If you’re dealing with pinhole leaks in your copper pipes, we can help out. A pinhole leak in copper pipes is a common plumbing issue in the US, especially within the East Coast region where it is cold. They often go unnoticed until it leads to serious water damage in your home. Because copper pipes are easily susceptible to corrosion, it makes it easy for pinhole leaks to occur. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes pinhole leaks in copper pipes, signs to watch for, how to fix them, and how to prevent future pinhole leaks.
Causes of Pinhole Leaks in Copper Pipes
Galvanic corrosion
Galvanic corrosion in copper pipes happens when two dissimilar metals are in contact with each other in water. This causes the flow of electrical current between the two metals, leading to the corrosion of one of the metals. If your copper pipes are connected to steel or iron pipes, galvanic corrosion might be the cause of the pinhole leaks.
Chemical corrosion
This is the most common cause of pinhole leaks in copper pipes. It occurs when water contains chemicals that degrade or corrode the copper pipes, leading to the formation of pinhole leaks. Chloramine is the most common chemical substance that causes corrosion in copper pipes. Though chloramine is added to public water to kill bacteria, it can lead to the formation of pinhole leaks or even cause significant damage to the copper pipes.
Manufacturer defects
If the manufacturing process for the copper pipes was inefficient, then pinhole leaks could easily form in the pipes. If you’re not sure whether the pinhole leak is due to a manufacturing defect, contact a plumber to detect the actual cause.
Sediment damage
It’s normal for water to have some amount of sediment in it, but when sediment accumulates or builds up, it can cause pinhole leaks to form in the pipes. This happens because the sediment can act as an abrasive by rubbing against the copper pipe, which wears away gradually and leads to the formation of pinhole leaks. We suggest you contact a good plumber to know if the pinhole leak is due to an accumulation of sediment.
Electrolysis
When the electrical system is not properly grounded, it can cause electrolysis. Proper electrical grounding connects an electrical system to the earth to create a safe pathway for electric current, protecting you and your home from electrical damage. Electrolysis occurs when there is a direct leakage of electric current underground, which comes in contact with a conductive liquid, leading to the corrosion of the copper pipes. Older homes are more prone to electrolysis because of the outdated wiring systems.
If the electrical system is bonded to the plumbing system, it can easily attract stray electric current to the plumbing metal. This, in turn, will lead to electrolysis, which can corrode the copper pipes.
Common Signs of Pinhole Leaks: What to Watch for
Water pressure that is usually low
As water leaks through the pinhole leaks in your pipe, it can cause the water pressure to reduce since water is lost through the pinhole leaks. You can also check the faucets to see if the water is running. If the water is not running or the pressure is low, then the low water pressure is likely caused by pinhole leaks.
Phantom dripping sounds
If you have pinhole leaks in your copper pipes, you may hear dripping sounds from your ceiling or walls. This sound may indicate a sign of pinhole leaks or any other leakage in your home which can cause severe water damage if it isn’t managed on time.
High water bill
If you have not been using more water and you noticed that your water bill is higher, then you’re probably dealing with a pinhole leak issue. You might wonder how a leak can increase your water bill. As water leaks from the pipes through the pinhole leaks, the water bills would be higher than usual if it has been leaking for a while.
Discoloration of the pipes
If your copper pipes have a green or green-blue sheen, then it is a sign that the pipes have been exposed to moisture and air. Oxidation causes copper pipes to break down, which leads to discoloration.
Mold/mildew around your pipe
If mold or mildew builds up around your copper pipe, it could be a sign of a pinhole leak. Mold or mildew easily grows where there is water or moisture. When there’s a pinhole leak in the pipes, water can easily seep through, which would attract mold or mildew spores around the pipe area. You can also smell a musty odor if the mold has spread over time. Contact a plumber as soon as possible if you notice this. You may also need to contact a mold removal company if your home is already infested with mold.
