Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Water softener turned customer's hair green

Q. I would like to know if there is a time period suggested for new copper pipes in a home to be allowed to have before installing a whole house water softening system. I need to know if there is a scientific conclusion that indicates that the water should run through the new copper pipes to have an opportunity to create a coating of minerals, etc. to prevent problems.

I need to know because we have a plumbing business and installed new copper pipes into a home where the owner was sold a water softening system and started it up immediately. The owner started having a problem with her hair turning green. Our understanding is that the copper pipe needs some time without a system so to allow the proper minerals to attach. The installation was all properly completed and approved by the city Have you heard of anything like this? We would appreciate any help on this question.

Thank you,

Jennifer Cantisano
plumbing - Santa Clarita, California, USA
2004

---