Premature failures in copper potable water systems are often a direct result of the workmanship practices that were used when the systems were installed. One of the workmanship practices that can lead to accelerated corrosion of copper piping systems, particularly those that are used to convey cold water, is the use of excessive soldering flux. A technique for mitigating this problem has been developed which involves flushing the affected system with hot water (150 to 170°F) at a high velocity. This removes soldering flux residue that may still be inside the copper tubes and fittings. The technique has been tested at one site and has been quite successful in mitigating the problem. The technique is ideal for use in the field since it is relatively simple and does not require the removal of any piping or destruction of any walls or floors. It is an environmentally acceptable technique because it does not require the use of chemicals.

Subject
Water, Piping, Fluxes, Piping systems, Tubes, Fittings, Flushing, Residues, Chloride ions, Corrosion products, Copper, Chlorides, Samples
Keywords:
copper piping, pipe rehabilitation, soldering flux, potable water
© 1991 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1991
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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