New copper pipes installed: Cloudy water with metal smell

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jwblue

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We just had new copper pipes installed in our home. The plumber mentioned the water would initially have a different smell.

What exactly is it? Is it safe to use with cooking?
 
flux, solider, pipe dope, dead bugs, dirt,

what ever was in the pipes from the trucking company to the warehouse mice.

just run the water for a couple of hours it will be fine.

hook a hose up out side and let it run.

your water will be cloudy for a couple of days, it will be fine.

if it really gets to bugging you and you just cant leave good enough alone.

turn off the water, drain your pipes. inject half a gallon of clorox into your pipes. turn on the water

DO NOT OPEN any faucets. let it sit over night. then...remove all strainers..

then flush your system a minimum 2 hours, EVERY outlet

this is how comercial buildings are sanitised as per health department regulations
 
Leave some faucets running for a few minutes to flush out the pipes and you should be okay. The heated flux for soldering carries a bit of a smell to it in the water running through the new pipes for a little while.
 
I don't have a big issue with the smell or taste since I do not drink it.

Can anyone tell me whether this stuff is unsafe?

Can I cook with it?
Can I shower with it?
Can I wash my face with it?

I would ask my plumber but I am sure I would not receive an honest answer if it is unsafe?
 
I don't have a knowledgeable answer as to whether or not it is safe for one particular use and not for another. There are a lot of different soldering fluxes on the market, but any of them rated for use with potable water lines should be lead free, and any harmful residue should be water soluble and easily flushed out.

Personally, I wouldn't use it for any of the above uses until I flushed the lines thoroughly, and the smell/taste was gone.
 
My plumber said the flux used is Everflux.

Does anyone know about it?

I really don't care about awful smell or taste. I won't drink it anyway.

Just concerned about using it for the other stuff.
 
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