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Topic: Corrosion on Water Piping (Read 442 times) previous topic - next topic
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Corrosion on Water Piping
When I was winterizing, I noticed this corrosion on the copper fittings of the water lines that go to and from the hot water heater so I made a point to look at it when dewinterizing, which I’m doing now.  I’ve refilled the water system and fired up the water heater.  It’s been a good 30 minutes and I’m not seeing any leakage from these fittings, and the water pump is not cycling.  My only conclusion is that the humidity of Florida, where I bought the LD from, had something to do with it.  I will continue to monitor everything but would like to get your thoughts on possible causes.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Corrosion on Water Piping
Reply #1
Wow, have not seen that on our's. I'm going to go have a look-see in a bit. Searching finds "Copper corrodes at insignificant rates when used in areas with unpolluted air, non-oxidizing acids, and water. However, it happens more rapidly with the presence of road salt, ammonia, sulfur, oxidizing acids, etc." And "any water can induce corrosion, but here are factors that can make corrosion happen even more quickly: Saltwater, Heat, Acidic compounds." Are you sure that this isn't the result of leakage of treated water or winterizing fluid?

Charles
Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome #23975
Escapees SKP #138195
2007 23.5' Twin King

Re: Corrosion on Water Piping
Reply #2
Probably not, Charles as the previous owner lived in Florida and did not winterize.  I’m thinking it may be because of the humid, and perhaps salty, air where the rig was mostly stored up until a month and a half ago but who knows?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Corrosion on Water Piping
Reply #3
I see. So maybe heat and evaporated condensate off the piping and copper? I can't see signs of leakage in the photo.

In it's previous life our LD lived in Texas but we don't know exactly where and for how long.

Charles
Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome #23975
Escapees SKP #138195
2007 23.5' Twin King

Re: Corrosion on Water Piping
Reply #4
I would clean up the fittings and see if the corrosion is surface or something deeper.

The upper fittings look like no big deal to me.  Probably surface stuff on the outside only.  The lower fittings warrant more investigation. 

There have been some problems with pex crimp corrosion, although I think they're rare and nothing like problems with poly crimps.
 
My guess would be it's no big deal, but I would clean things up and take a closer look.


Rich
2003 MB

Re: Corrosion on Water Piping
Reply #5
With the corrision most present on the two bottom fittings, I would suspect something corrosive was spilled, I have never seen this in a LD.
The corrosion looks significant and it has climbed to the higher fittings too. It isn’t normal.
I would flush the area well, using a spray bottle of water and and rags to mop it up,.
Definitely keep an eye it, the pex fittings are thin and will wear through if allow to continue.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Corrosion on Water Piping
Reply #6
"I'm thinking it may be because of the humid, and perhaps salty, air."

I grew up in NY State and spent six years in Mississippi with numerous trips to Florida via Alabama. I also have family in south Texas. All of these areas are noted for high humidity where you can work up a sweat while drying off after a shower. Not so California and most of the west.

Were I you I'd take a wire brush to those fittings, clean them up, perhaps with a little vinegar and then watch to see if any of it reappears.  :o  ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Corrosion on Water Piping
Reply #7
You might want to mix a paste of white vinegar and baking soda to use as a cleaner for the "blue" exudations on the copper fittings. The potion will fizz up, but the bubbles soon subside; an old toothbrush works well as a scrubber. Wipe off the fittings with a paper shop towel (or whatever doesn't catch or make lint.)
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Corrosion on Water Piping
Reply #8
You are getting good help and advice. I just checked our LD and could not find or see anything like you have.

Charles
Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome #23975
Escapees SKP #138195
2007 23.5' Twin King

Re: Corrosion on Water Piping
Reply #9
Thanks all. Going to clean the fittings and entire area as suggested.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Corrosion on Water Piping
Reply #10
I agree with Larry. I would also guess something was spilled on it.
I have never seen anything like this even in 75 year old exposed (in basement) copper pipe in a humid/wet area (Seattle).   Ok, maybe on outside copper statues.....but yours looks kinda like crystals...
I would carefully clean - watch out for any reactions if it was a spilled substance (e.g. you are adding two chemicals together), have good ventilation.

Then check to see if there is pitting or any damage to the copper or the pex.
Jane
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.

Re: Corrosion on Water Piping
Reply #11
Many of the plumbing connections in my home look just like this:) Somewhere along the line, or maybe even currently, water with high mineral content has flowed through these water lines. I live in the PNW and my home water comes from a deep well drilled through  igneous rock so it is not treated and contains trace amounts of many minerals. The most likely culprit here is the mineral manganese based on the turquoise color. That said, it is not pretty but it is also not corrosive or indicative of leaking either. A wire brush or  some plumber's sandpaper will remove it. Applying a little paste of white vinegar and baking powder as another member mentioned earlier will remove any fine dust as a final step.
2004 26.5 Island Bed. Gumby
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: Corrosion on Water Piping
Reply #12
I did contact the previous owner and he has no knowledge of what might’ve happened there as he’s never looked inside that space. I trust what he says is correct.

I did try and clean up the area yesterday as best I can. You have to be careful to not disturb the lines too much as there isn’t much play. I used a paste of vinegar and baking soda as Joan suggested but may try to clean up a little bit more later today or tomorrow.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Corrosion on Water Piping
Reply #13
Am I correct that the the upper waterline is the hot side of the water heater?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Corrosion on Water Piping
Reply #14
Am I correct that the the upper waterline is the hot side of the water heater?

Not sure which is which.
Here is how you find out. Turn the water heater on, wait 15 minutes, then turn on a hot water faucet and feel which line, at the heater, is hot, the other line will be cold.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Corrosion on Water Piping
Reply #15
"Somewhere along the line, or maybe even currently, water with high mineral content has flowed through these water lines."

It's hard to imagine that what we see in Greg's photos could have been caused by water with high mineral content flowing inside the water lines. The question here is how corrosion occurred outside the pipes. Possibilities: leakage from inside, or spillage from somewhere else.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Corrosion on Water Piping
Reply #16
Well Andy, the previous owner did say he spent some time in the Albuquerque area . . . Just kidding!  😆
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264