I have noticed some soldered connections in my basement are showing green stains on them. That's corrosion right? They were done by "pros" and now I wonder can I clean them off with anything?
I recently did some soldering myself and would like to know if there are any good solvents I can use to clean off dried flux? Thanks,
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The green is probably from the "pros' not washing off their fittings, using too much flux and not wiping their fittings. It's a same. The flux will eat through the pipe. I'm starting to have to replace copper at 25 years from the flux eating through.
I use soap and water, a wire brush and emery cloth. Hopefully your pipes are not pitted. If they are then you may need to do some more soldering. Or are you just in the mood and ready to do more? I would be hesitant to use solvents.
We can also get the green from hydro-carbons like from hair spray or some laundry products. I don't think that's the case here but I thought I should mention it.
Also small seeping leaks will leave a green residue and crust. It's most likely flux residue however.
Pipes I soldered working for my Dad thirty years ago are still clean and bright. But he made me carry soap and water in a crawl space when we would re-pipe.
I use soap and water, a wire brush and emery cloth. Hopefully your pipes are not pitted. If they are then you may need to do some more soldering. Or are you just in the mood and ready to do more? I would be hesitant to use solvents.
We can also get the green from hydro-carbons like from hair spray or some laundry products. I don't think that's the case here but I thought I should mention it.
Also small seeping leaks will leave a green residue and crust. It's most likely flux residue however.
Pipes I soldered working for my Dad thirty years ago are still clean and bright. But he made me carry soap and water in a crawl space when we would re-pipe.
