Sage-Tips

What causes pinholes in copper piping?

The primary cause of pinhole leaks is the composition of the water flowing through your plumbing system. Hard water—high amounts of dissolved calcium and magnesium—or water that is too basic (low pH) or too acidic (high pH), can all contribute to copper pipe corrosion.

Do copper pipes get pinhole leaks?

Pinhole leaks occur when corrosion inside copper pipes finally breaks through to the outside of the pipe. It’s true: copper pipes are frequently used and preferred by plumbers because they’re generally resistant to corrosion and plumbers can easily shape them.

What happens to copper pipes over time?

Causes of Patina Patina, or the greenish colour that appears on copper pipes, happens from oxidation. Oxidation is common on copper when it is exposed to water and air over time. This green colour is known as copper oxide and is basically a rusting of the metal.

Is it common for copper pipes to leak?

Pinhole leaks only occur in copper pipe. Under the right (worst) conditions, copper pipe may develop pinhole leaks within only two years of installation. Pinhole leak in copper pipe is a common problem all over the US.

How do you stop a pinhole leak?

Because pinhole leaks are small, the easiest repair method is to fill them with epoxy putty. The best tool for the job is an epoxy putty stick, which combines the resin and the hardener in a pre-measured format. To use an epoxy putty stick, you tear off the amount of putty required and knead it by hand.

Do copper pipes corrode?

It resists most forms of corrosion, but not all. Copper is more likely to last than iron or steel, but corrosion can still affect them.

How do you repair a leak in a copper pipe?

Quick Answer. To repair a pinhole leak on a copper pipe, first turn off the water, drain the pipes, cut out the affected area and solder on a new pipe coupling. Using a coupler is acceptable for pinhole leaks where less than 1/2-inch of pipe needs to be removed.

What triggers a pinhole leak in a copper water line?

Chemicals in municipal water attack the copper. Typically,most of the pipe will look fine.

Aggressive well water. Aggressive well water often results in paper-thin copper pipe.

Aggressive flux that was used when the pipes were soldered might cause pin holes.

Copper electroplated straps frequently have very sharp edges.

How to repair a leaking copper pipe?

Locate and turn off your house’s main water supply cutoff valve; it will be near where your water supply line enters the house.

Clean and dry the pipe with a towel. Open the clamp,and place the small rubber pad over the leak.

Place half the clamp over the rubber pad.

Squeeze the clamp closed,and push a screw through each screw hole.

How do you repair a hole in a copper pipe?

You can also use epoxy to repair a hole in your copper pipe. Always begin by turning off the water supply valve. Then wash the area of the pipe where the hole is located with soap and water. Let it dry completely. Next, use 100 grit sandpaper to sand the area around the hole until shiny copper is exposed.