New copper piping / plumbing: is this patina normal?

I am in the middle of a renovation and have a question about my plumbing. They did a lot of plumbing re-routing and the walls are still open. Another trade came in and noticed that the copper piping is secured with steel straps which causes galvanic action and will corrode over time when the piping sweats. I asked my GC to replace the straps which he still has yet to do. I just noticed some patina forming on the new pipes which are only 2-3 weeks old – see photo. Is this normal? TIA [Copper patina](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:eEiS:copperpatina.jpg.jpg)

mattieweiser1

in General Discussion 6 years and 9 months ago

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Guest User | 6 years and 9 months ago

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you’re not “stuck” if the guy is doing shoddy, not-to-code, potentially damaging work that is being easily pointed out by other trades on the job. have you brought your concerns to the GC? if not, you need to tell the GC that the work needs to be corrected, all previous work inspected and corrected, and any future work thoroughly checked by the GC prior to his issuing payment for the contracted work. you do NOT have the accept crappy work from a subcontractor just because you don’t have a contract directly with them.

Guest User | 6 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "3"
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you’re not “stuck” if the guy is doing shoddy, not-to-code, potentially damaging work that is being easily pointed out by other trades on the job. have you brought your concerns to the GC? if not, you need to tell the GC that the work needs to be corrected, all previous work inspected and corrected, and any future work thoroughly checked by the GC prior to his issuing payment for the contracted work. you do NOT have the accept crappy work from a subcontractor just because you don’t have a contract directly with them.

mattieweiser1

in General Discussion 6 years and 9 months ago

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Hi all, thanks for your input. My hvac engineer also confirmed this is excessive flux paste. The plumber my GC hires is not known for his finish work judging from the first bathroom he completed in the house. I wish I could hire another plumber to complete the job at this point for the remaining finish work but I suppose I am stuck with the guy my GC hired as per the contract.

Master Plvmber | 6 years and 9 months ago

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That’s just bad soldering using too much flux paste and not wiping down the pipe and joints. It’s corrosive and it’s going to create a leak over time.

Rick | 6 years and 9 months ago

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Did the plumbers reuse older copper pipes ?

ellenlourie | 6 years and 9 months ago

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Oxidation of this level on new copper pipes is not normal. Any contact between copper and steel is not acceptable and will cause inspection failure. All piping must be properly insulated and supported.