Removing dried Flux from copper pipes

littlerose12345

Hi All

we're currently in the process of having new heating fitted. We've done all the pipework ourselves and our gas man will install the boiler and test, connect etc..

On some areas of the pipework, the flux we used has dried and turned green. Gas man said we would need to remove this as in a few years it could corrode and damage the pipes.

He's suggested water and soap should do the trick but in some areas it's quite stubborn.

Any ideas how to shift it?

Many Thanks

ariba10

Brasso or any other good metal polish should do the trick.

Failing that, Steel wool.

skinback69

id heat it back up again but only for a bit not till the solder runs again then just wipe it off also agree with steel wool

27col

Steel wool should do it. I have had green deposit on some joints for 30years, apparently without ill effects.

andyhop

Wet rag is all you need

If you have flux everywhere then you not soldering correctly, It needs minimal of flux

Canucklehead

littlerose12345 wrote: »

Hi All

we're currently in the process of having new heating fitted. We've done all the pipework ourselves and our gas man will install the boiler and test, connect etc..

On some areas of the pipework, the flux we used has dried and turned green. Gas man said we would need to remove this as in a few years it could corrode and damage the pipes.

He's suggested water and soap should do the trick but in some areas it's quite stubborn.

Any ideas how to shift it?

Many Thanks

Good afternoon: By 'all the pipework' do you mean both water and gas carrying copper pipes and fittings?

Canucklehead

littlerose12345

Hi Canucklehead,

Thanks for your reply - I was hoping you would come along as I have noticed you give very good gas/plumbing advice!

Sorry, i should have clarified - we have only done the water pipes. We would ever touch the gas and our gas man is installing/connecting all the gas pipes for us and installing / signing off the boiler.

The flux is on the copper water pipes and fittings.

Thanks

Canucklehead

Hi...as said , use a wet rag...the OH uses an old hand towel as and when necessary.

HTH

Canucklehead