What Causes Pinhole Leaks in Copper Pipes in Your Woodstock Home?

Your home’s copper pipes are prone to numerous issues that can adversely affect your home’s structure and water supply. One of the most common copper pipe problems is pinhole leaks. Unfortunately, many Woodstock residents don’t know what causes pinhole leaks in copper pipes or how to resolve them before they spiral out of control.

That’s why Quick-Pro Plumbing put together some common causes of pinhole leaks in copper pipes to help homeowners identify potential issues before they take hold.

The Quick-Pro Plumbing team is Woodstock’s leak detection experts. Its professional plumbers can identify and repair residential and commercial pipe leaks while taking preventive measures to hinder future problems. Quick-Pro Plumbing has helped countless Woodstock, GA, residents fix, maintain, and install their piping systems, and it can do the same for you at a fair and affordable price.

What Is a Pinhole Leak?

Pinhole leaks are tiny pipe leaks typically the size of a pinhead. Their small size makes them incredibly difficult to detect, yet they can cause significant water damage over time. Copper is the only piping material susceptible to pinhole leaks, which can go undetected for multiple weeks or longer.

Pinhole leaks can cause a drastic drop in water pressure and make everyday tasks like showering more difficult. You must address pinhole leaks swiftly to preserve your home and prevent repairs that can cost thousands or more.

However, the question remains: what causes pinhole leaks in copper pipes?

What Causes Pinhole Leaks in Copper Pipes in Woodstock, GA?

Pinhole leaks have more than one possible cause.

Internal Pitting Corrosion

Internal pitting corrosion is the primary cause of copper pipe pinhole leaks. Severe corrosion occurs inside the copper pipe over time, significantly reducing its structural integrity.

As internal corrosion continues, small corrosion clusters develop outside the pipe, forming pinhead leaks rather quickly. The water chemistry and velocity often accelerate corrosion and pinhead leak formation.

Age

Copper piping systems can last between 20 to 50 years, depending on the type of copper piping. Once copper pipes hit 20 years old, they become more prone to pinhead leaks and deteriorate faster. It’s best to consider replacing your copper pipes once they reach the 20-year mark.

Element Overexposure

Copper pipes often corrode faster when in contact with rebar due to galvanic corrosion. Soil with high oxygen levels can also accelerate galvanic corrosion, making it more vulnerable to pinhead leaks. It’s best to limit copper piping’s oxygen and rebar exposure during installation to hinder galvanic corrosion and preserve their structure.

Contact Quick-Pro Plumbing for High-Quality Plumbing Services in Woodstock, GA

If you want to know what causes pinhole leaks in copper pipes in Woodstock, GA, contact Quick-Pro Plumbing. Its plumbers will have your piping system working better than ever and up to plumbing code at a price that won’t stress your finances. Whether you need single-pinhole leak repair or repiping services, Quick-Pro Plumbing has the skills and experience to do the job.

Give Quick-Pro Plumbing a call or visit the ‘Contact Us’ page and see what the team can do for you today!