Copper pipes turned black and give damp smell

RakC · Nov 17, 2014

Hi, I have recently purchased a repossessed house which seems to have been empty for about a year. I have an issue that the water pipes under the kitchen sink seem to have turned black and are giving off a damp musty smell which is quite strong. The cupboard was filled with dirt and mould which I have cleaned out, it seems like the previous owners may have not fixed some leak and the moisture has possibly caused some sort of oxidation (at a guess). I have tried to clean the pipes with a bleach/water solution which has not made any difference. Just wondering if anyone has come across this before and has any suggestions to correct the issue? Thanks

nysk2008 · Nov 17, 2014

if that bad can you not cut back as far as you can and just replace section of pipework?

Centralheatking · Nov 17, 2014

Honestly - If you pick up a repro house what do you expect ?
Its all going to be stuffed - you are not a diy man and not one of us
on UKPF - I have done many of these over the years -
Rip it all out and out and start again - if it is free standing prop
demolish it and build a new one cause you get the vat back

Centralheatking ian ratrtRakC;714618]Hi, I have recently purchased a repossessed house which seems to have been empty for about a year. I have an issue that the water pipes under the kitchen sink seem to have turned black and are giving off a damp musty smell which is quite strong. The cupboard was filled with dirt and mould which I have cleaned out, it seems like the previous owners may have not fixed some leak and the moisture has possibly caused some sort of oxidation (at a guess). I have tried to clean the pipes with a bleach/water solution which has not made any difference. Just wondering if anyone has come across this before and has any suggestions to correct the issue? Thanks[/QUOTE]

SimonG · Nov 17, 2014

Strip it out and start again. Its all about peace of mind, well it is for me.

Ermintrude · Nov 17, 2014

Just use wire wool and sugar soap. Be fine after 30 mins elbow grease

lame plumber · Nov 17, 2014

if thats your only worry after buying a empty repro house, you are soooooooo lucky. Now go forth and use some decent tradesmen to sort it all out. Like tamz said

Reg Man · Nov 18, 2014

Its probably not the pipes; its the kitchen furniture and walls. A bit like flood damage; strip back a replace all plaster and kitchen furniture. Wash down and clean pipes and lag them.

tamz · Nov 18, 2014

There has been a leaking drain or waste pipe under the floor at some point (might still be)and someone has fired a load of bleach, disinfectant or whatever under there.

Seen that three times and that was the cause.