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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
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    Default copper carbonate?

    I am wavering on calling these pin hole leaks and (suspect).
    Seen copper pipe stains left by flux.
    Located low voltage wiring on the pipe. I could not measure for current. To far away.
    Every fitting on the plumbing I could see, before and after the fitting, was stained and showed signs of corrosion.
    I talked about this before. Coppers next night mere... Unfortunately, this is becoming more common for homes with copper piping in Florida as we have seen an unprecedented number of reports of problems with corrosion and leaks. Know when it is time for residential piping replacement.

    Home is 36 years old.
    Tell me what you think.

    plumbing a.JPGplumbing.jpg

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
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    Caledon, Ontario
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    Default Re: copper carbonate?

    Since the oxidation is at fittings, its most likely flux residue. Overuse of flux.


  3. #3
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    Default Re: copper carbonate?

    No leaks? I wouldn't even mention those little stains. Normal.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  4. #4
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    Default Re: copper carbonate?

    I mistakenly deleted the previous post.
    It appears the plumber dipped the fittings and pipe in flux which is poor if not unprofessional practice. You can see evaporation staining and what did not evaporate remains. I am sure all can agree on that.
    flux residue corrosion.jpgplumbing flux corrosion.jpg

    Although some may agree while others not, that flux staining is a questionable call, and it can be to myself when light staining is observed, there are articles on flux staining.

    The term "mitigation of Copper Pipe due to acid reflux'" struck a chord.
    Too much flux?
    Fifth post down on the tread titled :Too much flux."
    Yes, flux is an acid. And many plumbers use way to much of it, leaving behind accummulations of flux residue in the piping they're joining. If you research the matter at the Copper Pipe Manufacturers level, you'ld find that this damage is called 'mitigation of Copper Pipe due to acid reflux'! (A ball of flux will roll down the piping, creating little pin hole leaks). Not so much a problem on hot water systems that can flush the nasties, but 'bad' on the cold water system, or any system not properly flushed after construction! Hire a plumber that doesn't ream the pipe joints and the problem escalates!

    Ray, John, thank you. Hope others chime in.

    Robert Young's Montreal Home Inspection Services Inc.
    Call (514) 489-1887 or (514) 441-3732
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  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Atlanta, Georgia
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    Default Re: copper carbonate?

    Second photo looks like solder drips, not necessarily flux.

    "The Code is not a peak to reach but a foundation to build from."

  6. #6
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    Default Re: copper carbonate?

    Robert, this last pics shows pinholes in the fitting, therefore - leaks. Yes, that should be reported.

    Regional difference. We have soft water here, mostly from big lakes for the city folk. So internal corrosion is rare, and copper pipes can be 100 years old and still good. But where you are, corrosion appears to be a concern. Pinholes in a 30-year-old pipe fitting raises a concern for the whole system.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  7. #7
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    Default Re: copper carbonate?

    John,
    Reported as such before the thread.
    Thanks.

    Worst case of over or reflux I have seen to date.
    I thought I would open a discussion.

    Robert Young's Montreal Home Inspection Services Inc.
    Call (514) 489-1887 or (514) 441-3732
    Our Motto; Putting information where you need it most, "In your hands.”

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