# Blackened copper wire and pipes **URL:** \ **Category:** Electrical Inspections\ **Created:** [June 17, 2011, 1:34pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/blackened-copper-wire-and-pipes/60198 "2011-06-17T13:34:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jfleischmann](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d26b3c/32.png) [@jfleischmann](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jfleischmann)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2011, 1:34pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/blackened-copper-wire-and-pipes/60198/1 "2011-06-17T13:34:00Z")
Can someone give an explaination of the cause for copper wiring and water pipes to become discolored in a 50 year old home in southern Wisconsin. Along with many other issues, this panel has no grounding conductor, just the grounded (neutral) conductor. The main service disconnect is at an exterior location. Blackened ground wires are also present in open junction boxes in other parts of the basement. The stained/tarnished copper water pipes have a black soot-like film over them, but the black-iron pipe and steel conduit are absolutely clean. There is a _possibility_ of sewer gas entering the area from a nearby improper length laundry drain to a water trap. This basement appears average for moisture content, with no other signs of chemicals, Chinese drywall, etc. What’s the explanation? Jim Fleischmann Eagle Eye LLC Home Inspections 608 751-6651 608 757-9299 ![IMG_4018.JPG](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/d/c/dc14bfaa8c40c31c45c71bb797a84f5b77dea60a.jpeg) ![IMG_4017.JPG](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/5/d/5d2c57c038b810d0615b283543fa8ff97704f00b.jpeg) ![IMG_4021.JPG](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/b/5/b5f0d2b920df2ed83eb2cc786c05dc02dcc6266d.jpeg) ![IMG_4019.JPG](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/1/6/16c4dc421daeacbfcb1b8bff741596440a9b0d87.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![rcooke](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rcooke/32/57038_2.png) [@rcooke](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rcooke)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2011, 1:36pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/blackened-copper-wire-and-pipes/60198/2 "2011-06-17T13:36:11Z")
> **[Black copper cold water lines](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2615)** > > Good morning all. Yesterday I inspected a home that the copper cold water lines had turned black including the water meter. Only once before have I seen copper turn black to this extent. Coincidence or what, that home I inspected 2 years ago was 2... Go here … Roy ---
**Author:** ![dandersen](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dandersen/32/59398_2.png) [@dandersen](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dandersen)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2011, 2:45pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/blackened-copper-wire-and-pipes/60198/3 "2011-06-17T14:45:28Z")
Are you on a well? The pattern on the water lines indicate condensation. Sulfur dioxide (or other chemicals in the air from outgassing) combines with water and corrodes copper materials. ---
**Author:** ![jfleischmann](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d26b3c/32.png) [@jfleischmann](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jfleischmann)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2011, 3:01pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/blackened-copper-wire-and-pipes/60198/4 "2011-06-17T15:01:20Z")
It is a private well system. Jim Fleischmann Eagle Eye LLC Home Inspections 608 751-6651 608 757-9299 ---
**Author:** ![dandersen](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dandersen/32/59398_2.png) [@dandersen](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dandersen)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2011, 3:21pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/blackened-copper-wire-and-pipes/60198/5 "2011-06-17T15:21:43Z")
Chemicals stored in the area of the electric panels and plumbing can cause this condition. If the condition is widespread throughout the house, I would look at the well water as the source (not necessarily the cause).