Copper Pipe Question

gehring_3

I usually come here to ask questions about my steam system, but instead I have a simple plumbing/pipe, non-heating related question...

I have several lengths of copper cold water supply lines that are only a few years old, but they already have a coating of green tarnish or oxidation on the outside. What is causing that and is it an indication that there also may a problem developing on the inside of the pipes as well?

Thanks

Weezbo

Yes you may have globs of flux inside the pipes.....

as wellas green growing on the outside.ever heard of pex tubing?look into it ...youll like what you hear. Aquasafe and Rahau water tubing is a good place to start. one saturday afternoon,...some tubing a few fittings...some help you are away from green pipes for ever:) the red and white and blue pex looks so much cleaner:)

Uni R

Green Cu

Carl, if the green is near the fittings then you need to use the flux more sparingly and remember to always wipe the fittings immediately after they have been soldered, while they are still hot. It makes the solder look better as well.

Ken_8

If not flux residue,

perhaps humid air condensation in the presence of chlorine (bleach) or some other mildly acidic vapor/gasses?

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Dale

Chlorine

I have seen severe green from a can of clenzer stored near copper pipe, if it's under a closed sink cabinate its really bad.

gehring_3

Question


Thanks for the tips folks. Is this a serious problem in terms of actual deterioration and early pipe failure or is it simply more of an aesthetic issue?

Also, can stray electricity also cause similar symptoms? That is, with the house electrical system being grounded to the water supply line as well as driven rods can issues arise with the copper?

jim lockard

Electrical

Carl-- It is a good thing and part of the Nat. electrical code to have your homes copper pipe water system and your driven rods connected together at the electrical panel. Kinda like a hartford loop on a steam system. J. Lockard

Uni R

A

The green patina that forms on copper roofs is actually highly desirable and very effective. On piping, it shouldn't be too big a deal and basically means that either the flux was excessive and not cleaned off if just near joints, or there is excessive exposure to moisture or chemicals if the green is more widespread.

bob_25

verdigris (french)

yuppies pay big bucks for this stuff :>) bob

Ken_8

Makes a great spoon

for quiche. N'cest pa?

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