If you have copper pipes in your plumbing system, you may notice that they have a greenish color in some areas. A single question might run through your mind: is green corrosion on copper pipes dangerous?
Fortunately, green copper pipes are usually not a big deal, but you should still keep tabs on them. The team at Green Energy Mechanical is here to discuss more about green copper pipes and plumbing maintenance.
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Is Green Corrosion on Pipes a Problem?
Is green corrosion on copper pipes dangerous? Generally, no, green copper pipes in themselves are not a problem. Copper pipes naturally turn green over time due to environmental exposure, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that there is anything wrong with your piping. The health risks of green corrosion on copper pipes are negligible.
If you notice your pipes are turning green, however, it is a sign that they’re getting old and may need to be replaced. Advanced cases of corrosion can damage the pipes and cause leaks. In some cases, copper oxidation in water from sinks and showers can irritate the skin.
Is Green Corrosion Harmful To Drinking Water?
Green corrosion is not necessarily harmful to drinking water. It can cause water to taste strange and may give it a bluish-green color, but fortunately, it doesn’t pose a serious health hazard. However, if you are concerned, you should contact an expert plumber to help with evaluating the hazards of green corrosion on copper pipes.
What Causes Green Corrosion on Copper?
Copper pipes turning green is a result of oxidation due to exposure to heat and moisture. Copper is a common material and highly conductive, so it readily absorbs heat from hot water and radiates it outward. The heated copper reacts with both the moisture and oxygen in the air and starts to turn green.
Should I Replace Green Pipes?
Green copper corrosion is non-toxic and doesn’t have an effect on your water quality, so the safety concerns of copper pipes with green patina are low. However, the impact of corrosion on copper piping safety is not negligible. Corrosion can damage copper piping, making leaks and cracks more likely to form. If there are signs of advanced corrosion, you should consider replacing the green piping before it gets damaged. So green pipes aren’t a plumbing emergency, but they are still something you should deal with sooner rather than later.
Removing Green Corrosion From Copper Pipes
Removing green corrosion from pipes is not strictly necessary, but it is a viable option. The simplest way to get rid of green rust on copper is to use a weak acidic solution, like vinegar, and an abrasive rub. The acid breaks down the oxidized copper and the salt removes the green flakes.
Another option is to forgo the vinegar and just use salt. Using a slightly wet cloth, scrub the salt into the green sections of the pipe, then wipe away the remains using another clean cloth to remove the oxidation. Acetone is another effective and common acidic substance you can use to get rid of green rust on copper.
One last option to get rid of corrosion is to use Coca-Cola. The sodium carbonate in Coke makes it acidic and capable of dissolving copper oxidation pretty easily. You can remove the section of the pipe and soak it in a Coca-Cola bath for a few hours to remove the worst of the corrosion.
Preventing Green Corrosion
There are a few ways you can prevent the formation of green corrosion on copper piping.
Install a Filter
Calcite and ash filters prevent corrosion by injecting a small amount of calcium carbonate into the water, slightly raising its pH level. The higher alkaline concentrations act as an insulator and protect the interior of the piping from oxidation when making contact with the water.
Check Electrical Grounding
Copper oxidation can also be a result of electrical activity from connected and improperly grounded appliances. You can avoid copper rusting by disconnecting unnecessary electrical appliances and double-checking to ensure necessary ones, such as water heaters, are properly grounded.
24/7 Emergency Plumbing Services in Milton
Now that you know the answer to, “Is green corrosion on copper pipes dangerous?” take the next step. Whether you have a broken pipe, have a leak from a bad water cartridge, or have questions about the dangers associated with green corrosion in plumbing systems, Green Energy Mechanical Inc. can help. Contact us online or give us a call today at (877) 565-4621 to schedule an appointment with our team!
