corrosion on copper pipes mean future leak?

[CheckItOut]

I was told that heavy corrosion around copper pipe fittings was a sign of a future leak. Maybe due to seepage around fitting(?). It this right?

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[StevenT]

I've always thought it was due to not cleaning the pipe after sweating them together ... from the flux.

As far as a future leak, I don't remember ever seeing any that have rotted out.

I wonder if it's a reaction of the copper to the flux, or a reaction of the flux to the copper?

[hausdok]

I've seen flux stains them older than I am with no sign of damage to the pipe. It might be a regional thing, but I don't think it makes that much difference.

OT - OF!!!

M.

[StevenT]

I think it just boils down to workmanship.

[chicago]

Actualy a slow drip could have been there at one time then sealed it self shut,as I have seen many times over the years.

Oh ..and if everyone remembers a recent thread on copper,I found out copper turns dark before turning green.

[Chad Fabry]

As Bob said: A past leak that self-healed. Must've read 'Living Consciously"

I'd suggest that it be repaired. I'd buy Katen lunch if you couldn't easily twist that joint apart.

[Les]

Chad,

I am sure there are guys on this board that can twist a better joint than Katen.

[CheckItOut]

Originally posted by Les

Chad,

I am sure there are guys on this board that can twist a better joint than Katen.

All of the joints in the crawlspace looked like this or worse. Next time I'll try twisting one and see what happens.... I'll write it up as discovering a leak.

[chicago]

Twisting may not prove anything,however from what you stated it could be a case of poor workmanship.

I would recommend sanding lightly at the joint connection in order to see if it begins leaking again,but the owner may not appreciate the effort if it does.

One trick might be to place a sheet of toilet tissue against the bottom and see if there is moisture still present.

[StevenT]

If it were a leak, isn't it a coincidence how it covered the joint exactly how the flux would while being wiped with a brush during sweating? I believe it's from the flux, especially since every joint is similar?

[chicago]

Hi Steve..Is that flux on the one to the left.

Flux on the flex.Hmmmm.

[fqp25]

Bob,

That flux on the left (Type K Pipe) could possibly be splatter from when the plumber (or whoever) soldered/wiped.

Frank

[kurt]

Originally posted by Les

Chad,

I am sure there are guys on this board that can twist a better joint than Katen.

[:-eyebrow [:-bonc01]

[Chad Fabry]

Yeah... I never know how to respond to Les. He's a Guru with a sense of humor.

Truth is I bet Katen is a highly skilled technician.

[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by Chad Fabry

Yeah... I never know how to respond to Les. He's a Guru with a sense of humor.

Truth is I bet Katen is a highly skilled technician.

"dooooooooooope.......Doooooooooooope.....how come nobody buy doooope......DOOOOOOOOOPE....I sell dope, I sell dope, I sell Doo-oo-oope.....how come nobosy buy doooope......"