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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    1,096

    Default copper in concrete

    I have looked for information regarding ill effects of copper piping in concrete. I have gotten mixed signals.

    What is your opinion? Should we as inspectors be alerting to copper pipes that are imbedded in concrete or masonry products?

    The concern being corrosion due to a reaction to the limestone in concrete products.

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Connecticut
    Posts
    1,828

    Default Re: copper in concrete

    Yes, indicate in your report. The worst case is Radiant copper lines installed in concrete slab flooring in the 40's and fifties. Usually abandoned by now becasue of leaks but if you find one in operation it is short lived.


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Caledon, Ontario
    Posts
    4,982

    Default Re: copper in concrete

    Yes and copper feed lines from oil tanks to furnaces which are in or under concrete.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Caledon, Ontario
    Posts
    4,982

    Default Re: copper in concrete

    Also

    Copper.org: Plumbing: TechCorner - How to Prevent Corrosion of Copper Tube in Underground or Buried Applications

    Also consider that most new homes use the incoming copper water line as a grounding system for the electrical service.

    Stray currents. Direct current (DC) from impressed cathodic current corrosion protections systems or from the grounding of alternating current (AC) systems to the underground copper service can be detrimental.

    Also
    Copper.org: Copper Development Association - Information on copper and its alloys.
    One of the most prevalent myths regarding the use of copper in concrete is that lime in the concrete will have a negative or corrosive effect on the surface of the copper. In fact, a screened soil/pulverized limestone mixture is actually recommended as a selective backfill for copper tube to help eliminate corrosion concerns. There should be no concern regarding the interaction of the copper with lime in the concrete


  5. #5
    Mark Aakjar's Avatar
    Mark Aakjar Guest

    Default Re: copper in concrete

    Copper thru concrete isn’t an immediate threat however it should be in your report as a recommended change. Copper heat pipe is more likely to erode quicker then water pipe due to its thickness.


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