If your copper pipes start to turn black or greenish brown in color with areas of the pipe becoming soft and bulging out from the wall then that’s a clear sign that your pipes are going bad. If your home’s plumbing was installed around 1945 and you have copper plumbing you may want to have an inspection by a professional plumber to asses the status of those pipes. It will cost you much less to fix any issues now than later after a leak occurs.

Knowing what causes copper pipes from corroding can go a long way in helping to prevent corrosion which can lead to expensive repairs and high water bills.

What Makes Copper Pipes Corrode?

There are several factors that can cause copper pipes to corrode. These are the 6 most common causes of corrosion in copper pipes.

  • You could be at risk for copper pipe corrosion if your water heater has iron deposits.
  • Corrosion can be a huge problem on cold-water plumbing. The excess flux residue in the pipes attracts more of it, leading to pitting and corrosion.
  • Low pH levels in the water (should be between 6.5 and 8.5 pH)
  • Improper soldering of the copper pipes can also cause erosion corrosion.
  • Water moving at high speeds through a pipe can wear away copper from the interior.
  • If water is left in the copper pipes for a long time – this could also cause corrosion.

Avoiding these can help you to keep your copper pipes in good condition for much longer.

What Is The Green Corrosion On Copper Pipes?

Your copper pipes could be a green color due to patina, which you get from the interaction between oxygen and other airborne material over time. The term for this is called “patination.”

As your copper pipes wear and leak, the patina on them will get darker. This isn’t just a cosmetic problem – it’s also an indication that you may be drinking water with higher levels of copper than what is safe for human consumption! The more leaks in these old systems means more repairs down the line which can end up being very costly.

And if this wasn’t enough reason already then there’s always health risks like mental issues caused by anxiety due to being exposed too much metal particles over time.

How Do You Protect Copper Pipes?

There are some steps that you can take to take care of your copper plumbing which can help them to last much longer. There are products that you may be able to use and of course, checking the velocity and the pH levels of the water that is rushing through those pipes can also help to protect them and keep them from corroding.

How Many Years Do Copper Pipes Last?

Copper pipes are a finite resource, and their lifespan is limited to about 50-70 years. If they’re exposed to harsh conditions like high temperatures or extreme chemical exposure that can reduce the average life span down into 20 year range.

Conclusion

Like any other home maintenance – it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance of your home’s plumbing system. In the end, it will save you time and money.

If you have any questions about your copper pipes or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-505-8570. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.