How to clean copper pipes

Shiny copper piping in the home can be a gorgeous feature — with a bit of regular TLC, that is. Learn the best way to clean copper pipes here.

Updated 31 July 2020

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Key steps

1. Wash away loose dirt first.
2. Use a commercial metal polish if you have one to hand.
3. If you prefer a homemade solution, mix white vinegar with salt or cream of tartar, then apply it to the pipe.
4. Rinse and dry the pipe completely when you’re done.

Exposed copper pipes can be a gorgeous feature, but they can also end up tarnished or corroded. Here’s the best way to clean copper pipes.

Note: If you’re using any of the below methods for the first time, try them out on an inconspicuous area of the pipe first. If the copper has been sealed, don’t use these methods, as they could strip off the sealant. If the pipe is seriously corroded, or if it’s leaking, contact a plumber rather than trying to clean it.

If you find that the salt and vinegar method is the best way to clean copper pipes for you, but you think your pipes could benefit from longer treatment, add flour to the salt and vinegar mixture to make a paste. You can now apply the paste to your pipe and let it sit for half an hour before cleaning it away.

How to clean a copper pipe

If your piping is looking a little dull, or there are green spots tarnishing the metal, here’s how to polish a copper pipe until it shines.

• Use a sponge and warm water to clean away loose dirt. Dry the pipe completely with a cloth.
• A metal polish that’s suitable for copper, used according to the instructions, will usually get the best results.
• If you don’t have metal polish to hand and you want a home solution, try dissolving a tablespoon of salt in a cup of white vinegar. Use a soft cloth to rub the salt-and-vinegar mixture onto the pipe. It’ll create a chemical reaction that will usually remove the tarnish from copper within seconds.
• Rinse the pipe thoroughly with a sponge. If you’ve used vinegar and you don’t wash it off completely, the pipe will turn green.
• Buff and dry the pipe with a clean cloth.
• Sometimes, after a polish, copper pipe can still look a bit tarnished or uneven. If so, you can use fine wire wool to scrub away remaining tarnish and to even out the surface. Wash and dry the pipe again afterwards.

Similar tips and tricks can get metal surfaces gleaming smartly all around your home. Check out our article on cleaning brass, copper and pewter surfaces for more!

Descaling copper pipes: dealing with mineral deposits

Limescale build-up isn’t usually a problem inside copper pipes; it tends to affect steel pipes. If you do have limescale problems inside your pipes, it might be worth looking into installing a water softening system.

• However, you might find unsightly mineral deposits on the outside of your copper pipes. Learning how to clean copper pipes with encrusted limescale is easy: you can even use ordinary ingredients you might have around the house.
• Again, wash the pipe with a sponge dipped in warm water before you begin. There’s no point in applying a cleaner to mineral deposits that are already loose.
• Make a paste of two parts cream of tartar and one part white vinegar. If you prefer, you can replace the vinegar with lemon juice.
• Apply this acidic paste to some kitchen roll or a stiff brush and use it to scrub away the alkaline deposits on your copper pipe.
• Once you’re done descaling the copper pipes, rinse and dry them off thoroughly.

Knowing these handy tips for how to polish copper pipes and keep clean will help you to turn this utilitarian element of your home into a feature that adds some shiny warmth to your décor.

Things You’ll Need

Solution for mild tarnish:

1/2 cup flour paste

Solution for severe tarnish:

1 tbsp. lemon juice

1/2 cup tomato paste

Warning

Do not use abrasive cleaners or steel wool to clean copper.

Copper is used in many applications. From currency and piping to cookware and sculpture, it is among the most versatile of metals. Unfortunately, as copper is exposed to air and water, it gets dirty and stained. A patina develops on the copper that prevents its golden, shiny color from showing through. Patinas have different looks to them and can range from a light green (think statue of liberty) to a brownish color. Cleaning copper can be done in more than one way, safely and easily with average household items. There are cleaning solutions you can make, depending on the severity of the tarnish, to make your copper look new again.

Step 1

Wash your pipes with warm water and dry thoroughly. Apply a small amount of your cleaning solution (either the severe or light tarnish version) to a soft cloth.

Step 2

Rub the solution briskly into the copper. This will take some elbow grease depending on how bad the stains are.

Step 3

Rinse away the cleaning solution with clean water. Dry the pipes thoroughly using a clean, soft cloth.

Step 4

Polish with a soft cloth and beeswax to get a lasting shine.

A copper pipe tends to form a bluish green patina during long periods of use, especially when it is exposed to moist air. In order to clean a pipe, one does not need to use a heavy abrasive or a dangerous chemical just to remove the stain. There are materials usually found inside homes that can be used for this purpose.

Step 1 – Prepare Polisher Paste

A polish can be made at home using ordinary household ingredients. One way to make a polish paste is to mix vinegar with baking soda and salt. A mixture of equal proportions of salt, flour, and vinegar may also do. Or, instead of using vinegar, a more natural paste can be made by mixing lemon juice and baking soda. The baking soda can also be substituted with cream of tartar.

Step 2 – Rub the Paste onto the Copper Surface

Place a sufficient amount of polish paste on a clean cloth and run it up and down or left and right on the copper pipe. Apply gentle pressure and allow the paste to wipe off any stain on the area. The paste will also remove any dirt or stain to reveal a cleaner smoother surface.

Instead of using polish paste, ketchup may also be used as a substitute. However, if ketchup is not available, tomato sauce will do. Apply it with a cloth and use it to rub the pipe gently.

Step 3 – Clean off the Paste

Wash the pipe with soapy water to remove any debris of the paste or ketchup. Another way to do this is to use a damp cloth to wipe off the paste from the copper pipe. This will make the cleaning less messy.

Step 4 – Use a Pipe Cleaner or Brush

To clean the insides of the copper pipe, it is necessary to use a pipe cleaner or brush designed to clean internal parts of pipes and fittings. For longer pipes, it is necessary to use a tool with a longer shaft.

Before inserting the head of the cleaner into the pipe, place a liberal amount of paste or ketchup on the head. Insert the brush while rolling the shaft to spread the paste inside. As the brush is rolled, it cleans the inside surfaces. Keep rolling the cleaner until you’ve scrubbed the inside thoroughly. Allow water to run through the pipe to remove any residue or debris.

Step 5 – Dry the Pipe

When the surfaces of the copper pipe are thoroughly clean, make sure to dry the pipe. Use a dry cloth to wipe off any remaining moisture or dry it under the sun. Once dry, your pipe will be ready for use.

How to Clean Mineral Deposits on a Copper Pipe

How to Clean Mineral Deposits on a Copper Pipe

Pipes for plumbing, especially copper pipe, is prone to an accumulation of mineral deposits. If you live in an area that has water that is heavily treated with chemicals you will notice more mineral deposits. This hard water carries heavy amounts of calcium and magnesium. When these minerals are left to crystallize they form a whitish, powdery substance. There are other minerals that can also leave deposits on copper pipe. Manganese will leave a brownish black stain behind; high iron content will leave a white or ruddy slime whereas copper and brass will both deposit a residue that is bluish green. The article that follows will show you how to remove mineral deposits from copper pipe.

How to Clean Mineral Deposits on a Copper Pipe

Step 1 – Don’t Wait

The first thing to note is to not leave mineral deposits sit on copper pipe too long. If you see that they are forming then you should clean it as soon as possible. When mineral deposits are left on copper pipe too long they can actually etch the metal. When this happens you cannot clean off the deposits and you have to replace the copper pipe. Keep in mind though that you should not get rid of the copper pipe or fixture before attempting to clean the mineral deposits.

Step 2 – Paper Towel Wrap

Vinegar is a very strong solvent. It can remove stains as well as breakdown chemical deposits. Take several sheet of paper towel and stack them together. Soak the towels in white vinegar and remove the excess vinegar. You do not want to have the paper towel soaking wet so it slides off the copper pipe. When you are satisfied that the paper towel is saturated through with vinegar you can then wrap the affected area of the copper pipe with it. Allow the vinegar to do its job for at least an hour to let the vinegar work its way through the minerals. Remove the paper towels and rinse off the vinegar.

Step 3 – Paste Application

Cream of tartar, when mixed with white vinegar, will create a chemical reaction that can eat through tough mineral deposits. Place cream of tartar in a plastic bowl. Slowly drizzle white vinegar into the bowl. Just a few drops may do the trick. Mix the vinegar and the cream of tartar together. You are looking for it to turn into a stiff paste. If the mixture is too thin then add more cream of tartar. If the mixture is too thick to spread then thin out slightly with more white vinegar. Dip a dry paper towel into the paste and start scrubbing the area of the copper pipe where the mineral deposits are. Do not be afraid to apply a lot of pressure. The friction you generate will help remove the mineral deposits. Rinse the paste off the pipe. Repeat Step 2 and Step 3 but instead of using a paper towel to scrub the copper pipe you will use the stiff bristled brush.

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Anyone who has visited the Statue of Liberty in New York or has seen it in a picture knows that copper turns green when exposed to the elements. Copper oxidation is a common problem, but the green patina that forms on the surface of the metal is something that can be removed with simple ingredients.

Why Does Copper Turn Green?

Copper is a metal used in many household materials such as pipes, home hardware and doorknobs. It’s most commonly found in pennies but is also used in jewelry, cookware and other products that people use every day. Copper is a beautiful burnished-gold color when it is clean and well maintained, but like all metals, copper can become discolored when exposed to air and water.

The process of the change in color of copper when it is exposed to air is called “oxidation.” Oxidation typically turns copper black, which is evidenced by dirty-looking pennies that have been passed around for a long time. When copper is exposed to water, it turns a bluish-green color, like the Statue of Liberty or the roofs on old mansard buildings.

Despite the fact that it looks like something is wrong, the process of oxidation is a protective measure. The discoloration is actually a shell that forms over the copper’s surface in order to protect it from breaking down or being destroyed by the elements. While some people like the look of the bluish-green color that exposure to water brings, if you use copper in your home, you probably want to keep it clean.

How Do You Remove Oxidation From Copper?

