Green patina/corrosion on copper pipes = replace?

seized123

There’s lots of stuff online that says if your pipes are green/corroded you should replace them, but a lot of that is on plumbing outfits’ websites, and of course they’d love to replace your pipes.

Then I read stuff that says that “patina” will not eat through the pipes to cause a problem, or would take forever to do so, or even that it protects the pipe! If I don’t replace these I can just clean them (probably either ketchup or catsup,  depending, and mesh tape). The pipes are decades old, and there are more, some less accessible than these. See photos.

Jamie Hall

You don't have a problem. There might be a tiny weep responsible for the last picture, but otherwise... I'd say most of what I see is from flux that never got fully wiped off. Leave them be.

Zman

All the flux and solder buggers on the inside will eat the pipes before the patina on the outside. It's a good idea to clean it up so you can see if you have a leak. The patina itself should not cause any issues.

seized123

@Jamie Hall and @Zman, regarding your helpful observations I will use an old venerable plumbing term(?): Yay!

hot_rod

Probably a small seep on the uppermost fitting. It may have sealed itself off?
If it were flux, you would see it in more places.
I’d wonder if the tube was reamed, judging by the workmanship

mattmia2

looks like something was leaking on it from further up

EBEBRATT-Ed

Some of it is from leaks. Some is from failure to wash off the flux. Whoever installed it was a bit sloppy.

Intplm.

Probably an upper pipe leak(ing).
Sand cloth all of the green off and periodically check for what is most likely a very slow leak if it hasn't healed already.
And what has been mentioned above^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Mad Dog_2

Its the white,  crusty condition you have to watch. The inside of the pipe is usually green like that from Chlorination...par for the course...no concern.  Normal weather will turn Exposed Copper green outdoors.  When you see the crusty, white stuff effervescence?? then you  gave a gradual weeping leak that will get worse. Cut that out...Always make sure all Flux is off the pipe & fitting.  Mad Dog 🐕 

seized123

@Mad Dog_2 I've been away from the forum for a while. Your breakdown into the two conditions is VERY helpful (I have both on some fixtures). I am in Plumbing 1 now and have signed up for Plumbing 2 at the local BOCES. Am also thinking of going to a couple of one-day classes on burner stuff given by Beckett up in Mass. (I'm about to start a new thread asking if anyone knows about those.)

EdTheHeaterMan

Some folks just don't have an eye for fine art!

seized123

Very nice pieces, wonder what they’ll fetch on the art market.

pecmsg

seized123 said:

Very nice pieces, wonder what they’ll fetch on the art market.

About $2.20 per pound!