Hot Water Pipes turning silver

[SurreyDG]

Bit of a strange one this - we recently had a boiler fitted and have noticed that the pipes ( not all of them ) are turning silverish near to where the boiler has been installed (22mm pipes ) . Now Im not sure if this is down to the composition of the pipes ( ie how much copper is in them ) or if this is quite common.
Does any one have any ideas as to why and if this will compromise the integrity of the pipes?

 

[petertheplumber12]

I am not familiar with SILVER but the most common reason for pipe discoloration is leaving flux on the pipes after soldering, that causes an advances form of oxidization on the pipes, try cleaning an area with wire wool. if it stays clean, no problem just clean them, if it doesn't get the plumber back and ask him what is going on, normally silver colour is the colour they paint pipes in airing cupboards.

 

[SurreyDG]

I will post a picture tonight for those who want to see what I mean - they are not turning all silver but just a section towards the joins - I thought that it may be something to do with the heating up of the pipes as they are roasting hot compared to the old system boiler I had .

 

[hazetimesfive]

I had that in a cupboard with a vented cylinder... darndest thing...

it sometimes smells of gas in there so i wondered...

 

[petertheplumber12]

Yes it looks like a type of efflorescence, and can be cleaned of with wire wool. when cold. PS I live in surrey too.