Despite the dismay that many people feel when they see that their beautiful copper pipes or copper cookware have turned green or black, there is a comfort to be found. You can remove oxidation from copper, and it is a fairly simple process if you have the right tools. Even people who have never cleaned copper before will be able to remove oxidation from copper with little trouble.

The trick to keeping copper clean and bright is regular maintenance. If you clean copper once and then get it wet again, it will, of course, get oxidized again. The same is true of its exposure to air. The best defense against copper oxidation is to clean it regularly using the appropriate materials and ensure that you are doing your best to protect it from the elements between cleanings.

How to Clean Corrosion Off Copper With Salt, Vinegar and Flour

One of the most popular ways to clean corrosion off copper is also one of the cheapest. It requires household items like vinegar, salt and flour, which you most likely already have on hand. For signification corrosion on the copper, make a paste of equal parts vinegar, flour and salt. Rub it all over the affected area and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes.

Once the paste has sat for a while on the affected metal, wipe it clean with soapy water and dry it well. Salt has metal cleaning properties all on its own as well. If you have stubborn copper oxidation due to exposure to air and water, cover the surface of the copper with salt and begin to rub it vigorously with a soft rag. Keep rubbing until the bluish-green discoloration has disappeared.

How to Clean Corrosion Off Copper With Ketchup

It may surprise some people, but ketchup is actually an excellent copper polish. The acid in the tomatoes plus the vinegar and salt that are already included in the product can beautifully clean the stain off copper. Rub ketchup all over the affected area and leave it there for 20 minutes before buffing it clean with a soft, damp cloth.

Once you’ve finished cleaning the oxidation from the exterior of the copper object, rinse it with warm water. After rinsing, be sure that you promptly and completely dry the object with a soft cloth. By keeping it dry, you remove the risk of new blue-green oxidation building up again right after you cleaned it.

Other Household Cleaning Methods

Depending on the extent of the oxidation on your copper object, salt, vinegar, flour and ketchup alone may not be enough to get your copper shiny again. Once you’ve tried those methods, if it’s still not working, you can cut a lemon in half and cover the surface with salt. Rub the salted lemon half all over the copper oxidation, using it as a scrub brush. Scrub until the surface is shiny or until you’ve removed as much oxidation as seems possible.

If there is still oxidation after using the lemon and salt method, there are further steps you can take. Take the other half of the lemon and squeeze it into a jar or bowl. Add a few spoonfuls of cream of tartar and stir to make a paste. Apply the paste to the copper object, covering all affected areas. Leave the paste on the surface of the copper for at least one hour and up to two. Then, wipe the surface clean.

If nothing removes all traces of oxidation, and there is still either blackish or bluish-green tinting on your copper, you can try to boil it away. Place the copper object in a pot of water that you have brought to a boil. Boil the object until the very last of the tarnished bits have fallen away. You may need to scrub it with salt after taking it out of the pot, but the boiling water should remove the lion’s share of the remaining tarnish.

Other Copper Cleaners and Copper Polish

While there are commercial cleaners that cleanse metals like copper, brass, silver and gold, they are not necessary unless you find that you are having no luck with the natural methods. Generally, commercial cleaners are merely a harsher chemical version of these natural methods. However, if you are unable to clean the copper objects with the natural methods, then they are a good option.

It is a good idea to call a hardware store and ask what they recommend. If you describe the type of copper item you are trying to clean, they will often be able to recommend a product. If you are trying to remove oxidation from copper or brass jewelry, it may be a good idea to call a jeweler. Jewelry can be very delicate, and although oxidation protects the metal from corrosion, it may be difficult to get it out of delicate places without harming the integrity of the jewelry.

How to Care for Copper

It can be nearly impossible to prevent copper pipes, cookware and hardware from coming into contact with oxygen and water. In the case of pipes and cookware, contact with water is a key part of the object’s usage. However, while oxidation is a protective layer and not evidence of damage, most people do prefer to have their copper shiny and clean looking.

In order to care for copper properly, it’s important to understand it. Copper is a metal alloy and a soft metal at that. This means that scrubbing with Comet or another abrasive commercial cleaner that is too harsh can damage the copper’s surface, leaving scratches. This may not be a problem for cookware when you are more concerned with cleanliness than appearance, but it is good to keep in mind when cleaning jewelry.

Copper is also susceptible to bending and warping if too much pressure is applied. To protect copper from oxidation and further damage, it is a good idea to coat it with olive oil or linseed oil after cleaning it. This oil can help create a barrier that will ward off oxidation for a while and keep your copper looking shiny and new.

Things You’ll Need

Heat-approved safety glasses

Inspect the pipes closely for signs of leaking water. If the pipe has a leak, the section requires replacement. If you live in an area where the air contains salt, expect your copper pipes to turn green. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby when using a propane torch.

Warning

Work in a well-ventilated area when using acetone. Do not use a propane torch near solvents, gasoline or other flammables.

A green moldy looking substance may develop on your copper water pipes, especially at the joint. Typically, this green discoloration is a patina, which develops from plumbers not cleaning away excess soldering flux after joining pipes. Many homeowners mistake the green discoloration for mold. Green can also point to a leak in pipe. Some leaks make their presences known by dripping on the floor while other leaks are very tiny pinholes. Many times pipes will look wet, but that does not necessarily indicate a leak or green mold. Pipes sweat and condensation left on the pipe makes the green area appear wet and moldy. Finding mold on copper pipes is not typical because copper offers a hostile environment for molds. Choose the method best suited to your skills and abilities when attempting to remove the green discoloration.

Step 1

Wipe the pipe with a rag to dry the area and remove condensation.

Step 2

Rub an emery cloth over the discoloration to remove the green coloring and reveal shiny copper. An emery cloth is an abrasive cloth with a fine grit that is more flexible than sandpaper.

Step 3

Wet a rag with acetone. Wipe the green section to remove the patina from the copper pipes. Acetone counteracts the patina and restores the copper coloring. Wear eye protection, gloves and a respirator to avoid acetone contact with skin and membranes. Do not use acetone near open flames including pilot lights and lit cigarettes, as it is highly flammable. Clean off acetone residue with a wet soapy rag to avoid combustion. Dry the pipe thoroughly with a rag.

Step 4

Heat any persistent green sections with the flame from a propane torch. Wipe away melted green soldering flux with a clean rag. Exercise caution when using a propane torch because you can ruin a soldered joint if you apply heat for too long. Wear heat-approved safety glasses and leather gloves when working with a propane torch.

Sal Marco

Sal Marco began writing professionally in 2009. He has written many online home improvement articles based on his more than 20 years of experience in the home improvement and building industries. He has worked as both part of a team and as a site supervisor. Marco has a Bachelor of Science in management science from Kean University.

Clean Copper Pipes

Clean Oxidized Copper

Clean Copper Sinks

Clean Copper Coins in Seconds

Clean Copper Wire

Clean Copper Mugs

Clean Copper Jewelry

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Clean Burnt Copper

Clean a Copper Kettle

Clean Copper Utensils

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Exposure to water and even air can discolor copper or cause it to tarnish. Here are some tips for how to clean copper safely using ingredients commonly found in your kitchen.

Related To:

Photo by: Photographer:BULENT UMUT

Copper pans, sinks and accessories add beauty to your home. But like all metals, copper tarnishes over time and with use. Exposing copper to air turns it black, and exposing it to water turns the surface greenish-blue. You can get your copper items shiny again with our tips on how to clean copper, how to clean a copper sink and how to clean copper bottom pans.

There are commercial copper cleaners available, like Brasso and Barkeeper’s Friend, but you can make natural cleaners from ingredients in your kitchen that are safe, effective and more affordable.

Vinegar, Flour and Salt

The first natural cleaner to answer the question of how do you clean copper uses that standby, vinegar. Mix 1/4 salt, 1/4 cup flour and enough vinegar to make a thick paste. Use a soft cloth to rub the paste on the surface of the copper. Buff till it shines. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.

Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

You can make another natural cleaner by mixing lemon juice (or vinegar) and baking soda into a sudsy mixture. Apply to the copper and buff with a soft cloth. Rinse with water and dry. These mixtures work because the acid in the vinegar or lemon juice strips the oxidized patina from the copper and the salt acts as a mild abrasive to remove the grime. You can also use lime juice instead of lemon.

Ketchup

Grab a bottle of ketchup for the third natural cleaning idea. Yes, ketchup. This is how to clean copper with a condiment. The acid in the tomatoes cleans grime off copper. Rub a thin layer of ketchup on your copper item and buff till it shines. Rinse and dry.

Vinegar and Salt

Dissolve salt in vinegar. Use a soft cloth to apply the liquid solution to the item, then buff till the copper gleams. Rinse and dry. If dents in the copper are holding any grime, use a soft toothbrush to scrub the copper.

Boil It

If none of the cleaners we’ve suggested work, put one cup of vinegar, one tablespoon of salt and three or four cups into a large pot and bring to a boil. Put your item in the pot and boil it till the tarnish falls off the item. It may need more scrubbing when you pull it out of the pot, but you’ll need less elbow grease to get the shine back.

Once your copper is shiny again, keep it cleaner, longer, by wiping a thin layer of mineral or linseed oil on it. Knowing how to clean copper, how to clean a copper sink and how to clean copper bottom pans will make these items beautiful.

If ever there was a trend that demands attention then its the industrial one, with exposed copper pipes taking precedence as a must-have feature. But don’t be fooled, while copper pipework may look like it’s been there for years with it’s established rustic charm, in actual fact keeping those pipes squeaky clean does require a little TLC.

So for copper pipework that is worthy of it’s show home status, keep reading for 5 simple steps on how to keep the tarnish at bay.

What Happens When Metal Tarnishes?

While the appearance of slightly tarnished pipework may complement your decor beautifully, it’s worth noting that an ongoing build up of residue could do more harm than good if left untreated. When metal is exposed to oxygen and sulphur in the air, a chemical bond occurs that reacts with the metal. This reaction causes a dull film on the surface which quite commonly turns black (or green when it comes to copper) and is what we mean by tarnish. Unfortunately, even with all the care in the world, this is a common occurrence, which is why proper cleaning is essential to the life of the pipework and of course maintaining the industrial appeal. So let’s jump straight in with a step by step guide.