Water damage
If you see water damage on the floor, ceilings, or walls, then you’re likely having a pinhole leak issue. When water escapes through the pinhole leaks in the pipe, it can seep through the walls or ceilings and cause water damage.
How to Temporarily Fix a Pinhole Leak in Copper Pipes
Want to try fixing pinhole leaks in your copper pipes or don’t have enough funds to hire a plumber? Use epoxy putty. Epoxy putty is a moldable and flexible adhesive. Applying it can seal or patch the pinhole leaks. If you’re not exactly sure where the leak is, use a paper towel to wrap around the pipe (i.e. the part where you suspect the leak is coming from) and press it hard. Now, look for wet spots. The wet spots on the paper towel indicate where the leaks are likely seeping from through the pipe.
To start, cut off a piece of the epoxy and knead with your fingers. Place or apply the epoxy over the pinhole leaks. Make sure the epoxy covers it well. Also, ensure it isn’t too thin so that it would work well. The goal is to make it thick enough when applying it. Within five to ten minutes after applying the epoxy putty, it would dry and harden.
Before running water through your pipes to test it, wait for an hour after applying the epoxy to check the leak spots and observe if there’s no leakage again.
If it is still leaking, it would be best to hire a plumbing company to provide efficient plumbing services. A plumbing company or plumber can easily detect the actual cause of the pinhole leaks and other plumbing issues you may not have noticed.
Remember: The patch is a temporary fix as the pinhole leak will leak through a patch over time.
Using electrical tape or duct tape to fix it may not be very efficient. So, we would recommend the epoxy method to buy yourself time or until you can hire a reliable plumbing company like The Climate Master.
What to Do to Prevent Pinhole Leaks From Reoccurring
Even though copper pipes wear out with time, there are still certain methods to slow down the degrading process, which are effective in preventing pinhole leaks from reoccurring. Inspecting and regularly maintaining your plumbing system at least once a year is recommended. This would help you to quickly detect any signs of pinhole leaks and other plumbing issues.
Here, we’ll discuss the following tips to prevent pinhole leaks from reoccurring.
1) Know the age of your pipes
We recommend you replace your plumbing line if it’s too old. If the pipes are over 20 years old, you should consider doing a thorough inspection and replacing them, especially if you have noticed signs of pinhole leaks in your copper pipes.
2) Treat the water
If the pH level in your water is high, it can lead to pinhole leaks. Use common pH adjusters like sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide (caustic) to treat the water and reduce the water’s pH levels.
3) Install a water softener
About 85% of homes in the US have hard water, which may likely include your home too. Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium which can corrode the pipe. Installing a water softener can remove and balance the mineral content in your water so that it would be gentle on the pipes. This would also reduce the deposition of scales in the pipes.
4) Inspect the pipe fittings
Check the pipe fittings to know if they are wearing out. The pipe fittings connect two pipes. If you notice that the fittings are too tight or not installed correctly, it could exert more pressure on the pipe and fittings, which can lead to cracks or leaks.
Incorrectly installed fittings can also cause water to flow at an unstable or higher rate, leading to turbulence in the pipe. This eventually deteriorates the inner protective lining of the pipe and can lead to pinhole leaks over time.
If the fittings are too tight or you notice what looks like a crack, rust, or green substance on the pipes, we would recommend seeking reliable plumbing services from a plumbing company so that they can take a closer look and get it fixed properly.
5) Reduce the water velocity
When water and other mineral deposits travel too fast in the pipes, they cause the inner lining of the pipes to wear out much faster. You can fix this by contacting a professional plumbing company to check and balance the water velocity in your home.
Conclusion – Pinhole Leaks in Copper Pipes
Pinhole leaks in copper pipes may seem like a minor issue, but if not managed on time, it could cause major water damage. Hire a reliable plumbing company to help you detect and fix pinhole leaks and other plumbing issues that you may not have noticed. Contact The Climate Master today. We fix pinhole leaks in copper pipes and other plumbing issues that affect plumbing systems in most homes.