![]() How to fix or prevent pinhole leaks in copper pipes? ![]() These mistakes can accelerate internal corrosion and cause pinhole leaks. One of the most common causes of pinhole leaks in copper pipes is the errors committed while cutting and joining them during installation. A pinhole leak in old homes may indicate the need for pipe replacement and require inspection by a professional plumber. Hard water can further reduce the expected lifespan of copper pipes. Age-related wear and tearĪge-induced wear and tear starts to show in copper pipes as they near the end of their service life, around 25-30 years after installation, especially when they lack proper maintenance. Also, if the pipe fittings are too close, they increase the turbulence in the water flow. When water passes at a higher or unstable velocity, they experience turbulence which causes the inner protective lining to deteriorate over time and develop pinhole leaks. Plumbing codes require the cold water to travel at 8 feet per second and hot water at 5 feet per second through the copper pipes. The pitting is wide and low and results in pipe clogs and blue water. Type three is associated with cold soft water with a pH over 8. It is associated with soft water with a pH below 7.2. Type two is narrower than type one pitting but can also cause pipe failure. It causes deep and narrow pitting, resulting in pipe failure. Type one usually occurs in cold water, and the primary cause is hard water with pH levels between 7 and 7.8. Pitted corrosion is usually of three types. Acidic water slowly corrodes copper, eventually leading to a pinhole leak. Pitted corrosion, a localized corrosion type, can cause pinhole leaks in copper pipes. Here are a few reasons why copper pipes can experience pinhole leaks: Pitted corrosion They may seem insignificant but can wreak havoc on the plumbing system, increase the utility bills, and cost hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.īefore looking for ways to prevent or fix pinhole leaks, it is necessary to understand what causes them. Pinhole leaks may go undetected for a long time due to their size, silently worsening the problem and increasing the extent of the damage. They develop slowly when interior corrosion in the copper pipe works its way through the metal to the exterior, causing tiny holes to occur. However, copper pipes are not problem-free.Ī common but hazardous plumbing problem exclusive to copper pipes is pinhole leaks. Copper pipes are durable, lightweight, recyclable, fire-resistant, and do not contaminate water. Copper is a popular and most widely-used residential plumbing material.
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