Why Your Copper Pipes Are Turning Green

When it comes to taking care of things around your home, it isn’t always easy to remember your pipes. Unless there is a problem, like a leak or a clog, we don’t often think about the plumbing in our homes.

One problem that you may not even realize you have is when the material in your pipes starts to get old and damaged. Changes in the colour, taste, and pressure of the water can all indicate leaks in the pipes and other issues.

The most common material used in plumbing is copper. Pipes made from copper are durable and have a long life span, but if they are incorrectly installed or damaged, then they can turn green and lead to problems further down the line.

The Types of Plumbing Pipe Material

There was a time when pipes were all made from lead. Lead is versatile, and at the time, it was strong enough to handle all plumbing needs.

However, lead is now proven to be a dangerous material, so new pipe materials were installed. In modern homes, the plumbing no longer consists of one type of pipe, but rather a network of carefully designed materials that all serve different purposes.

• PVC (polyvinyl chloride) piping is strong, durable, and often used throughout the house (inside and outside), mainly for sinks and drains. However, it is also found in venting systems.
• PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping is stiff and strong and used for hot and cold water pipes. It is typically seen near appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.
• ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) piping is the black pipes found in drains both inside and outside a property. They are lightweight and easy to assemble.
• Copper pipes are the most commonly used in all property types. They can handle hot and cold water, have a lifespan of 50 years, are flexible, and come in different sizes.

Copper pipes, when installed properly and maintained, will last for decades without issues. However, if they are faulty or incorrectly installed, they can lead to problems such as water discolouration, bad-tasting water, and the pipes turning green. These issues should be addressed quickly.

Why Your Copper Pipes May Turn Green

Although copper is one of the best materials for your home plumbing system, it can sometimes turn green. This usually happens because of copper’s interaction with oxygen and other airborne materials over time.

Patina is the term used for this discolouration process on your copper pipes. If you notice this green colour in spots on the pipes, it means that something is not quite right.

The Causes of Patina

Did you know that the Statue of Liberty should be a bronze brown colour and not green? She turned green due to patina, as the metal was exposed to moisture, varying temperatures, and the air.

Patina is a greenish film that can appear on copper, brass, and even aluminum pipes. It materializes when the pipe is exposed to moisture and temperature fluctuations and, subsequently, oxidizes or reacts with the air.

This film doesn’t happen overnight, though; in homes and other properties, it can take several years to develop. This is due to the insulation in basements and the property in general, and whether or not there are constant temperature variations and moisture due to condensation.

This same green colour can also indicate copper oxide and is essentially the rusting of the metal. When left for too long, this corrosion allows parts to break off and enter the water supply, leading to minor holes in the pipes. This then results in leaking and (potentially) flooding should the pipe fully burst.

However, patina isn’t the real problem; rather, it is a symptom of the pipes being incorrectly installed or damaged before or during placement. It is a visual sign indicating there is an issue that a professional plumber should investigate.

The Impact of Patina on Your Plumbing

Throughout history, the patina process has been used to age metals for sculptures and other architectural designs. Patina as a paint can be very aesthetically pleasing; however, when it occurs naturally on pipes, one of two things can happen.

Patina can actually form a protective barrier to ensure that no damage occurs to the pipes and is a natural part of the pipes’ aging process. Or, if there are signs of other issues, then it can pose some serious problems, especially in pipes used for drinking water.

Since it is a chemical reaction, patina can lead to the corrosion of the pipes, causing fractures and leaks. This can lead to increased water bills, due to water leaking out into other areas of the home. If left for too long, these leaks can start to cultivate black mould and water damage to the property’s structure.

If the issue is found on the inside of the pipe, then you can experience rust entering the water stream, which can lead to health issues. This can result in discoloured water, a change of taste, and a faint smell.

A drop in the water pressure in appliances such as showers can indicate many different issues with the plumbing. However, if copper pipes lead to these appliances, then the patina may indicate that there is an issue.

Patina can also harbour bacteria. Since it is a reaction to moisture, temperature, and the air, bacteria can thrive in such an environment. If this bacteria comes in contact with water or a person’s skin, it can lead to illness quickly.

Fixing the Patina Problem

Fortunately, the patina is easy to remove. As long as there are no indications of other plumbing issues, a simple solution of water and vinegar or a solution of water, vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and a soft cloth can easily remove it.

Acetone is a great chemical agent that can remove patina. Apply some to a rag and then wipe the pipes before using an emery board to scrub the patina away. This will restore the copper to its former glory.

A hard-bristled brush can be used for the more stubborn patches, but these are easy to remove, too. The trick is to make sure that the pipes are then thoroughly dried and no condensation begins to appear afterward.

After the pipes are cleaned, ensure there is proper heating, ventilation, and insulation to prevent the patina from returning. Check with your local plumber, but in some cases, a very thin layer of wax can be applied as a barrier to protect the pipes from any further patina issues.

If another plumbing issue is discovered, then a professional plumber needs to make sure that the pipes are in good condition and that the issue is located and resolved. If the patina gets too thick and there is corrosion underneath, then the pipes should be replaced.

Call the Professional Plumbers: Brothers Plumbing

Patina in itself is not necessarily a danger to your plumbing; it can simply indicate the age of the pipes and act as a protective barrier.

It’s when patina is found alongside other issues that you should be concerned. This can lead to health issues as well as plumbing problems. In such cases, a professional plumber should check out the pipes as a matter of urgency.

Once the problem has been rectified, then the patina can be easily cleaned off, and normal functionality can resume.

In order to keep your home’s water supply as safe as possible, it is good to have your pipes checked and maintained regularly. You can talk to one of our plumbers at Brothers Plumbing to find out what works best for your home. For more information, you can call us at 647-247-2230 or contact us here.