Step 1 – Grab a bowl of warm soapy water and gently clean away any loose particles of dirt with a soft cloth. Then dry thoroughly with a seperate clean cloth.

Step 2 – If you have a designated metal cleaner to hand then apply it accordingly, making sure to adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If however, you don’t have any shop bought cleaner, then dig deep in your kitchen cupboards as there’s a lot to be said for home made remedies, such as:

Step 3 – Lemon juice and baking soda. Combine the two into a soft paste and apply the mixture to the pipework, leaving for approximately 10 minutes for best results. This simple combination causes a chemical reaction that will break down any unsightly tarnish to reveal beautifully restored copper in all its glory. Alternatively, another kitchen favourite is to mix up a tablespoon of salt, with a cup of the magic solution that is white vinegar, then apply as above. Both of these trusted remedies offer an acidic solution to break through the unwanted residue.

Top tip – If you prefer a slightly thicker solution then just add a spoonful of flour to thicken the mixture.

Step 4 – Wipe over the pipes with warm soapy water to remove any leftover solution then dry with a fresh clean cloth.

Step 5 – For any areas where tarnish still remains, simply take a wire brush to any stubborn particles, taking care not to rub too hard so as not to scratch the copper. Then repeat with the white vinegar or lemon juice solution if necessary. Et voila, beautiful pipework for all to admire!

Descaling Copper Pipes

If you live in a hard water area then you may be susceptible to a build-up of mineral deposits such as magnesium, potassium and calcium, otherwise known as limescale. You’ll notice this as a white substance that forms around your taps, sinks, plugholes and toilets, however, this kind of build-up is not common within copper pipes. There are however chemical treatments you can use that will clear them in the short term but this is not something you would do on a regular basis as you want to avoid contaminating your drinking water with unnecessary toxins. Therefore other solutions include:

Installing a water softener to treat the issue.

Using an acidic solution such as vinegar. You could either pump vinegar through the system then flush with clean water (Note, this could leave a slight vinegary taste for a while, but is much less harmful than a chemical flush), or remove the pipes and place them in a container of vinegar overnight for best results.

Replacing existing pipework with plastic pipes as this would completely eliminate the issue, but of course, this would not be as aesthetically pleasing as copper piping if this was the main design feature.

Looking for copper parts? Then take a look at our online selection of copper pipes , copper push fittings and copper end feed fittings . Alternatively, if you require any further information, why not give us a call on 01543 675 211, where our expert team is always on hand for help and advice, whatever your plumbing query!

You may need to flush water pipes in your home for many different reasons. Maybe you have an older home and are concerned about the possibility of lead in your water. Maybe there was trouble with your city’s water supply and you have been told you must flush the water pipes before using the water. Or maybe your city’s water department has been flushing the water mains, so now your water is rusty. Regardless of the reason, you can complete the task with a few basic steps.

Flushing Cold Water Pipes

Step 1

Turn the cold water faucet for your kitchen sink on all the way and let the water run for one to two minutes to flush cold water through the pipes. This is particularly useful to those concerned about lead pipes in the home.

Step 2

Test the water to be sure it is very cold. This is one way to know the water you are now getting through the faucet has not been sitting in your home’s pipes.

Step 3

Use the water for cooking or drinking.

Step 4

Fill some containers with this safe water for use throughout the day so you do not have to continually flush the pipes.

Step 5

Repeat Steps 1 through 4 to flush cold water through your pipes every time water must be used for cooking or drinking when lead is a concern. This is only necessary if six hours or more have gone by since the water has been used.

Step 6

Turn on the other cold water faucets one by one, each for one to two minutes, to flush cold water through the remaining pipes. Make sure to flush the outside spigot, refrigerator if yours is connected to water and washing machine. This isn’t necessary for lead concerns, but it is useful for those situations when there has been water contamination in the area or for discoloration due to flushing local water mains.

Flushing Hot Water Pipes

Step 1

Turn on the hot water faucet at the kitchen sink to begin to flush hot water pipes.

Step 2

Run the water for 15 minutes for a 40-gallon tank or 30 minutes for an 80-gallon tank. This should ensure all hot water currently in the hot water tank has been flushed and it will allow for fresh water to be heated. This is useful when there is discolored water or after a period of contaminated water.

Step 3

Turn on all other hot water faucets in the home including the washing machine, dish washer, bathroom shower and bathroom sink to flush hot water through those as well. Let these run for a minute or two each to flush hot water lines completely.

Warning

Never cook with hot water, as hot water will often contain higher levels of lead in homes where this is a concern. Always follow local water pipe flushing guidelines in situations where the local water has been contaminated.

All you need are kitchen ingredients and some elbow grease.

Metal pieces made of brass, silver, and copper add warmth and elegance to any room. Over time, however, they’re bound to lose their luster, developing a layer of tarnish. Even in optimal conditions-a cool, dry setting out of direct sunlight-tarnish can’t be avoided. That’s because it’s caused by the reaction between a metal object and its environment. While tarnish itself isn’t harmful, it can be unsightly. Luckily, it’s easy to polish away. (Though a little patina is sometimes desirable, too.)

You’ll want to take extra care when it comes to copper. Cleaning it can be especially tricky – if you scrub it too hard, you can scratch the copper and remove the finish. In order to safely and properly clean and polish this metal, we’ve enlisted the help of Leslie Reichert, green cleaning coach and author of “The Joy of Green Cleaning,“ to compile tips using chemical-free products for effectively cleaning a wide array of copper products.

Before you get started, Reichert suggests checking to see if your copper has been sealed. If so, you will not want to clean it using the methods below. “The sealant could be an oil or a lacquer that was applied to prevent tarnishing. Cleaning the copper with a paste or even a lemon juice/salt mixture could completely remove the sealant.”

For items that aren’t coated in a sealant, these treatments for cleaning copper amaze everyone who tries them, restoring the natural vintage charm of even the most tarnished copper wares.

Gather Your Ingredients

Below is a comprehensive list of products you would want to have on hand to prevent tarnish, clean copper, and remove tarnish, according to Reinhart.

• Baking soda
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Vinegar
• Ketchup
• Baby oil
• Orange juice (as an alternative)
• Baking Soda for Deep Clean

Note: Baking soda works well for spots that need a little extra attention like the bottom of copper cookware. “The baking soda can be sprinkled on the area, followed by the use a sponge with warm water to gently go over the spot. Don’t be too aggressive–you don’t want to scratch the copper,” says Reichert.

Using Lemon Juice and Salt to Remove Tarnish

Lemon juice and salt are useful for removing tarnish from copper in three easy steps:

1. Squeeze the juice of the lemon in a bowl and then sprinkle the salt into the juice. Reichert does a 75:25 ratio, with three times as much lemon to salt.
2. Stir for a minute until the salt dissolves.
3. Dip a cloth into the solution and wipe the copper.

“It’s magic how it immediately removes the tarnish. I use this method instead of dipping the lemon in the salt to prevent the salt from scratching the copper,” notes Reichert. Additionally, she advises that if you don’t have lemon juice, you can use orange juice as it is also acidic.

The Quick Clean Method

“If you have a large copper item and you want to clean it quickly, you can boil three cups of water, add a cup of vinegar and one tablespoon or more of salt,” says Reichert. Next, you would stir until the salt is dissolved and then place the copper item in the water. “The tarnish will come right off.”

Reichert details the process to use if you want to use more of a rubbing action for cleaning copper. “You can use ketchup and spread it all around the copper. The acid in the tomatoes will remove the tarnish. After rubbing it all around the item, make sure to thoroughly rinse.”

Prevent Copper from Tarnishing

“You can prevent the tarnishing of copper by wiping a light coat of baby oil or mineral oil over it right after cleaning,” says Reichert. She adds that you have to be very careful that the copper is cleaned completely before applying the oil. “Copper starts to tarnish as soon as it’s cleaned. The oil will seal the copper from the air and slow down the tarnishing process.”

Avoid Removing the Finish of Copper

Reichert recommends using the process of the liquid lemon juice and the dissolved salt to avoid removing the finish or scratching the copper. “This simple process is totally liquid and will not damage the copper surface.”

How Often You Should Clean and Polish Copper

Because copper starts tarnishing as soon as it hits the air after rinsing, it is your discretion as to how often you would like to clean it. The baby oil trick will slow down the process so you won’t have to clean it as often.

Published: April 2, 2014 Modified: May 21, 2019 by Megan

Have you ever looked under your kitchen sink and all you see is a nasty green/blue pipe. Then you think I am pretty sure that should be copper. I was having that every time I would look under my sink. And I would always think that pipe needs to be replaced.

I was having a conversation with my dad about replacing some pipes in our house (adding our dishwasher. ). I told him about the copper pipes under my sink and another one I was really worried about. My dad then told me about cleaning copper pipes. What you can clean off that green stuff?

So, how do you clean a copper pipe? It’s really easy and can be cleaned with a household item. And that item is Ketchup, that’s right, Ketchup. When my dad told me, I had a really hard time believing it and tried it as soon as I got off the phone with him. The best part is that it really does work. All you have to do is take a steel sponge and add some ketchup to it then scrub the pipe.

You will see magic before your very eyes…

Now not all copper pipes just need some cleaning, take the other pipe I was worried about. This one just needs to be replaced. As a side note: this was one of the pipes the previous owners were going to frame in without fixing.

Anyone else have nasty pipes in their house? If they are copper, I really hope this helps you out!

Copper pipes corrode slowly over time. If pipes are not maintained, they can cause millions of dollars worth of damage. Epoxy is a cost effective long term solution to repair copper pipes and prevent corrosion.

Copper Pipe Repair

If you discover a leak in a copper pipe in your home or business, it’s wise to call a plumbing professional as soon as possible. Leaks can be the result of pinholes, puncture holes or burst pipes.

Regardless of the cause, a plumber knows how to repair copper pipe and can answer questions about cost, disruption, and prevention of future leaks.

Still, you should know the basics of how to fix copper pipe with a patch. Patching can stop a leak until a more permanent copper water line repair takes place.

How To Patch a Copper Water Pipe

Patching copper water pipe is like “first aid” for a pipe with a hole. It will stop the leak and allow you to keep the water flowing until the pipe can be repaired. Patching is a particularly effective temporary measure for repairing a pinhole leak in copper pipe.

