Brian G wrote:
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

This has been asked sometime ago, however I used to live on a housing
estate 35 years ago and to this day the pipes are still buried in the
concrete...Gas copper pipe I might add. (Mothers House)

--

Sir Benjamin Midllethwaite