Grumps wrote:
Hi All

I read an article saying that copper will resist corrosion if laid in
a portland based concrete or mortar. Could someone explain why, and
what is the alternative to portland that WOULD corrode copper?
(Sorry, my knowledge of chemistry never was a strong point).
Ta.

Grumps,

Don't lay copper pipes in concrete full-stop. They will eventually corrode
even if plastic sleeved. Where the pipes are joined (and there will be
joins), you will find it difficult to seal and the 'fat' of the concrete
will find its way onto the pipe causing the said corrosion.

There is a small council housing estate near to where I live with the CH
pipes buried in the concrete and after about 10 years, these started to leak
causing me to have a few grey hairs in trying to sort it out - the only cure
was to re-pipe all the systems above floor level. BTW, most cements used in
these conditions are OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement)

If you MUST lay pipes in concrete, consider using plastic - if want my
opinion - don't even do that!


Brian G