Before patching, turn off the water supply to the leaky spot. Drain remaining water from the pipes by turning on all the faucets on floors above the leak until the water stops flowing.

Clean outside of the pipe near the leak. If there is any external build-up or rust, remove it with plain steel wool.

There are several copper restoration products that can be used to patch copper water pipe. These include:

• Pipe Patch Kit
• Water Pipe Tape
• Water Pipe Epoxy

Supplies are available at most hardware and home improvement stores. Be sure to only use products approved for patching drinking water pipes.

Product packaging usually offers instructions for how to patch a copper pipe. A well-applied patch over a hole in copper pipe can last up to a few weeks. The goal is to stop the leak until a plumber who is qualified to repair copper pipe arrives.

How to Clean Corroded Copper Pipes

The most common cause of copper pipe corrosion is excess oxygen suspended in water, usually caused by hot water. Suspended oxygen attaches to copper and causes oxidation. Oxidized copper has a bluish-green patina.

Corrosion inside copper pipe can also be caused by water that is too soft, too hard, or has high levels of chlorine. Over time, corrosion can lead to pinhole leaks.

The most common signs of corrosion are:

• Leaks
• Discolored water
• Water has a metallic odour
• Particles or sediment in water

If you suspect there is corrosion inside of your copper pipes, contact a qualified professional like the team at CuraFlo. We have extensive experience with cleaning copper pipe corrosion and can identify any areas that might need a permanent copper pipe fix.

Using video equipment, we inspect the inside of the pipe to assess the extent of corrosion. If cleaning is warranted, we would use specialized equipment to clean away the corrosion quickly. That might be all you need to restore your water quality. But if there is a leak or corrosion is so extensive that it weakens the metal, copper water pipe repair is necessary.

Our team knows how to repair copper water pipe by replacement or copper epoxy and can advise you on which is the best method for your situation.

External Corrosion

If you have exposed pipes (for example, in a basement ceiling), you can remove small spots of external corrosion yourself. Make a paste of equal parts white vinegar, baking soda, and salt and apply it to the corrosion. Ten minutes later, wipe away the paste. Most, if not all the corrosion will also be wiped away. This is a temporary solution. The corrosion will likely reappear and continue weakening the pipe. Eventually, you will need someone experienced in copper pipe corrosion repair to provide a permanent fix.

Written by: Sal Marco

Written on: July 14, 2020

A green mouldy looking substance may develop on your copper water pipes, especially at the joint. Typically, this green discolouration is a patina, which develops from plumbers not cleaning away excess soldering flux after joining pipes. Many homeowners mistake the green discolouration for mould.

Green can also point to a leak in pipe. Some leaks make their presences known by dripping on the floor while other leaks are very tiny pinholes. Many times pipes will look wet, but that does not necessarily indicate a leak or green mould. Pipes sweat and condensation left on the pipe makes the green area appear wet and mouldy. Finding mould on copper pipes is not typical because copper offers a hostile environment for moulds. Choose the method best suited to your skills and abilities when attempting to remove the green discolouration.

• A green mouldy looking substance may develop on your copper water pipes, especially at the joint.
• Typically, this green discolouration is a patina, which develops from plumbers not cleaning away excess soldering flux after joining pipes.

Wipe the pipe with a rag to dry the area and remove condensation.

Rub an emery cloth over the discolouration to remove the green colouring and reveal shiny copper. An emery cloth is an abrasive cloth with a fine grit that is more flexible than sandpaper.

Wet a rag with acetone. Wipe the green section to remove the patina from the copper pipes. Acetone counteracts the patina and restores the copper colouring. Wear eye protection, gloves and a respirator to avoid acetone contact with skin and membranes. Do not use acetone near open flames including pilot lights and lit cigarettes, as it is highly flammable. Clean off acetone residue with a wet soapy rag to avoid combustion. Dry the pipe thoroughly with a rag.

• Wipe the pipe with a rag to dry the area and remove condensation.

Heat any persistent green sections with the flame from a propane torch. Wipe away melted green soldering flux with a clean rag. Exercise caution when using a propane torch because you can ruin a soldered joint if you apply heat for too long. Wear heat-approved safety glasses and leather gloves when working with a propane torch.

More Articles

Clean pipes with citric acid →

Remove Copper Stains From a Bathtub →

Solder aluminum wire →

• “Working With Metal”; Time Life Editors; 1981
• “Grandpa’s 5001 Handyman Secrets”; Dr. Myles H. Bader; 2006

• Inspect the pipes closely for signs of leaking water. If the pipe has a leak, the section requires replacement.
• If you live in an area where the air contains salt, expect your copper pipes to turn green.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby when using a propane torch.

• Work in a well-ventilated area when using acetone.
• Do not use a propane torch near solvents, gasoline or other flammables.

Sal Marco began writing professionally in 2009. He has written many online home improvement articles based on his more than 20 years of experience in the home improvement and building industries. He has worked as both part of a team and as a site supervisor. Marco has a Bachelor of Science in management science from Kean University.

Copper is a versatile metal that we find in many forms from pipes to cookware to jewelry. Cleaning copper is an essential task, but the process has different natures depending on the item that is being cleaned. Some decorative copper has a lacquer finish that will keep it from tarnishing. To clean these items, simply wash with soapy water and dry thoroughly. Do not polish or scrub these items as it will remove the protective coating.

Lacquer-free copper offers a different scenario. After time, this copper tarnishes and turns dark and dull. This tarnishing occurs when the copper reacts with the air and a patina develops. The color of the patina will vary with the copper and what it is exposed to. Inside the house, copper will gradually get an antique penny brown color. But if the copper is exposed to water, the patina will gradually develop a bluish green look. The patina protects copper from corrosion, but many people prefer their copper to be shiny and brilliant. For lacquer-free items, try the following methods to help remove patina and maintain shine:

Cleaning Copper by Boiling

What You Will Need:

• Salt
• White vinegar
• Pot large enough for copper item
• Water
• Liquid dishsoap
• Soft cloths

The Copper Cleaning Process:

1. Fill pot with water.
2. Add 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup vinegar to the water.
3. Place the copper item in the cleaning solution.
4. Bring the water to boiling.
5. Allow the copper item to boil in the water for several hours.
6. When finished boiling, remove from heat and allow to cool.
7. Wash with liquid dishsoap, rinse, and dry with soft cloth.

Note: The salt and vinegar form an acid that cleans the copper during this boiling process. Please be advised, if there is zinc in the larger pan, this acid could cause a reaction with the zinc as well. It can change the chemical composition and allow the zinc to bond with the copper. This will cause the copper to appear silver with the zinc coating. It does not form a permanent bond, so it can be removed. This could also damage the larger pan when the zinc is removed, as the composition of the metal pan will be altered. If you observe your copper piece changing colors (turning silver), stop the boiling process. Clean the silver discoloration away by scrubbing with a soft brush.

Removing Tarnish from Copper

What You Will Need:

• Small bowl
• Cleaning solution (choose one)
  • Mild tarnish: vinegar, salt, and flour paste
  • Moderate/severe tarnish: 1 part lemon juice and 1 part salt
  • Tomato paste
• Rinse water
• Soft cloths

The Tarnish-Removal Process:

1. Wash the item with warm water and dry thoroughly.
2. Using the soft cloth, apply a small amount of the cleaning solution to the tarnished areas.
3. Work the cleaning solution onto the copper by rubbing briskly with the soft cloth.
4. Rinse away the cleaning solution well with clean water.
5. Dry the item thoroughly using a clean soft cloth.
6. Buff the copper to restore it’s original luster.

Additional Tips and Advice

• Polish copper surfaces with a soft cloth and beeswax to get a lasting copper shine.
• Do not use abrasive cleaner or steel wool to clean copper.
• High heat and moisture are enemies of copper and should be avoided.
• Copper pots can become tarnished because of strong acids and alkalis and, therefore, acidic foods like fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar should never be boiled in copper pots or copper-clad pots.
• Most pieces of decorative copper are given a factory-applied protective coating of lacquer. They will remain clean if we occasionally wash them with lukewarm, soapy water. Never polish them
• If the eating and cooking utensils made of copper have a lacquer coating it must be removed before using. To do this, place the item in boiling water with some washing soda. You can also remove lacquer if you rub it with a cloth wet with alcohol or acetone.
• Lacquered copper surfaces may require special care; follow all instructions from the manufacturer.
• To remove tarnish from copper pots. Rub with lemon halves dipped in salt.

Filed Under: Metals, Surfaces Tagged With: copper

Mineral deposits can occur when there is a high concentration of minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium in your water. This is known as hard water and can become a problem for your drains and pipes if not prevented or removed. These minerals are picked up by groundwater as it flows through the soil and rocks.

You will notice if you have hard water build up when there are whites stains on the surfaces of your appliances and household items such as your toilets, sinks, dishwasher and even your dishes. If left untreated or not removed, hard water build up can cause some serious issues to your plumbing, but also your health.

What Dissolves Calcium Build Up in Pipes?

Calcium buildup, also known as limescale, can be dissolved by using acids but it is a rarity for buildups to occur in copper pipes. Although it is possible, the levels of Calcium will need to be extremely high. If you see hard water build up occurring, you’ll need to install a water softener to treat the water. This will not only save your pipes, but also your washing machine, dishwasher and toilets.

Solutions like CLR drain cleaner can reduce the amount of hard water build up in your drains and pipes, but this is not a longer term solution. CLR Drain cleaners are also toxic and damaging when it comes in contact with skin so this is not a fully recommended solution. However, if you are just looking to clean the outside of your fixture like your shower head and faucets then CLR drain cleaner will work perfectly for that purpose.

Can You Remove Calcium Buildup in Pipes?

As far as removing the calcium from the inside of the copper pipes, there is nothing you can put into the pipes that you would want to drink later. No governmental agency will allow plumbers to treat the inside of copper pipes because of the hazards involved. CLR drain cleaners won’t permanently fix the issue either and these solutions also contain toxic chemicals you wouldn’t want in your drinking water.

