How about a picture. The whole thing of just around the fittings?
Copper pipes black
Hello and thanks. Most of the hot water 1/2” copper is black in color. Some of the cold too. I live on a farm with private well. What is the cause and do I need to replace it. The house was built in 1985. I’m redoing the plumbing as all the valves are corroded, so wanting to know how far I have to g
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Black is often a result of chemical exposure.
A few options I can think of on a farm with well.
Fumes from animal manure.
Fumes from sulfur water.
fumes from farm chemicals such as fertilizer or pesticides.
A few options I can think of on a farm with well.
Fumes from animal manure.
Fumes from sulfur water.
fumes from farm chemicals such as fertilizer or pesticides.
I have seen people coat them with a creosote solution, as a type of insulating to prevent sweat condensation on the surface.
And a black buildup inside the pipe from a high sulfur content in the water.
ED
And a black buildup inside the pipe from a high sulfur content in the water.
ED
Forgot of course the most obvious - someone painted them.
Hmm...Just that one pipe like that, it was probably oxidized by something long time ago. If the other pipes aren't showing it, its probably fine.
That appears to be natural oxidation of copper, over long term it will become "greener".
ED
ED
Are the two darker ones hot or cold water and the "copper" ones the opposite?
Hot water can cause faster oxidation and so can cold water if it condenses on the outside of the pipe.
Hot water can cause faster oxidation and so can cold water if it condenses on the outside of the pipe.
The blacker one is the hot connection.That appears to be natural oxidation of copper, over long term it will become "greener".
ED
So will the line be ok if it’s blackened? Should it be replaced? I don’t notice any problems as far as flow rate at the ta
The blackening will not be a problem.
There is nothing wrong with it, it's nature taking her course.The blacker one is the hot connection.
So will the line be ok if it’s blackened? Should it be replaced? I don’t notice any problems as far as flow rate at the ta
200+ years from now it might be a problem, but not now.
If it bothers you, take a strong cleaner and shine it up again, but the oxidation will always come back in 20 years or so.
It is not a problem.
ED
Good to know. Thanks for the info👍There is nothing wrong with it, it's nature taking her course.The blacker one is the hot connection.
So will the line be ok if it’s blackened? Should it be replaced? I don’t notice any problems as far as flow rate at the ta
200+ years from now it might be a problem, but not now.
If it bothers you, take a strong cleaner and shine it up again, but the oxidation will always come back in 20 years or so.
It is not a problem.
ED
If I’m here in 100 years I’ll definitely change it out. 😎
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