Corrosion on gas water heater lines

[Danny Pritchard]

Found this today in a condo complex.I have been here several times before in other buildings and usually found only one water heater with this corrsion.In this room all the water heaters had this buidup.Any thoughts as to the cause.This is a 7 year old condo complex.

Thanks

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[Chad Fabry]

It looks like it leaks (or has leaked) everywhere.

[n/a29]

Yeah, it looks like it is leaking or there is a leak elsewhere that is dripping on this part that is corroding because of it. I know that sounds too simple, but it is the only logical reason I can think of without seeing more.

[Danny Pritchard]

Leaking pipes is what I thought initially.I have looked at units in 4 different buildings and it is all the same.I have never seen an active leak at any of the lines.[:-banghead]

[Chad Fabry]

With all the solids that have precipitated on the exterior, those pipes are self sealing.

Sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate,sodium carbonate, calcium sulphate,

sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate,sodium silicate, magnesium sulphate.

All those salts would clog yer arteries too.

[n/a29]

Originally posted by Chad Fabry

With all the solids that have precipitated on the exterior, those pipes are self sealing.

Sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate,sodium carbonate, calcium sulphate,

sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate,sodium silicate, magnesium sulphate.

All those salts would clog yer arteries too.

In just the little bit of inspection experience I have had, I have seen leaks like this seal themselves just as Chad mentions. You crud over a leak enough and it will hold like chewing gum. If it isn't a high pressure leak, which obviously it is not, then the corrosion often times will hide the signs of the original leaking.

Good call Chad!

[swarga]

You said you couldn't see the leak. I can't see the wind, but I can see the effects of the wind.

The corrosion is caused by a leak. (CPVC does not corrode by it self)

I would also pay attention to the way the vents are connected together. It may just be the camera angle but I don't think you have enough rise.

[Danny Pritchard]

Thanks for the comments.I guess I was looking for someone to mention a lack of ventilation,high moisture content in the air,etc.etc.The fact that this is prevalent throughout the complex made it hard for me to accept just a leaky pipe.These pics were taken on the 3rd floor.I stopped by the 2nd floor on my way down and saw the same thing.As I said before I have been in about 4 of the buildings and they all have the same problem.I can see galvanized pipe leaking but even I can glue CPVC together and not have a leak.The plunmbing contractor must have got his license and crew from one of those internet sites.

[Terence McCann]

Hello Danny:

Regarding the lack of ventilation/combustion air, we can only see what the camera sees.

By the looks of the leaks it would appear that there is quite a bit of electrolysis in action.