Have you ever noticed a greenish tint on your copper water pipes? It’s not mold, but it can be just as unattractive. This effect is called patina and is a natural process that happens to copper when it is exposed to air and water.
While some people may think that patina makes copper look antique and beautiful, others may want to know how to remove it. Read on to learn more about why copper pipes turn green and what you can do about it!
Why do copper pipes turn green?
Copper pipes have been used for plumbing since the days of the Roman Empire. In fact, some of the oldest surviving copper pipes date back to around 2700 BC.
For centuries, copper has been the plumbing material of choice due to its durability. Even though most newly built homes use PVC, copper is still used in many commercial and residential plumbing systems.
The main cause of green copper pipes is oxidation. When your pipes have a leak or are in an area with a lot of moisture in the air, the reaction causes your copper pipes to oxidize and creates a green substance called patina.
Even port leaks can cause this oxidation. Copper pipes in basements, brick walls, and concrete walls are especially dangerous because these areas hold more moisture than elsewhere. Even though copper pipes are durable, the green patina, along with other minerals and conditions, on copper pipes can eventually lead to corrosion and be problematic for plumbing.
Corrosion of copper pipes is the deterioration of the metal due to a reaction with its environment. Corrosion can cause pipes to become clogged with rust or other debris, reducing water flow and making cleaning difficult.
Left unchecked, corrosion can eventually destroy a pipe completely.
Methods of removing green from copper pipes
While plumbers know how to clean pipes and remove green discoloration, it’s possible to do it yourself. However, it may be impossible to remove the oxidation and your pipes may need to be replaced if the oxidation leads to corrosion. If this is the case, it is best to hire a professional. Here are some methods to remove green from a copper pipe.
1. Salt, vinegar, baking soda and flour
Using just a few household ingredients, you can solve this problem with a cleaning solution made from salt, white vinegar, baking soda, and flour.
To make the mixture, simply combine equal parts of each ingredient and apply it to the area with a toothbrush or sponge.
Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then wash it off with a cloth and soapy water. This cleaning method is effective because the salt helps break down build-up, while the vinegar and baking soda work together to create a mild abrasive action.
As a result, this simple cleaning solution can quickly and easily remove even stubborn stains from copper pipes. This mixture will also work to clean your copper cookware such as pots and pans and even copper jewelry.
2. lemon juice and salt
This method will require more work than using other methods, but is gentler on the pipes. Start by mixing a tablespoon of salt and 1/2 cup of lemon juice in a bowl.
Dip a cotton cloth in the mixture and then rub it affected areas. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. You may need to repeat this process several times to remove all oxidation.
This solution is also useful for daily pipe maintenance. You can use it for polishing as well as removing dirt and grime. Cleaning your pipes regularly will help prevent damage and corrosion.
Alternatively, if you only have salt, this method will also work. Simply mix salt with water until it forms a paste and apply it to your pipes. Leave for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water.
3. Acetone
Many people are familiar with the use of acetone as a nail polish remover. What they may not know is that this common household product can also be used to remove green oxidation from copper pipes.
Acetone is a strong pH-neutral solvent that can dissolve many types of deposits, including the patina that forms on copper surfaces.
To remove green oxidation from copper pipes, simply apply a small amount of the chemical to a cloth and rub the affected areas. For best results, wear gloves and avoid getting acetone on your skin.
It is also important to rinse the area thoroughly after using acetone, as it can be harmful if ingested. You should also only use acetone if you are in a ventilated area, as the fumes from acetone are quite strong.
4. Ketchup
While most people think of ketchup as a delicious condiment, it actually has a long history of being used for cleaning purposes.
The acidity in ketchup helps break down deposits on surfaces and can even be used to remove them green patina from copper pipes.
To clean copper pipes with ketchup, simply apply a generous amount of ketchup to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a cloth or brush to clean the area.
Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. With regular use, ketchup can help keep your copper pipes looking like new.
5. Emery cloth
This method can be the most damaging to your pipes, so I recommend using it only as a last resort. Emery cloth is a type of sandpaper that is often used for polishing and polishing materials.
It has a wide range of uses, from removing rust from metal to sanding scratches from wood. Emery cloth is also an effective way to remove green oxidation from pipes.
To use an emery cloth to remove oxidation, simply rub the affected area with the cloth until the oxidation is gone. You may need to apply pressure, but be careful not to damage the pipe. When finished, use a soft cloth and water to rinse the pipes
6. Soak with vinegar
Although more time consuming, another way to remove the green color is to soak the pipes in vinegar. Vinegar is particularly effective in removing tarnish. Simply fill a bowl with vinegar and submerge the affected pipe.
Leave it to soak for a few hours, then rub the pipe with a soft brush. If the green patina is stubborn, you may need to let the pipe soak overnight.
Once the green color has been removed, rinse the pipe with water and dry it with a soft cloth. Apple cider vinegar is just as effective if you don’t have white vinegar.
How to prevent copper pipes from turning green?
There are several ways to prevent clean copper pipes from turning green.
- One is to regularly clean the pipes with mild detergent. This will remove any buildup of contaminants that could cause patina to form.
- Another way to prevent copper pipes from turning green is to make sure that the pH level of the water is not too low or too high, as this can lead to discoloration of the pipes. Ideally, the pH level of the water should be neutral. You can neutralize the pH level of the water by adding a water softener to the system.
- It is also recommended that you flush your pipes with a mild acid solution. This will help remove any mineral deposits that have already formed and prevent others from forming we.
- In addition, it is important to ensure that the pipes are properly insulated, as this will help keep moisture levels down and reduce the risk of oxidation.
By taking these simple stepsyou can keep your copper pipes like new for years to come.
If you’re worried about your copper pipes turning green, you can always opt for a completely different material. Stainless steel or PVC pipes are both good alternatives that will not turn green over time.
Conclusion
There are lots of ways to clean your copper pipes if they have already turned green. But as with most things in life, it’s easier to prevent a problem than to fix it. That’s why we urge you to take the necessary measures to protect your pipes right from the start. Did you find this article helpful? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to share this with a friend who might need some tips on preventing their own green copper piping problems!
