Cleaning out the back side of our Whirlpool refrigerator, we noticed a questionable coating on a copper refrigerant line that connects to compressor. Photos attached.
Wondered if anyone has seen anything similar on their Whirlpool fridge?
The fridge's base shows some discoloration right under the line, which would indicate something corrosive has been dripped on the base.
Barry,
That sure looks like copper patina caused by moisture from somewhere that has dripped on the pipe from above. Do you have any indication that the defrost pan has overflowed or sloshed out? I would sure look for a source of a slight water drip.
Pamela & Mike
As the coloring is at the low point, any condensation on the line would naturally be there if the line is cold and there is moisture in the compartment.
Might look carefully at the area below the pipe for drip off evidence.
Maybe that line needs insulation like the ones coming from out home AC units located outside?
Dave & Dolly and Pamela & Mike,
You have the magic answer to our mystery problem of discoloration on the copper loop and on the bottom fridge frame just below it.
This copper pipe is the cold return from evaporator inside the fridge and air humidity must be condensing, causing the patina and lower metal 'corrosion' look. I guess the chemicals in the copper react to the moisture and drip down, 'etching' the metal base.
Since there is no obvious leak in the area, we thought something was 'leaking' out of the refrigerant lines, but fridge works fine, so external water is not the cause. We thank you very much.
We will not worry about it, but are now insulating this copper line.
Mentioning patina, got us Googleing about Copper Patina, something I knew nothing about. Wikipedia to the rescue. Thanks Pamela & Mike.
What Barry? No Tiffany stained glass reproductions in your vast arsenal of talents?
I need to send you some pictures of my Tiffany's.
Can't believe I have one accomplishment that you didn't already have in your BTDT list!
VR
NEAL
Patina is also a valued/desired attribute to some old car enthusiasts:
BangShift.com 50 Photos of old cars with patina - BangShift.com (http://bangshift.com/gallery/50-photos-of-old-cars-with-patina/)