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Copper in cement

 

I am constructing an additional 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms to an existing home to create a Bed and Breakfast Inn. I planned on replacing all the galvanized water piping with copper. I was just told that copper will corrode inside cement walls. Is this true? My source has dubious and questionable technical knowledge. Any info. regarding this, or other suggestions would be most welcome.

Thank you,

Patricia Lowe
Casa Tuscany - La Paz, MX

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Patricia:

Yes indeed it will corrode. I think it has to do with the lye and other additives in the concrete reacting on the copper surface. In the states they will either wrap a pipe with tape where it comes though the concrete or will put plastic sleeves over them to protect them from direct contact with the cement. You could call some concrete supply companies here in the states and ask them.

Tom Haltmeyer
- Peoria, Arizona USA