How to Treat Brass Oil Pipes That Have Been Corroded by Efflorescence

Occasionally, brick and concrete walls emit efflorescence, which is a powdery or crystalline white substance largely made up of salts and minerals. This efflorescence is harmless to the walls themselves. However, brass oil pipes running along the wall are quite sensitive to these salt deposits. Over time, the efflorescence will corrode and eat away at a brass surface. To successfully treat the problem, you must clean and protect brass exposed to efflorescence as soon as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Scrub brush
• Brass cleaner
• Clean rag
• Spray lacquer

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Scrub the efflorescence off of the wall with a stiff-bristle brush dipped in clean water.

   • 2

     Clean the surface of the brass with a brass cleaner and a rag. Support the oil pipe with one hand as you vigorously scrub any pitting on the surface.

   • 3

     Wipe the brass down with a clean, wet sponge to remove all traces of the brass cleaner.

   • 4

     Spray four to five thin coats of lacquer onto the brass oil pipe to protect it from future corrosion. Follow the spray lacquer's instructions for application methods and appropriate amounts.