What Causes Green Corrosion On Copper Pipe In San Diego?
Copper pipes are typically utilized for water heater pipes because they oxidize in damp or moist environments. The green tint on the pipes indicates that they have been exposed to water or humid conditions for an extended period of time, causing oxidation on the copper. It’s a type of corrosion that, in extreme circumstances, can cause pipe damage.
Why Is The Copper Pipe Green?
We’ve all seen copper piping that has a powdered green or greenish-blue material on it. This is referred to as oxidation, and it occurs when copper pipes are exposed to a mixture of water and air or oxygen. If not thoroughly evaluated, this oxidation could suggest a potential problem with your pipes, which could lead to pipe failure.
Copper pipes are used over other materials in heating systems because copper is a metal that conducts heat easily. The copper pipes circulate hot water, and the metal absorbs the heat from the water and reflects it into the room’s air, warming the air or the floor if the heating is underfloor piping.
Once the copper absorbs the heat from the water, it remains heated for a long time, resulting in an efficient heating mechanism that keeps the water hot as it circulates throughout the house.
Copper’s heat-conducting properties make it an excellent choice for a radiant heating system that warms a home.
The green tint on the pipes is a result of oxidation, which occurs when the pipe is exposed to moisture and air. Rust on steel, which forms under identical conditions on exposed steel, is a good analogy.
Oxidation on copper pipes is corrosive, similar to rust on steel, and if the problem is not addressed, the pipe may corrode to the point of failure.
Where the pipe passes through a brick and mortar or concrete wall is a common area for this type of discoloration. Any dampness or moisture in the wall will cause the copper pipe to oxidize and turn green.
This could be a symptom of dampness in your wall that needs to be addressed rather than a pipe problem.
Do You Need To Replace The Copper Pipe?
Despite its acidic look, the green oxide that forms on copper pipes exposed to moisture and air is not a dangerous substance. The chemical is harmless and non-toxic, but it does signal a potential problem with the pipe that needs to be addressed.
Green heating pipes do not always need to be changed, but if you notice oxidation on them, you should investigate to determine where the oxidation is coming from. A small leak in the pipe, a broken joint, or humidity in the wall could all cause it. If the corrosion is severe, the pipe may need to be replaced.
Conclusion
Don’t hesitate to call the experts of Pic Plumbing at (800)-275-0742. Our dedicated team is ready to help you at any time!
Visit our website through this link for more information about plumbing repairs and get to know how we can help. https://picplumbing.com/.
PIC Plumbing Services
185 W F St San Diego
CA 92101
(800) 275-0742
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