduction of all corrosion-related damage. There also appears to be a role of the inhibitor in affecting the mechanical impact damage.