Pinhole leaks are a common problem with copper plumbing pipes, but they can occur in other metal pipes also. Like their name suggests, they come from holes in the metal that are very tiny – often no bigger than the size of a pinhole.
Pinhole leaks are a bit of a conundrum for Aliso Viejo plumbers. No one really knows why they occur, or why they are so common in copper pipes. Copper and other metal pipes are strong enough to stand up to the constant flow of water that runs through them, and they are often coated for additional protection. Yet, somehow, the metal still wears down over time and creates tiny holes.
Some people believe that chemicals in the water supply are to blame for pinhole leaks. They think that the chemicals interact with the metal and contribute to oxidation or other corrosion that can break down the metal and cause small holes.
Others believe that the continual wear of water in the pipes can break down the protective coating and eventually the metal itself, creating small holes.
The Problem with Pinhole Leaks
You may not think that a hole in your pipe the size of a pinhole would be much of a problem. At most, you might think that a small escape of water would just make the pipe wet to the touch. However, the truth is that pinhole leaks can cause serious damage to your plumbing. They can affect the pressure in your pipes, putting undue pressure on different points in the pipe. Eventually, the pipe can burst or come loose from a connection, dumping thousands of gallons of water into your house and creating thousands of dollars in damage.
Even if the pipe doesn’t burst, the steady drip of water from those pin holes can slowly cause extensive damage. The water can create persistent moisture in the area, which can contribute to the rotting of drywall, framing materials, subdecking and flooring, and more. The consistent moisture can also contribute to the development of mildew and mold, which can further damage your home and can threaten the health of your family and your guests. Those small holes can lead to huge problems and very expensive damages.
Fixing Pinhole Leaks
At a minimum, you will need to repair pinhole leaks by repairing the pipe. Simple repipe repair will replace that portion of pipe that is damaged. However, you will still have copper or metal pipes that are vulnerable to future pitting and additional pinhole leaks. Even if you completely repipe your home, if you have copper or other metal pipes, you are always going to be at risk of dealing with this problem.
The very best thing you can do to protect your home against pinhole leaks is to repipe with a corrosion-resistant material like PVC or PEX. PEX piping is a popular plumbing choice because it resistant to most types of damage. It won’t corrode and form small holes. It won’t freeze or burst in cold weather. It’s also resistant to scale and mineral build up. The flexible material can also be wound around corners without special connectors, and it can fit into the tightest spaces. PEX is ideal for just about any property type, including older homes, and it can save you a lot of money and headache over the years.
At the first sign that you may have pinhole leaks, you should call a Mission Viejo repiping plumber for an inspection. Keep a close watch on the signs of a leak, and call a reputable plumber serving Oceanside to get to the bottom of the problem. The sooner you take action, the more you can minimize the damage to your home and your plumbing system.
If you suspect pinhole leaks in your system, call the most-recommended repiping company in California: Integrity Repipe. Our repiping plumbers can get to the source of your problem right away and give you tailored recommendations for the long-lasting health of your plumbing and your home. Our repiping plumbers in Los Angeles are specialists in PEX piping, and they can repipe your whole house or business with this long-lasting and high-performing piping. They can also repipe your home in other materials, or they can perform isolated repipe repair. Call us today to talk with a repiping plumber about your options.
Published by – Integrity Repipe Inc
Integrity Repipe Inc – Mission Viejo, CA
27281 Las Ramblas, Suite 200
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Phone: 877-473-7473
Website: integrityrepipe.com
Integrity Repipe Inc – San Clemente, CA
927 Calle Negocio Suite O
San Clemente, CA 92673
Phone: 949-397-2404
Website: integrityrepipe.com/san-clemente
Integrity Repipe Inc – Long Beach, CA
2201 N Lakewood Blvd, Ste D #297
Long Beach, CA 90815
Phone: 562-362-5040
Website: integrityrepipe.com/long-beach
Integrity Repipe Inc – Chula Vista, CA
591 Telegraph Canyon Road
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619-313-5744
Website: integrityrepipe.com/chula-vista
Integrity Repipe Inc – Ladera Ranch, CA
27762 Antonio Parkway L1
Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
Phone: 949-397-2795
Website: integrityrepipe.com/ladera-ranch
Integrity Repipe Inc – Lakeside, CA
8337 Winter Gardens Boulevard
Lakeside, CA 92040
Phone: 619-494-3507
Website: integrityrepipe.com/lakeside
Integrity Repipe Inc – Aliso Viejo, CA
27068 La Paz Rd #771
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Phone: 949-449-1142
Website: integrityrepiping.com/aliso-viejo-repipe-copper-pex-ca
Integrity Repipe Inc – Oceanside, CA
1759 Oceanside Blvd C,
Oceanside, CA 92054
Phone: 442-300-3057
Website: integrityrepiping.com/oceanside-repipe-copper-pex
Integrity Repipe Inc – Porter Ranch, CA
19360 Rinaldi
Porter Ranch, CA 91326
Phone: 818-630-9265
Website: integrityrepiping.com/porter-ranch/