You could use vinegar in the pipes, but it would take a lot of vinegar and you would have to leave it in the pipes at least 24 hours. You would have to remove all of the water in the pipes and replace it with vinegar. Vinegar dissolves calcium and minerals. Then you would have to flush your pipes. The vinegar taste may be in the pipes for some time afterwards, but it is completely harmless versus store bought CLR drain cleaners.

A better solution is to simply replace the pipes with PEX plastic pipes. Plastic is completely resistant to any mineral build-up and provides higher pressures and water flow rates than copper pipe. A Roto-Rooter plumber can evaluate your pipes and give you some options.

Plated jewelry continues to age with time. Some of you LOVE the look of the darkening that naturally happens, others of you, not so much.

How to Clean Copper!

After doing some research on how to clean copper, Cheryl took an afternoon and conducted 5 tests using household ingredients.

Here are the 5 tests that Cheryl conducted and the brief description of the results.

1. Lemon Juice & Salt!

Mix together 1 tbs lemon juice and 1 tbs salt. Rub on the components with your fingers or a cloth. Rinse with warm water and dry.
Results: This technique brightened the copper quite quickly and easily. Very little rubbing needed.

2. Vinegar & Salt!

Mix together 1 cup vinegar and 1 tbs salt. For best results, submerge the tarnished copper into the vinegar and salt solution for 5 minutes.
Results: Removed tarnish nicely.

3. Baking Soda & Salt!

Cover the inside of a bowl with aluminum foil. Pour 1 tbsp baking soda and 1 tbsp salt into the bowl. Fill half way with hot water. Mix contents and submerge the jewelry for 10 minutes. Rinse and dry.
Results: This technique removed a little of the tarnishing; however seems to be less effective than the other methods.

4. White Vinegar & Salt!

Mix together 1 cup white vinegar and 1 tbsp salt. Pour the mixture into a medium sized pan and submerge the copper findings. Bring the mixture to a boil. Boil for 60 seconds. Remove, rinse and dry.
Results: “I was blown away by the results. This brightened the copper quite well. I declare this as the winner”.

5. Ketchup & Water!

Lightly cover the piece with ketchup and let sit for a few minutes. Let the ketchup sit for a few minutes. Rub vigorously with a non-scratch pad or cloth. Wash with water and dry.
Results: This technique was also a surprise. I used a paper towel for the wiping and rubbing. The bracelet brightened up very well and with very little rubbing.

All of the tests worked to clean the copper and remove the darkening, but the copper soon returned to its tarnished state. Copper just naturally does that, dang it! In order to keep the copper plating bright, you will want to apply a coating to prevent the copper from tarnishing. Read on!

Prevent Copper from Tarnishing!

If you want the Nunn Design Findings to not darken as they age, there is a solution. The product to use is ProtectaClear*.

Step 1:
ProtectaClear recommends that you then wipe the finding with a solvent wipe right before applying the coating. Honestly, I’m not sure what a solvent wipe really is or what to recommend. What I did use was a Pro-Polish Polishing Pad to gently clean the metal.

Step 2:
I wasn’t doing a full production run, so I just coated the ProtectaClear on with a natural bristle brush. If doing a large amount of findings, the instructions recommend that you place the findings on a piece of foil. You can also use a sponge-brush to apply the coating on both sides of the findings. There is also a spraying method that you can do.

Step 3:
Let the finding fully cure. This can take 4-5 days.

*I want to provide full disclosure about this blog post. Nunn Design does not sell or gain any financial benefit for promoting this product. I have purchased it and tested it, but my recommendation comes from numerous long time customers that have used this product exclusively. ProtectaClear comes to me highly recommended and I’m passing on the knowledge that I know.

Do you have a suggestion on how to prevent plated metals from aging? Please leave a comment below.

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5 thoughts on “ How to Clean Copper and Prevent Copper from Tarnishing Again ”

Great testing Cheryl! I have found after cleaning copper pieces or before they tarnish to rub some Renaissance Wax on them. I have had success with this & it is going on a year plus that the pieces have stayed tarnish free!
Joan JA Designs

Thank you Joan! We will have to explore that option.

We use Nikolas Spray. It’s a clear lacquer, used by musicians for their instruments. You spray it on, and let it dry. Generally dries within a few minutes, full cure in 24 hours. You have to use it outside. It is non-toxic when dry. Also better to spray two (or three) thin coats rather than one thick coat.

Thank you Elizabeth! We will research that too!

I have a number of old copper pots and pans (antique) from France. They were cleaned and treated to keep their shine, professionally. Now,many years later, it’s much more difficult to clean them. What should I do?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Damon Koch

Copper pipes and fittings are used throughout the plumbing systems that exist in many homes and commercial buildings. Copper is durable and does not rust like steel or iron and can handle high heat unlike plastic plumbing. Copper pipes are usually connected together using a variety of fittings, including elbows, T’s and couplings. You can remove copper fittings and reuse them by following a straightforward procedure that requires a moderate amount of time and effort.

Things You’ll Need

Two pair of slip-joint pliers

Heavy work gloves

Step 1

Turn off the water supply and drain the pipes by opening a faucet on the lowest and highest level of the home.

Step 2

Fill a bucket with cool water and place it in the work area. The bucket will serve to cool the fitting once it is removed and be a source of water to extinguish any material that may accidentally ignite. Add a rag to the bucket. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes and heavy work gloves to protect your hands. Ignite a propane torch and adjust the flame until the tip is a bluish color.

Step 3

Hold the propane torch on the fitting for 45 seconds to a minute. Hold the torch directly on one of the solder joints until the solder begins to melt. Turn off the torch.

Step 4

Use one pair of slip-joint pliers to hold the fitting steady and another pair to detach the pipe from the fitting. You may have to twist and pull a bit, but the two pieces should eventually disengage from each other. Heat the joint again with the propane torch if you have trouble removing the parts. Repeat the procedure for other solder joints on the fitting. Place the fitting in a bucket of cool water once it is completely detached.

Step 5

Clean the fitting thoroughly using a wire brush to remove larger chunks of solder and use emery paper to remove dirt and grease. Sand the pipe where the fitting is being reused with emery paper to prepare it.

Step 6

Install the fitting onto the new pipe and heat the joint with a propane torch for 45 seconds to a minute. Touch the tip of the silver solder to the joint and let it melt around the circumference of the joint. Spread the solder completely around the entire joint using the tip of the solder. Throw a damp rag over the soldered joint to cool it quickly. Repeat the procedure for other joints on the fitting.

Step 7

Restore the water supply and check the fitting for leaks. If there are drips, take note of where it is dripping and turn off the water, drain the system and re-solder the fitting.

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Hello, Please advise:

I have a copper pipe house system that has become corroded with a black rubbery substance that we believe is from our old pressure tank system and its’ deteriorated bladders.

We have just replaced the pressure system. Is there a way to actually clean this black rubbery residue from the inside of our copper pipes without dismantling the entire system?

Also – If we were unable to clean them out, would this cause our water to be toxic?

there might be a company who can flush the pipes. i have never heard of one but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. i would get a sample of the offending black stuff and experiment to see what is needed to disolve it.
if you need arsenic to disolve the black stuff then there is a danger of toxic residue. if you use a bleach solution, you will be safe.

The Ace DuraFlow technology sandblasts the inside of pipes, including small copper pipes. Check to see if they have someone in your area set up to do it.

There isn’t a well water system around here for miles but I would think that the deteriorated bladder in the old tank, (if that’s what is causing your problem) wouldn’t stick to the inside of the copper piping.

Have a water quality professional check it out for you. A water analysis will determine what the black stuff is and which approach to take.

“The society which scorns excellence in Plumbing as a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an
exalted activity will have neither good Plumbing nor good philosophy: neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water.” –
John William Gardner 10/8/1912 – 2/16/2002

Repair your leaking Plumbing fixtures ASAP [
This slow drip will waste 7+ gallons of water per day.

Thank you all for your reponses!

We will be testing our water and the residue itself to determine just what it is.

The black greasy residue does dissolve with ordinary household cleaner that does not contain acid, amonia, or bleach – similar to a simple green product.

We were wondering if we could simply introduce this type of cleaner into the system, let it sit pressurized for a bit and then flush it through. Any opinions on the worthiness of this effort.

Also, does anyone know if a naturally occuring mineral in our well water could cause such a residue to build up in copper pipes?

I doubt any naturally occuring chemical or mineral would disolve a pressure tank bladder. Analysis of the water will actually more than likely turn up contaminants such as:

arsenic, barium, benzene, cadmium, carbon tetrachloride, chlordane, chromium, cyanide, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, 1,2-dichloroethane, dichloromethane, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 1,2-dichloropropane, 1,1-dichloroethylene, dieldrin, endrin, ethylene dibromide, isopropanol, lead, lindane 0.2, manganese, mercury, methoxychlor, methyl tertiary butyl ether, nitrite nitrogen, polychlorinated biphenyls, selenium, Silvex, T-butyl alcohol (TBA) and other oxygenates, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, petroleum hydrocarbons, toxaphene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, 1,2,3-trichloropropane, vinyl chloride.

I would really be concerned with the thought of having chemicals in my water that disolve rubber! I would also wonder if this water was even close to being safe to drink. As stated in your previous thread, GET YOUR WATER TESTED!

Sandblasting will probably not work well as rubber (if that is what is in your pipes) is used to mask areas to keep them from getting sandblasted.

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Smells like resin residue from the softener.
A professional will have to disconnect the pipes from the main water supply and then mechanically sand/material blast them to remove the resin from inside your piping. The piping will then have to be chemically washed and rinsed, air dried and inspected before they are reconnected to the potable water source.
You may have to camp at the local resort hotel while this is being done. And. its not cheap.

But it can be done.

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About 6 month ago I had the iron pipes replaced with copper. Then I started getting greasy bits and pieces coming out from the hot water mainly. There is a film on top of the water too. The plumbers must have dipped the pipes into flux and not used the brush? – Now how can I get it out?

6 Answers

They were kinda sloppy. generally you only brush on a thin layer of flux, and it tends to get displaced by the solder when the pipe is sweated together. Not very much goes into the pipe.

