OT: plmbng: blue stains on copper water pipes

D107

Last few weeks noticed salt-like powder on kitchen faucet; then saw blu-ish stains on copper lines --and some corrosion on the escutcheons--below the shutoff valves. haven't found any water anywhere yet. perhaps these leaks(?) occurred awhile ago. Kitchen piping is only year and half old. Then in basement saw more of it.



I'm used to seeing this at old elbows for both domestic and heating pipes, but most of this is on new pipe. i know our water has alot of chloride in it. Also the town has been flushing the water mains (october and spring) to get ride of brown water. perhaps they're using an abrasive chemical?



(Note the blue in kit cab is not as visible on the photo as in real life.)



What might be the cause, and should i clean pipes off with dry scrubber?



Thanks,



David

Mark Eatherton

What the flux???

Flux, if not completely wiped off the exterior of the pipe will cause a bluish green stain.



Also, your cold water pipes will "sweat" and in turn cause a bluish green oxidation.



Lastly, I do see what appears to have been a small leak in one of your soldered joints. That too will deposit some corrosion, and the colorization is dependent upon the chemical make up of your H2O. None of them other than the possible leak that sealed itself, are of concern.



ME

D107

Leak in photo 1 (on left) just under ball valve connection?

Thanks Mark, good eye. just verify that if you can.



David

Mark Eatherton

Yup....

That would be it. Personally, unless it is wet, I wouldn't worry about it. It has probably already limed itself shut.



Leaks like that can't be "doctored" by adding solder to it. It must be taken apart, and started from scratch.



ME