Copper pipe corrosion.

[Odo]

I’ve got recurring problems with embedded copper pipes in the walls of my bathroom extension. It was only recently built, but we are getting repeated problems with damp patches/leaks. When we have had the pipes taken out they had been very corroded with many small holes, this seems to happen over a few weeks.

The builder is suggesting that the water is causing the problems (‘aggressive water’/how do you get it tested?). The only other factor is that the area has been treated for damp with mass irrigation.

Any advice gratefully received!

 

[Nixt]

Are the pipes buried directly into masonry without corrosion protection. If so the fault is with whoever left them in this state.

 

[doitall]

The water is the last thing it will be.

What are the pipes use and are they protected from the plaster/cement.

What flux was used, and how long between installation and use.

What other materials are in use, e.g. any old galvanised pipe/cylinder/tanks.

 

[Softus]

Your pipes are suffering from SLUB (Stupid Lazy Useless Builder).

Written communication to and from your builder will not cause any further damage, but on no account should any employee from the builder's company be allowed to come into contact with any pipework, electrics or structural components of the building, or further deterioration may result.

What you need to do is remove all detectable presence of your builder, and introduce a lawyer* to your house, who will provide a remedy without ever having to visit it himself.

*The cost of litigation can go up as well as up.

 

[Agile]

the area has been treated for damp with mass irrigation.

If its not a farmers field then just what does that entail inside a house?

 

[megawatt]

You make me smile Softus

 

[Softus]

Not in the way that Steve Harley felt, I hope.

You spoilt the game, no matter what you say, for only metal - what a bore...

 

[croydoncorgi]

For pipes to pinhole after such a short time, it's virtually certain to be from the inside outwards. Flux left inside after installation is VERY likely to be the cause. Duff pipe (with carbon deposits left inside at manufacture) can also fail quickly but because this problem is well-known, most pipe is well-cleaned internally before sale.

You can usually work out what happened from the position of the pinhole(s) - flux inside the pipe usually runs downwards. If they're all near to solder joints, you have your answer!

If the mains water was that 'aggressive', it would be impossible to provide water supplies at all! Write to the local water company, asking for a copy of their typical water analysis for your area, explaining why. They will probably be quite keen to refute any allegations about 'aggressive water'!!

Pipes in walls DO need external protection but corrosion from outside inwards is usually a slow process. There must be moisture present for it to even start.

 

[Nige F]

Abracadabra and Softus has the answer

 

[corgiman]

Your pipes are suffering from SLUB (Stupid Lazy Useless Builder)..[/i]

BRILLIANT

I am so going to use that from now on

 

[gas4you]

Good one Softus. probably made worse by the copper being cheap imported cr ap rather than proper yorkshire tube