2016

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Water pipe erosion

Water pipe erosion can cause copper pipe to fail\

Typically copper pipe is rated to last 50 years.
But copper pipe can fail due to erosion
brass elbow and nipple

Connecting copper pipe to galvanized pipe does not damage copper pipes.

But will cause galvanized pipes to deteriorate
Always use brass pipe when connecting copper and galvanized together
Prevent electrolytic corrosion/ deterioration of galvanized pipes and clogs
Use 6 wraps teflon tape on threads
Buy:
Brass nipples at Amazon
Brass elbows at Amazon
Resource:
Low hot water pressure.

Causes of erosion

-Failed anode rod can cause erosion on hot pipe when iron gathers in low spots on pipe. Replace anode rod... inspect each 3 years. Replace damaged pipe.
Resource:
Inspect and replace anode rod

-Water quality can affect erosion. have hot and cold tested separately.

-Water speed can cause erosion: Install pressure reducing valve, and expansion tank, re-install smaller recirculation pump.
Resources:
Pressure reducing valve and manuals
Recirculation pumps and flow charts for selecting pump

-Turbulence can cause erosion: Pump can cause air bubbles inside the water line. Install air vent

-Turbulence can cause erosion: If copper tubes were not reamed to remove rough spots before soldering. Take apart pipe, cut in half, and examine.
Resource:
How to solder copper pipe

Green corrosion at faucet

Blue-green sediment at the bottom of water heater

Copper-infused scale deposits within our hot water system
I clean various fixtures by soaking them in CLR to remove deposits and I am surprised by the speed at which they re-form and that they clearly show signs of copper oxide (again blue-green).
Our water, while hard (we have a softener), is not particularly high in copper. So the copper must be coming from the interior of our pipes and this "erosion" worries me.


Our recirculation system is running a Taco 006 pump on 1/2" pipe and in doing some research I found a copper industry handbook that says the flow rate in our pipes to avoid erosion/damage should be significantly lower (half as much) as what we are getting from the Taco 006.

Answer
The simple solution would be turn off (or remove) pump and see if green reappears at faucet.
This would include or eliminate pump as suspect.

Replace pump would be next simplest solution.... but costly as you said.
Soldering pipe is straighforward, even for beginner... of course you have to buy torch and solder.
How-to-solder-pipes.html

Plumbing resources:

How-to-replace-TP-valve.html
Advantages-disadvantages-mixing-valve.html
TP-valve-code.html
How-to-replace-water-heater-drain-valve.html
Repair-water-heater-valve.html
Water-heater-leak-shut-off-valve.html
How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html
Water-heater-recirculation-system.html
Tempering-tank.html
Stacking.html
How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html
How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html
Flooded-water-heater.html
Plumbing-Vents.html
Particles-in-water.html
Not-enough-hot-water-for-bath.html
How-to-remove-short-water-heater-nipple.html
Low-hot-water-pressure.html
New-water-heater-making-noise.html
Replace-anode-rod.html
replace anode rod
Inspect anode each 2-5 years
Anode rod prevents tank from rusting
Buy:
Anode rods at Amazon

Resources:
Replace anode rod
How to maintain water heater


Buy:
Knipex channel locks
Irwin pliers
Water pressure gauge

Pressure gauge/ attach to water heater drain valve
Pressure over 80 psi can damage water heater and household plumbing
Buy:
Water pressure gauge
Temperature-pressure gauge

Resources:
Identify water heater valves
Troubleshoot water pressure
89T thermostat kit
Electric water heater thermostats
Thermostats stick melt and come out of calibration... replace thermostat
Symptoms: Cold water, uneven temperatures, reset tripping, TP releasing water

Resources:
How to replace electric water heater thermostat
Add another thermostat to water heater
How to wire thermostats
Marathon water heater thermostats
Two water heaters
Troubleshoot electric water heater
Icon gas valve   
Gas water heater thermostats
If tank is overheating or not heating correctly, replace thermostat
Symptoms: Cold water, uneven temperatures, TP releasing water

Resources:
How to replace gas water heater thermostat
Add another thermostat to water heater
Troubleshoot gas water heater




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