The flux is water-soluble and although it tastes kinda nasty it’s not toxic. It will rinse out over time. Run the taps for a while – perhaps a half hour – and the bulk of it should come out on its own.

You don’t. After 6 months there is nothing to speak of – heck after 1 day of use there ain’t nothing. For one thing, they do not dip the entire pipe in flux. The end of the pipe maybe, but then they soldered that point so flux is either burned up, drips down to the ground or displaced by the solder. And how thin is your skin? go thinner for the flux on the pipe. which would be washed away as the water flows by. Or if the repair was made before the hotwater tank, the water may be cold enough to keep the flux in a solid state forever and ever(and we are talking about the amount of what you cut off when you notice your fingernails are too long.

In other words, I would look to the water suppliers to see what is up with water tubidity? Maybe they are flushing the lines(they do that every year to make sure fire hydrants have fresh water under them. This does stir up things in the pipes. Talk to city hall first.

How To Clean Copper Tubing

I would take a torch and heat the water in the pipe just enough to get the water good and hot and then run the water out, I don’t think you will break the solder seal as long as it has water in the pipe, be careful and don’t get crazy, do this a few time and it should get it, This is for the cold side only .

Related Articles

When installing copper water supply pipes, each pipe is cut to length. Whatever process is used, small burrs or metal fragments may be left on the rim of the pipe cut, which must be removed to ensure proper soldering. A deburring tool or a handheld rotary tool with the proper accessory quickly removes these objects prior to cleaning the pipe surface. Though the pipe may be cleaned with emery cloth, a special copper cleaning brush can also be implemented.

Copper Pipe Burrs Must Be Removed

An efficient tool to use when cutting copper pipes to length is a tubing cutter, which, if used correctly, ensures a straight perpendicular cut to the pipe. Alternatively, a hacksaw can be used, though the straightness of the cut depends on the user’s cutting ability. In a confined space, a rotary tool with a right-angle cutting guide and a cutting wheel accessory is preferable to a tubing cutter. All tools may leave burrs that must be removed. This is carried out with either of two types of standard deburring tool. The first type of tool consists of a metal or plastic handle with a small bent metal blade attached at one end. Insert the blade into the copper pipe end and scrape around the rim by hand. To remove roughness from the face of the cut rim, use a handheld rotary tool fitted with a grinding wheel accessory.

Cylindrical Deburring Tool

The second type of copper deburring tool is cylindrical in shape; it has two inner cone-shaped blades, one facing each end of the tool. Simply push either of the tool’s cone-shaped blades into the end of the cut copper pipe and twist the tool around by hand to remove the burrs. Alternatively, insert a grinding stone accessory on a handheld rotary tool into the pipe and let the power tool do the work of removing the interior burrs.

Copper Cleaning Brush

Prior to the application of soldering paste, the outer pipe ends and inner walls of the copper coupling need to be free of all dirt and debris to help ensure a properly soldered, watertight joint. The copper cleaning brush tool has a circular brush on each end sized to fit in 1/2- and 3/4-inch copper couplings. The body of the tool has both a 1/2- and 3/4-inch hole whose walls are lined with wire to fit the copper pipe ends.

Using the Copper Cleaning Tool

Push the copper pipe end into the appropriately sized hole in the body of the cleaning tool and rotate the tool several times around the pipe until the copper pipe end’s surface becomes shiny. Push the circular wire brush on the end of the tool’s body into the correct size copper coupling and rotate the brush in the coupling several times. Alternatively, use an abrasive brush accessory on a handheld rotary tool to clean the copper pipe.

Pipes for plumbing, especially copper pipe, is prone to an accumulation of mineral deposits. If you live in an area that has water heavily treated with chemicals you will notice more mineral deposits. Hard water carries heavy amounts of calcium and magnesium. When these minerals are left to crystallize they form a whitish, powdery substance. There are other minerals that can also leave deposits on copper pipe. Manganese will leave a brownish black stain behind; high iron content will leave a white or ruddy slime, whereas copper and brass will both deposit a residue that is bluish green. The article that follows will show you how to remove mineral deposits from copper pipe.

Step 1 – Act Early

The first thing to note is to not leave mineral deposits sit on copper pipe too long. If you see that they are forming you should clean it as soon as possible. When mineral deposits are left on copper pipe too long they can actually etch the metal. When this happens you cannot clean off the deposits and you have to replace the copper pipe. Keep in mind though that you should not get rid of the copper pipe or fixture before attempting to clean the mineral deposits.

Step 2 – Paper Towel Wrap

Vinegar is a very strong solvent. It can remove stains as well as breakdown chemical deposits. Take several sheet of paper towel and stack them together. Soak the towels in white vinegar and remove the excess vinegar. You do not want to have the paper towel soaking wet so it slides off the copper pipe. When you are satisfied that the paper towel is saturated through with vinegar you can then wrap the affected area of the copper pipe with it. Allow the vinegar to do its job for at least an hour to let the vinegar work its way through the minerals. Remove the paper towels and rinse off the vinegar.

Step 3 – Paste Application

Cream of tartar, when mixed with white vinegar, will create a chemical reaction that can eat through tough mineral deposits. Place cream of tartar in a plastic bowl. Slowly drizzle white vinegar into the bowl. Just a few drops may do the trick. Mix the vinegar and the cream of tartar together. You are looking for it to turn into a stiff paste. If the mixture is too thin then add more cream of tartar. If the mixture is too thick to spread then thin out slightly with more white vinegar. Dip a dry paper towel into the paste and start scrubbing the area of the copper pipe where the mineral deposits are. Do not be afraid to apply a lot of pressure. The friction you generate will help remove the mineral deposits. Rinse the paste off the pipe. Repeat steps two and three, but instead of using a paper towel to scrub the copper pipe you will use the stiff bristled brush.

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Copper may be tough, but it’s also temperamental and changeable. The greenish verdigris patina that looks so distinguished on a copper roof or statue may not seem as attractive on the copper bottom of a pot. Or that same pot that is impervious to water may react with the oxygen in the air and turn a dark-brown hue that leaves the familiar copper shine only a memory.

A pot made out of copper.

To clean copper, however, it isn’t necessary to go as far as the hardware store. Most of the supplies to do the job can be found in your pantry, and what sound like folk remedies often turn out to be quite effective. Ketchup, lemon, vinegar, and salt? All come highly recommended as agents to clean copper, when used in the right way.

The three culprits that cause copper tarnishing are cupric sulfide, copper sulfate and copper chloride. All are susceptible to the action of acid influences, especially mild household acids. To clean copper, think vinegar, or lemon juice.

Immersing copper utensils in mix of baking soda and boiling water can help remove lacquer from the surface of the copper.

Of course, because this metal has so many practical applications, there are a multitude of ways to clean copper on a large scale. On the industrial level, it is one of the metals that lends itself to ultrasound cleaning devices. There are also a number of strong commercial cleaners that copper can tolerate.

A clean copper penny.

Closer to home, it’s important to remember that copper or brass utensils are often coated with a clear lacquer. If the item is intended for decorative use only, that is a plus, because the lacquer is designed to resist tarnishing. If the item is to be used for cooking, or will come into contact with hot water, however, the lacquer should be removed. That can be accomplished by immersing the item in a solution of boiling water and baking soda.

To clean copper once the lacquer is removed, the application of a paste consisting of flour, salt and lemon juice or vinegar can be quite effective. Even ketchup, when smeared on a copper utensil, will remove tarnish, thanks to the vinegar in its makeup. Rochelle salt (potassium sodium tartrate) is another possibility when combined with caustic soda, while white vinegar and salt is a means of restoring the shine to copper pennies dulled over time.

Lemon juice can be used to clean copper.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Trish Popovitch

High iron concentrations in your water pipes can lead to stains on clothing and a metallic taste to drinking water. Iron is classified as a harmless contaminant by the government as iron is necessary for human health as well as one of the earth’s most abundant minerals. More common in private wells than public supplies, iron and iron derivatives in water pipes can be removed using several different methods.

Things You’ll Need

Step 1

Test the water to determine iron as well as other mineral levels. Your local municipality may offer testing. Water testing kits are also available online. A complete test would include checking iron levels, the amount of iron bacteria as well as the pH level of the water.

Step 2

Determine the type of iron problem you have before choosing a treatment method. Not all methods work for all the iron problems in tap water. The iron may be soluble or insoluble. Soluble iron shows up in clear tap water that is left to stand for a few minutes and is the type that causes staining. Insoluble iron is immediately apparent by the rust color of the drinking water and comes in three forms: red water, bacterial and organic.

Step 3

Choose aeration as the first step in turning soluble iron into insoluble iron deposits. By adding oxygen to water containing soluble iron, the mineral particles harden and are then filtered out of the system using an aeration system. Aeration works most effectively in warm and hot climates. Aeration systems require regular cleaning to work correctly.

Step 4

Consider chlorine for high levels of soluble or insoluble red water and bacterial iron. This is an intense chemical bleaching of the water to eradicate the iron. The chlorine is dispersed using a small pump system with a carbon filter attached. Adequate water pressure is necessary to maintain the system.

Step 5

Use an oxidation system for all types of iron in low measures. For an iron content less than 15 mg per liter, an oxidizing system that utilizes a bed of manganese green sand works well as it absorbs the iron particle, removing it from the tap water. Adequate pressure and periodic back washing of the system is recommended.

Step 6

Pick a water softener to remove iron particles through an iron exchange system. This system works for insoluble and organic iron particles and utilizes ionization, collecting iron particles and replacing them with sodium. This system is not recommended for people on a low salt or sodium restricted diet as it adds a lot of sodium chloride to the drinking water.

If iron particles (red rust-like particles) have recently developed in your water system, it is a good idea to contact the local municipality to check that the iron is coming from your own residential pipes rather than from the public water system.

Warning

Adding chemicals to your water supply incorrectly can be hazardous to your health. Always research thoroughly and hire a professional when necessary

If you have an older plumbing system, then you may end up having to fix copper pipe parts when they become clogged. You may be tempted to call in a plumber to get the problem fixed, but this is something which you can do yourself. Before you start working on the pipe, you will need to work out how it has become clogged, and then take action. There are a few reasons why the pipe may have become clogged, and you may end up having to remove a soldered fitting. Once the pipe has been unclogged, you can then add a new fitting. None of this is very complicated, and if you have some basic tools, you should be able to complete it easily.

