Why Copper Plumbing Pipes Turn Green?

Copper is one of the toughest and strongest metals which makes it the best choice for pipes. If not taken care of, your plumbing copper plumbing pipes can start turning green to bluish-green on the outer surface. This bluish-green layer is known as Patina, a chemical layer which is commonly formed on metals. The sight of transformed pipes is commonly seen whenever pipes are made of copper. Let’s talk about the reasons of this typical but unusual process.

Reason of Copper turning Green:
Ever seen the brownish-red, coarse layer on iron bodies called rust? The green layer on copper is exactly the same. When this strong metal comes in constant contact with oxygen or water, it reacts and oxidises. This oxidised layer is nothing but the corroded outcome of copper and the green substance is copper oxide or copper carbonate in true Chemistry language. In layman’s words, you can call it copper rusting. This is exactly similar to the gigantic Statue of Liberty turning greenish, as it is also constructed out of copper. This patina is totally harmless in itself; rather it makes the copper underneath more water-proof and less open for further reactions. This discoloration is evidence that the plumbing maintenance wasn’t done in an appropriate way or might have a minute leak. Many times, corrosion happens from the inside of the pipes and this is discovered when water flows in blue or green colour out of your tap, along with a metal-ly odour.  The cause of internal patina is also same but the outcome is very serious. 

Effects of Green Copper Pipes:
As mentioned, the patina doesn’t cause any harm, but when huge quantities are seen deposited on the plumbing system, it indicates an early sign of future leakages and holes. Drinking or consuming this infected water in any way can lead to Alzheimer’s or other intense health complications. If used externally, this blue or green water can affect and ruin the texture of your skin and hair for days and weeks.

This patina can be easily removed at home, using several ways, provided it’s limited to only a few patches. You can cut a lemon in half and rub it directly on the pale-green portion. This will cut-down the bonds of the chemical. You can use common ketchup or salt instead of lemon. Cleaning the internal oxidization can be done by dunking the object in a boiling mixture of water, tablespoon of vinegar and salt each. These are just the household and preliminary level preventions to get rid of this shiny substance. But, for a long term and in-depth solution, contact a professional plumber in Edmonton, Pro Plumbing. Not only this, they have all kinds of plumbing maintenance and house-related services.