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    WMorg555's Avatar
    WMorg555 Posts: 105, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #1

    Jun 23, 2009, 07:47 PM
    Do I need to change all old pipes?
    I'm swapping out 1/2 inch copper pipes and adding new valves in my basement. When I removed the old 1/2 inch pipe I looked at the inside of the pipe and noticed how dark it was. I stuck a paper towel in it and when I pulled it out it was dark brown. It made me thankful that I use water filters. My question is whether this is normal for the pipes ( they are probably at least 40 years old) or should I hire a plumber and change out all of my pipes for new ones. Thanks for any advice.
    Perito's Avatar
    Perito Posts: 3,139, Reputation: 150
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    #2

    Jun 23, 2009, 07:56 PM

    It's copper oxide. While at high concentrations, copper can be toxic, at levels found in plumbing, it's quite harmless to humans. Trace amounts of copper are required for good health.

    Copper - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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