Step 1 – Check the Problem

One of the biggest reasons why you have a problem with your copper water pipe is cold weather. Cold can freeze the water inside the metal pipes, and this will clog up any liquids. This can be uncomfortable if the copper pipe is an old waste pipe, and difficult if it is the main water supply pipe for your home. The best solution is to warm the pipe up enough to get the water flowing. Later, when it is less cold, it is a good idea to lag, or insulate, the pipe, in order to prevent this from happening again.

Step 2 – Drain Snakes

If the problem is a definite solid in the pipe, then you should consider renting a pipe cleaning machine. Drain snakes can remove the trouble from inside the pipe. Many professional companies use small jets of water which are fired into the water system. This can be an effective way of getting rid of the problem, although you will have to pay for it to be done.

Step 3 – Remove the Fitting

On the other hand, you could try doing this yourself. The intention of this step is to get access to the blockage in the pipe. Go to the nearest fitting to the blockage, and take it off. Most fittings are soldered on, so you will need to use a blow torch to heat up the solder, and get rid of it. Then, place a pair of locking pliers around the fitting, and put your wrench onto the pipe which is blocked. Turn the pliers and the wrench in opposite directions until the pipe is released.

Step 4 – Remove the Blockage and Refit the Pipe

In order to fix copper pipe blockages, you now need to scrape it out of the pipe. Use a plastic drain cleaning tool and take out the obstruction. You may need to do this several times, until the pipe is clear. Put the new fitting onto the pipe, and then re-seal it using the blow torch, and some solder. Make sure that the pipe is properly sealed before leaving it.

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Copper pipes are often used for carrying potable water to sinks, showers, sprinklers, washers and more. That’s because copper is durable and resists corrosion. But sometimes it becomes necessary to remove these pipes from individual fixtures due to leaks or remodeling plans. It’s possible to remove copper pipes from fixtures in two ways: through sweating loose soldered connections or by physically cutting out sections of pipe. Either approach is appropriate and will quickly remove unwanted pipes.

Sweating Pipes

Locate the main water shut-off valve and turn it clockwise to stop the flow of water to the house while you work.

Open the fixture’s valves to release the remaining pressurized water.

Identify the section of pipe that you want to remove and find the nearest soldered joints on each side of the desired section.

Have a helper grip the pipe firmly at one of the joints with channel-lock pliers.

Ignite a plumber’s torch and move the flame evenly across each joint until the solder begins to loosen. At the same time, have your helper move the wrench back and forth as the solder loosens until the pipe pulls free from the joints.

Cutting Pipes

Locate the main water shut-off valve and turn it clockwise to stop the flow of water to the house while you work.

Open the fixture’s valves to release the remaining pressurized water.

Identify the section of pipe that you want to remove. Make two marks on the pipe where you want to cut it out, using a felt-tipped marker.

Place a pipe cutter on one of the marks and turn it clockwise, tightening the cutting blade each rotation. Continue rotating the tool until the tool cuts cleanly through the pipe. Repeat the cut on the second mark until the pipe cuts loose.

Many people are looking for ways to clean copper since it is used in many personal and household items and house construction materials. For example, copper is a popular metal used for piping, making jewelry, containers, and other materials. Its use dates back thousands of years. Sometimes, copper oxidizes and forms a blue-green discoloration that builds up on sinks, bowls, or on the copper piping or material itself. These stains are pretty visible and can be unsightly because of the bluish green color of oxidization. Here are a few ways to clean up these stains.

Step 1 – Use the Vinegar/Flour/Salt Method

What you use to clean copper will depend on the materials you have readily available at home. One effective method is to use a paste that consists of vinegar, salt, and flour. Mix an equal proportion of all three ingredients in a bowl or container and apply it on the copper buildup. Allow it to sit on the stain for about 15 to 30 minutes, and then wash the paste away with water mixed with soap.

Step 2 – Rub the Copper Buildup with Salt

Place a liberal amount of salt on the stain and rub it with a clean tack cloth or rag. Keep rubbing until the bluish green oxidized copper residue is removed totally from the metal. Salt has metal stain cleaning properties that can easily rub off any blemish on a metal including copper.

Step 3 – Use the Ketchup Method

If ketchup is readily available, apply some to a sponge and use it to rub away the copper residue. If it is a bit difficult to remove, allow the ketchup to sit on the stain for a little while before rubbing it off. Clean the ketchup with water and soap.

Step 4 – Try the Lemon/Salt Method

Lemon has stain-removing properties that can be used to remove copper stains as well. Cut the lemon into two halves and add a sprinkle of salt. Use it to rub away the stain of residue on the affected surface until it disappears. Clean the area by wiping it with a clean rag or cloth.

Step 5 – Use Lemon and Cream of Tartar Paste

For hard-to-remove copper buildup, a paste out of lemon juice and cream of tartar will do the trick. Place some cream of tartar into a bowl or container and squeeze the lemon juice in after. Mix the components to create a paste. Apply the paste on the stain and leave it there to sit for about an hour or two before you wash it away with water and soap. If there is still copper on the surface, rub it with salt.

Tip: Since copper is a soft metal, do not use a strong abrasive because it may damage the metal. Do not rub too firmly either because it may bend the metal.

Pumps and Pipework affected by calcium and limescale can be chemically treated to remove deposits even if completely blocked, by using a combination of Triple7 Heavy Duty and Triple7 Enviroscale.

Both products are worksafe, non-toxic and do not contain harsh acids which can damage equipment or place workers at risk. Selecting a low corrosion de-scaling agent is particularly important when dealing with expensive pumps that often contain sensitive components.

The Triple7 chemicals used in this guide can also be disposed of safely into waste water systems without further treatment.

Step By Step Guide: Removing Limescale from Pumps & Pipes

Safety Precautions

Triple7 Enviroscale is a low corrosion, non-toxic formula. In rare cases, however, it can cause mild irritation, particularly if prolonged contact with the product occurs. Gloves and protective glasses are recommended.

Triple7 Heavy Duty does not require eye or skin protection.

Step 1: Disconnect Equipment

Disconnect equipment to be de-scaled. Ensure that valves and other apertures are left open to allow chemicals to enter. It is usually not necessary to disassemble pumps.

Step 2: Pre-Soak (Optional)

Where significant blockages exist soak pumps and pipes in a hot solution of 10% Triple7 Heavy Duty for 8 to 10 hours. This will ensure the de-scaling agent is able to circulate through all parts of the equipment.

The used solution is safe to dispose of without environmental or safety precautions.

Step 3: De-Scale Soak & Monitor

Circulate or soak pumps and pipes in a 10% solution of Triple7 Enviroscale for 8 to 16 hours to remove calcium and scale. Agitation significantly increases the scale removal rate and, where possible, submersible pumps should be run in a bath of the descaling solution.

Monitor pH levels. pH can be monitored easily with test strips. Add more Triple7 Enviroscale to solution if pH rises above 3.

If foam is an issue, Triple7 Antifoam can be added at 1ml per litre of Triple7 Enviroscale.

Step 4: Flush & Dispose

Dispose of used solution through normal sewer or waste water system. Flush equipment with fresh water until pH level rises above 6.

Step 5: Re-Install Pumps and Install Pipework

Re-install all equipment and test for full operation. Scale, which has been dislodged during the de-scaling process may be captured in filtration systems and these should be monitored initially. If decreased flow is observed check and clean filters.

I was pleased to discover that tomato ketchup can be used to clean copper. I don’t like using those relatively expensive, stinky, finger-burny cleaners. I usually rub copper with lemon halves dipped in salt to remove tarnish, but it’s sticky and time-consuming (aka I am lazy).

Fortunately, due to aforementioned laziness, there is only one copper item in the Thrifty Household that requires regular cleaning. It’s a copper saucepan, steel-lined and with a very thick bottom. I love it and we have used it daily for about 10 years, but every now and then I look at it and recoil at all the tarnish. Dreamy to cook with; a nightmare to keep shiny and nice.

So for this tomato ketchup experiment I dug out the pan’s seldom-used lid from the back of the cupboard. Here’s the before shot. I reasoned that if tomato ketchup can clean this horror, it can clean anything:

HOW TO CLEAN COPPER WITH TOMATO KETCHUP:

1. Decant your tomato ketchup into a small pot.

2. Apply a liberal coating of tomato ketchup to copper.

3. Leave for 10-20 minutes.

4. Wipe clean and rinse in warm water.

How easy is that? I applied the tomato ketchup to the copper saucepan lid with a silicone pastry brush (top picture), but any brush or balled-up cloth will do.

I also found that I needed far less tomato ketchup than I had thought. I slathered the saucepan lid with the same-sized blob of ketchup that you’d serve with a portion of chips. If you’ll excuse the pun, this makes the ketchup-cleaning method as cheap as chips: I used value ketchup from Morrisons, which costs around 19p a bottle. Far, far cheaper than a chemical cleaner – and even cheaper than lemons.

Here’s the result, after 20 minutes:

Not bad, eh? It isn’t an even finish – if you look closely, you can see the brushstrokes – but it’s clean. Another slathering of ketchup, a little thicker this time, should do the trick.

How to Electroplate Copper on Aluminum

Things You’ll Need

• Flux
• Wire solder
• Wire snips
• Electric solder gun
• Aerosol flux remover
• Liquid flux remover
• Tray
• Boar’s hair brush

Soldering metal requires flux, solder, heat and of course metal. The flux acts as an agent to clean oxidation from the surface of the metal so that the melted solder can flow. Afterward, flux residue can be removed from the solder joint with commercial flux removers. There are all-purpose, heavy duty, no-clean, rosin and water-soluble flux removers. Most come in aerosol cans and are sprayed after the solder and the metal have cooled, while some are liquid. In most cases, flux removal takes two steps–applying the remover and rinsing it off.

Wait until the solder joint has cooled and spray on flux remover or submerge the soldered piece in a tray of liquid flux remover.

