Bathroom Shut-off Valves - Mineral deposits - Do you note them as leaking in reports?

[Justin Watts]

Hey Guys,
I wanted to get your opinion on this..... Do you note (leaks) in your report if you observe the blue mineral encrustations around the base of water shut off valves.... I know that they are mineral deposits, and on most bathroom/kitchen sink valves I see them... Do you note them as leaks, and as a precaution to prevent moisture intrusion damage?

OR

if you do not feel or see any visible leaks.... just note them as functional???? Since this is a very common issue...


I am curious, let me know...
justin.

[Larry D. Kage]

I note the corrosion.

[Blaine Wiley]

As Larry said, I note the corrosion. I only note a leak if I see a leak. Report what you see!

[Barry Adair]

Unwiped solder joints is also a cause from left over flux, acid, or other contaminants.




Corrosion, Scaling, and Metal Mobility Research

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123456 Copper

Copper is a common, malleable metal that occurs naturally in rock, soil, water, sediment, and air. It is used to make products such as coins, electrical wiring, and water pipes for household plumbing.
Though a small amount of copper is required by the human body as an essential nutrient, long-term exposure to elevated levels of copper in drinking water may cause serious health problems. Research has shown that short periods of exposure to high levels of copper can cause gastrointestinal disturbance, including nausea and vomiting. Using water with elevated levels of copper over many years may cause liver or kidney damage.
Corroding pipes and brass components of household piping systems are the primary source of copper in drinking water. Signs that drinking water may have elevated levels of copper include a metallic taste or blue to blue-green stains around sinks and plumbing fixtures. The corrosion leads to the release of copper ions and the deposit of corrosion by products on the pipe wall. The solubility of these by-products ultimately determines the level of copper at our taps. The only way to accurately determine the level of copper in drinking water is to have the water tested by a state certified laboratory.
There are two types of copper corrosion: uniform and nonuniform. Both types are caused by certain characteristics of water chemistry, including low pH, high alkalinity, and the presence of sulfates or nitrates.
Uniform corrosion is identified by the presence of a relatively uniform deposition of copper corrosion by-products across the inner surface of a pipe wall and is typically associated with elevated copper levels at our taps.
Nonuniform corrosion, or pitting, is the isolated development of corrosion cells across the inner surface of a pipe wall. Although pitting corrosion is seldom associated with elevated levels of copper at our taps, excessive pitting corrosion can lead to “pinhole” leaks in the pipe, which could result in water damage and mold growth.
Regulations

In 1991, EPA published the Lead and Copper Rule. This rule minimizes lead and copper levels in drinking water, primarily by reducing water corrosivity. It establishes an Action Level of 0.015 milligrams per liter (mg/L) for lead and 1.3 mg/L for copper in 90 percent of the first-draw water samples standing for more than six hours and taken at sites meeting particular number, age, and plumbing material requirements. The Action Level is the lowest level to which water utilities can reasonably be required to control lead if it occurs in drinking water at their customers’ home taps. (Note: An Action Level exceedance is not a violation but can trigger other requirements such as monitoring and treatment.)
These regulations are called the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public water utilities must abide by them.
Technical Contact:

Darren Lytle (513) 569-7432
Michael Schock (513) 569-7412
See Also:

Safe Drinking Water Act
7Lead and Copper Rule
8List of Drinking Water Contaminants and MCLs9

URLs Provided for your Reference

1. http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/wswrd/cr/corr_res_copper.html
2. http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/wswrd/cr/corr_res_lead.html
3. http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/wswrd/cr/corr_res_iron.html
4. http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/wswrd/cr/corr_res_brass.html
5. http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/wswrd/cr/corr_res_scale.html
6. http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/wswrd/cr/co...ntaminant.html
7. http://www.epa.gov/safewater/sdwa/index.html
8. http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/implement.html
9. http://www.epa.gov/safewater/mcl.html

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Last updated on Friday, June 30th, 2006.
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[Justin Watts]

Thanks guys! and the EPA is always a great resource.....

[twasion]

Originally Posted by jwatts1

Hey Guys,
I wanted to get your opinion on this..... Do you note (leaks) in your report if you observe the blue mineral encrustations around the base of water shut off valves.... I know that they are mineral deposits, and on most bathroom/kitchen sink valves I see them... Do you note them as leaks, and as a precaution to prevent moisture intrusion damage?

OR

if you do not feel or see any visible leaks.... just note them as functional???? Since this is a very common issue...


I am curious, let me know...
justin.

That is an indicator of a past leak that will probably return.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

I would imagine that this type of observance would indicate the some moisture has occurred for the chemical reaction to provide the observed bluish substance on the fitting. I would not just that, and potential future leakage of that joint or fitting is eminent.

Marcel
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[Russel Ray]

I used to note corrosion in my reports all the time. With the advent of my Interactive Report System on August 1, 2005, I no longer note corrosion unless there is a big, huge, monster, gigantic hunk of it, or it is obviously (visibly) leaking.

Over at About Homes, I have stored the "Corrosion" section of my Interactive Report System. It is a one-page PowerPoint presentation and is available for NACHI members only. Simply go to About Homes, click on Library, click on NACHI, enter the NACHI password and click on "Verify." If you enter the password correctly, it will state "NACHI access granted." Then you can download any of the files there that are reserved for NACHI members. The "Corrosion" file is 0299.

[twasion]

Originally Posted by rray

I used to note corrosion in my reports all the time. With the advent of my Interactive Report System on August 1, 2005, I no longer note corrosion unless there is a big, huge, monster, gigantic hunk of it, or it is obviously (visibly) leaking.

Over at About Homes, I have stored the "Corrosion" section of my Interactive Report System. It is a one-page PowerPoint presentation and is available for NACHI members only. Simply go to About Homes, click on Library, click on NACHI, enter the NACHI password and click on "Verify." If you enter the password correctly, it will state "NACHI access granted." Then you can download any of the files there that are reserved for NACHI members. The "Corrosion" file is 0299.

In this case it’s not corrosion but an indicator of a previous leak which in my experience as a service plumber, will return. I think by annotating on your report will at least cover your butt should they seek recourse when it starts to leak again.