strange marks on boiler outlet pipes

[CHARLIE VAN FLEET]

guys

have never seen these marks on copper pipes before. this is a five zone boiler system. the little silver dots seemed to be pitted. any clues
cvf

[Jerry Peck]

little silver dots seemed to be pitted. any clues

Looks like the copper may be corroding through from the inside.

That is a huge problem with copper over on the west coast of Florida, especially in the Tampa Bay area and sorrounding areas.

[Rick Cantrell]

Looks like the copper may be corroding through from the inside.

That is a huge problem with copper over on the west coast of Florida, especially in the Tampa Bay area and sorrounding areas.
I agree with Jerry
Corrosion on the inside of the pipe resulting in pitting on the outside.
To confirm a section of pipe needs to be removed and examined, OR it can be probed with a sharp pointed object. Not a job for the home inspector. Refer to a qualified plumber.

[Raymond Wand]

How to Stop Copper Pipe Corrosion | Video | This Old House (http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20802891,00.html)

[Bryce Jeffrey]

How to Stop Copper Pipe Corrosion | Video | This Old House (http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20802891,00.html)

Good information, thank you.

[Jerry Peck]

How to Stop Copper Pipe Corrosion | Video | This Old House (http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20802891,00.html)

The problem on the west coast of Florida in the Tampa area is phosphate (as I understand it).

That part of Florida has a lot of large phosphate mines, because the soil contains so much phosphate, thus the phosphate level in the ground water and drinking water is high and the high level of phosphates is what corrodes the inside of the copper pipes.

That said, I agree with Bryce, that video contains very good information ...
(including the part of the video saying that it can a water quality issue affecting an entire area).

I knew about the anode rod issue and its short life, but not of the affects on the copper piping once the anode rod is gone and the water starts attacking the tank - got to think outside the box ... er ... outside the water heater. :)

[JeffGHooper]

Reverse Osmosis water treatment causes pin hole leaks in Florida.

http://www.cityofmarcoisland.com/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=1464

[Jerry Peck]

Reverse Osmosis water treatment causes pin hole leaks in Florida.

http://www.cityofmarcoisland.com/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=1464

Jeff,

Thanks, that is excellent information.

[Raymond Wand]

Maybe I missed it but where does it say RO causes pin hole leaks?

Addendum

Chloramines causing pin hole leaks -

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDoQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bvsde.paho.org%2Fbvsacg%2Fful ltext%2Fchloramine.pdf&ei=PsYpVausMMblsASi84GgBw&usg=AFQjCNEzUbKeQ4_ib0Qt8EW1TcLXJybFOg&bvm=bv.90491159,d.cWc

[JeffGHooper]

Maybe I missed it but where does it say RO causes pin hole leaks?

Addendum

Chloramines causing pin hole leaks -

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDoQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bvsde.paho.org%2Fbvsacg%2Fful ltext%2Fchloramine.pdf&ei=PsYpVausMMblsASi84GgBw&usg=AFQjCNEzUbKeQ4_ib0Qt8EW1TcLXJybFOg&bvm=bv.90491159,d.cWc


RO causes also, that is our Florida issue.

Residential RO Systems (http://www.watertreatmentguide.com/residential_ro_systems.htm)

[Raymond Wand]

Thanks Jeff,

After I asked the question I did some more research and found other documents which pertain to RO and copper. But it seems other factors do play into the problem of leaks.

However, I am wondering if this is the cause in the photos provided by Charlie, since this is a closed system. A one time filling of the piping and boiler is not being flushed daily as would the potable water supply. I am thinking that this damage may be the result of a cast iron boiler wherein iron fragments from installation caused the deterioration? And whether the copper is L or M type?

Nor did Charlie mention anything about the boiler or age.

[JeffGHooper]

Thanks Jeff,

After I asked the question I did some more research and found other documents which pertain to RO and copper. But it seems other factors do play into the problem of leaks.

However, I am wondering if this is the cause in the photos provided by Charlie, since this is a closed system. A one time filling of the piping and boiler is not being flushed daily as would the potable water supply. I am thinking that this damage may be the result of a cast iron boiler wherein iron fragments from installation caused the deterioration? And whether the copper is L or M type?

Nor did Charlie mention anything about the boiler or age.

All good questions. About the only way to know is to send in a piece for analysis and metallurgy.

It is one of those things that you just do not know nor can tell without testing.

[CHARLIE VAN FLEET]

1979 BURNHAM

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1979 BURNHAM