Why Are My Copper Pipes Leaking or Developing Pinholes?

External Factors That Damage Copper Pipes

Not all leaks are caused by what’s happening inside the pipe. External factors can also play a significant role in copper pipe damage. Even if your water quality is excellent, these external factors can still weaken your copper pipes over time:

• Poor Installation: If they weren’t installed correctly, they might be under stress or rubbing against other surfaces, which can cause wear over time.
• High Water Pressure: Excessively high water pressure can cause strain, making them more susceptible to leaks. A pressure regulator can help control this issue.
• Environmental Conditions: Pipes in areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures are more likely to corrode on the outside. This is especially true for plumbing running through basements or crawl spaces.
• Electrolysis: When copper pipes come into contact with other metals, like steel, it can create a chemical reaction called electrolysis. This reaction accelerates corrosion and leads to leaks.

Signs Your Copper Pipes May Be Failing

Understanding the warning signs of damage can help you address issues before they turn into costly water damage. Common issues to watch for:

• Unexplained spikes in your water bill
• Damp spots on walls, ceilings, floors, or other water damage
• Reduced public water pressure
• Signs of corrosion like discoloration or greenish stains on your pipes
• Water with a metallic taste or cloudy appearance

How Can I Prevent Future Leaks in My Copper Pipes?

While some causes of copper pipe damage are out of your control, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of future pinhole leaks:

• Install a water softener if your water is hard or acidic.
• Use a pressure regulator to maintain safe public water pressure.
• Flush your pipes periodically to remove sediment and debris.
• Keep an eye on your water quality and test for high chlorine or other corrosive elements.
• Insulate exposed pipes in cold or humid areas to reduce the risk of external copper corrosion.
• Check for contact between copper and other dissimilar metals, and add plastic or rubber insulators if necessary.

FAQ

Why do some homes experience pinhole leaks more than others?

The likelihood of pinhole leaks depends on several factors, including your home’s water quality, cheap copper, age, and installation quality. Homes with acidic water, high chlorine levels, or poorly installed pipes are more prone to corrosion. Additionally, older plumbing systems are naturally more susceptible to plumbing issues.

Should I replace all my copper waterlines if they're leaking?

Not always. If the leaks are isolated, a professional plumber can often repair or replace oa piece of pipe. However, if your plumbing is old and the leaks are widespread, a complete repipe job might be more cost-effective in the long run. Many homeowners switch to PEX for pipe replacement, which is more resistant to corrosion.

Can I patch leaks in copper plumbing?

Have I done it? Yes. Does it last? For a bit. Patching in replacement pipe is usually the best fix, but I've had success using homemade pipe repair clamps, which for me is a hose clamp and a piece of rubber to make a watertight seal over the pin hole leak. A professional plumber would cringe at what I've done. Epoxy putty is another quick fix for a leak in copper pipes.