If using spray-on flux remover, rinse it off before it completely evaporates. If using liquid flux remover, agitate the piece in the solution and use a boar’s hair brush to brush over the flux if some is sticking to the soldered joint. For heavy deposits of flux, use a steel bristle or brass bristle brush.

If you see a white residue on the solder joint after cleaning, that means the flux hasn’t been completely removed. Reapply flux remover and repeat the process.

Some companies produce flux remover wash in an aerosol can. Just spray it on after applying flux remover and it will clean away the flux remover and residue. It will evaporate and dry on its own.

Warnings

When working with solder, wear protective glasses and have good ventilation. Because solder contains lead, always wash your hands after handling it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kay Wagers

When you have sulfur water in your home, you know it right away – the smell is unmistakable. If you have copper pipes in your house, you have even more incentive to solve the problem, because you need to avoid letting the sulfur water damage them.

Sulfur Water

Sulfur water is created when your water supply has an elevated number of sulfur bacteria in it. These naturally occurring bacteria occur most often in rural areas, where they feed on rotting vegetation. They produce hydrogen sulfide gas as a waste product. The gas dissolves in water, giving it the characteristic odor of rotten eggs. If the sulfur smell comes only from hot water, then the bacteria are just inside your hot water heater tank rather than in your entire water supply.

Copper Pipes

Sulfur water doesn’t present any health dangers to you and your family. It smells terrible, so you won’t want to drink it or use it for washing, but it won’t hurt you. The same is not true for any copper pipes in your home’s plumbing system. Sulfur water discolors copper pipes. Over time, it can also cause corrosion. Sulfur water rarely does more damage than surface discoloration before the water is treated.

Solutions

Getting rid of the sulfur water protects your copper pipes from damage. If the sulfur bacteria are in your entire water supply, you’ll need to install a chlorine filter. Chlorine precipitates sulfur out of your water system, keeping it away from copper pipes. For sulfur bacteria in your hot water only, raise the temperature on your hot water heater to over 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave it there for five to six hours. The superheated water kills the bacteria. Lower the temperature back down to normal levels, and drain the contaminated water from the tank.

Considerations

If you install a chlorination system on your water supply, monitor the filter and clean or change it regularly to keep sulfur levels low. If you kill sulfur bacteria in your hot water heater, stay alert for their return. Once they appear in a unit, they often become a recurring problem. As long as you increase the unit’s temperature and kill them as soon as they appear, they won’t produce enough sulfur water to damage your copper pipes.

Expert DIY advice on how to cut, join, and solder copper plumbing pipes

Copper is the standard for water supply piping and tubing in most locales. Though cutting and joining solid copper pipes and tubes may look like tasks beyond your DIY skills, you may be surprised at how doable these jobs are, especially with a little practice.

Sweating copper pipes and fittings (permanently soldering them) requires a propane torch and pipe solder that doesn’t contain lead.

The first step in creating a plumbing assemblage of copper pipes and fittings is to measure the lengths of pipe required. When measuring, be sure to allow enough length to slide fully into the elbows, connectors, tees, and other fittings.

Plan to work in sections, measuring and cutting the necessary pieces of pipe, and dry-fitting them together to make sure they fit.

When measuring proper lengths for copper pipe, be sure to allow for the part that goes into the fitting. Dry-fit the pieces before soldering them.

1 Start by cutting pipes to length
By far the easiest way to cut copper pipe is to use a tubing cutter designed for the job. Several types are made—but all involve clamping the cutter onto the pipe and gradually turning a knob so that the tool’s cutting wheel digs into the copper as you rotate the cutter around the pipe. Tighten the cutter after each revolution, until the pipe comes apart.

Use a pipe cutter to make clean cuts. Gradually tighten the knob as you turn the cutter around the copper pipe.

After you’ve cut the pipe, remove any burrs with a round file or a retractable reamer mounted on the tubing cutter. Use fine sandpaper, emery cloth, or steel wool to smooth and slightly roughen about an inch at the end of the pipe until it’s shiny.

Also slightly clean and scour the inside of the fitting from the end down to the shoulder, using the emery cloth or steel wool. A wire pipe brush makes this cleaning easier—we recommend one of these if you’ll be doing a lot of connections.

2 Apply soldering flux

Apply flux around the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe.

Using a small, stiff brush, apply soldering flux around the inside of the fitting and around the outside of the pipe end where they will join. Wear gloves to avoid getting the flux on your hands—it can cause irritation.

Place the fitting onto the end of the pipe, and turn the two parts back and forth to spread the flux evenly. Then position the fitting correctly. Continue with other connections until you’ve completed a section and are ready to solder.

3 Fire-up the soldering torch

Light the soldering torch.

Turn on the gas torch’s control valve, and then light the nozzle end with a match or a striker tool. Be careful! If it doesn’t light immediately, turn it off and let the air clear before trying it again. Don’t point the flame at anything flammable! If necessary, shield surrounding flammable objects (such as wall studs) with a flame guard. Adjust the flame so it’s steady and strong.

4 Apply heat to the fitting, first heating the bottom of the fitting. Heat all of the way around the pipe. The joint is hot enough when solder will melt on contact with it. Test the temperature by touching the lead-free solder wire to the joint occasionally as you’re heating the fitting. The instant the wire melts, the joint is ready for soldering.

Heat the fitting with a propane torch. Test it by touching the joint between pipe and fitting with lead-free solder wire—when it readily melts, solder the connection.

When you touch the lead-free solder wire to the edge of the fitting, capillary action should pull molten solder in between the fitting and the pipe. If it doesn’t, heat the fitting a bit more. Keep applying heat until a line of molten solder shows all the way around the fitting. Then position the torch nozzle about 4 inches from the fitting, and move the flame back and forth across the fitting to distribute the heat evenly. It’s important to get the fitting hot but not too hot or the flux will burn off and simply vanish.

Touch the solder to the joint and watch the capillary action pull it evenly all the way around the connection. Heat the fitting evenly—all the way around the pipe.

After a few seconds, when the solder cools, use a damp rag to wipe off surplus flux. Don’t touch the pipe with your hand—it will be very hot! Wait an hour or two to allow the solder to completely harden before disturbing the connections.

How to Install a Union

To install a copper pipe union, begin by sweat-soldering the male shoulder onto one pipe as described above. Then slip the nut onto the adjoining pipe and solder the female shoulder onto the pipe’s end. Let the pipes cool. Then push the male and female parts together, slide the nut over the female shoulder, and screw the connection together. Use two wrenches to tighten the connection—one holds the male shoulder while the other turns the nut.

A union makes a connection that can be disassembled.

Video: How to Solder Copper Pipe the Correct Way

Here is an excellent video produced by Julio Caluori of GOT2LEARN that shows in detail how to solder copper pipe, including the tools and materials you’ll need to do the job right:

Call for free estimates from local pros now:
1-866-342-3263

Clean copper A/C lines to keep your unit running efficiently — copper coils covered in dirt cause energy loss, and cost you money. Unless the copper coils on your unit are extremely dirty, a professional is not needed to clean the lines. Solutions include a self-cleaning foam spray or just soapy water. Clean your unit’s copper A/C lines four times per year for optimum performance.

Instructions

Turn off the air conditioning unit. Take a socket wrench and remove the access panel on the air conditioner. Locate the copper coils in the top section of the unit.

Point foam coil cleaner 4 to 6 inches from copper coils. Spray cleaner evenly on all of the coils. She just cut her electricity bill to 60%, click here to read. Wait a few minutes for copper coil cleaner to foam, then drip into drain pan.

Mix 1 part bleach with 1 part water in a container. Pour mixture in drain pain to prevent the line from becoming clogged.

Blast coils with can of compressed air. Put water in a spray bottle and add a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent. Spray copper coils with mixture and let sit for a few minutes. Spray with clean water to rinse.

Re-attach unit cover with screwdriver. Turn the air conditioning unit back on to create condensation for further rinsing of coils.

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How to Clean Copper. Cleaning copper can be done in a number of ways, mostly using what you have at home already. Here are some of the most preferred methods.

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Copper is valued for strength, malleability, ductility, and ability to conduct electricity and heat.

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The pipes under your kitchen sink have to funnel all kinds of sticky, greasy substances on a daily basis. If you have newer plumbing, with PVC or copper pipes, your sink drain can probably handle all this gunk — but if you have older, narrower iron plumbing, the pipes are likely to clog more often. Keep your pipes clean by controlling what you put in them and flushing them out when necessary.

Prevention

Even if you have a garbage disposal, there are some substances you shouldn’t pour down your kitchen sink. Cooking grease, coffee grounds and fat you’ve trimmed off cuts of meat can accumulate in the pipes and lead to blockages, so always discard these things in the trash. Place a sink strainer over the drain, so large food particles don’t wash down the pipe, and empty the strainer frequently. If you have a garbage disposal, always run cold water down the drain while you use it to flush the ground-up food down and out of the drain pipe.

Using Water

If your sink isn’t prone to clogs and doesn’t develop musty odors, you can probably keep it clean using only water. If your kitchen sink has a stopper, close it once a week and fill the sink all the way. Then release the stopper and let the force of the water flush the pipes clean. If you don’t have a stopper in the sink, pour 3 to 4 cups of boiling water down the drain each week to dissolve grease buildup in the pipes.

Using Bleach

Sometimes water alone isn’t enough to keep pipes clean, particularly if they are old or connected to your local sewage plant. In that case, use bleach to clean and disinfect the pipes and dissolve clogs. Once a month, pour 12 ounces of chlorine bleach straight down the drain at the end of the day. Be careful not to let the bleach sit in the bowl of the sink, especially if the sink is stainless steel. In the morning, flush the pipe thoroughly with water from the faucet. Don’t clean the pipes with bleach if you have recently cleaned the sink with a product containing ammonia.

Using Green Cleaners

If you’d rather not use strong chemicals such as bleach, you can get equally good results with non-toxic, environmentally friendly household products. Whenever your sink begins draining slowly or develops an odor, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the pipe and then add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar. Close or cover the drain and let the mixture work in the pipe for 3 to 5 minutes. Then pour several cups of boiling water down the drain to wash it clean. Vinegar disinfects and baking soda scours, so together they leave your sink pipes sanitary and free of debris.