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What are copper pipe corrosion & pinhole leaks?

Copper pipe corrosion & pinhole leaks result from degradation of the copper metal used in copper piping. Since all metals corrode, somebody may wonder why metals are used to make pipes and pipe fittings. The answer is simple. Metals don’t corrode overnight. Corroding takes time and it is just what happens over time, as the metals grow old. It is a normal process. Therefore, plumbing professionals freely use metals such as copper for home plumbing systems and repipes. It is a fact that Copper has many good qualities, which combined together make copper a good material for plumbing systems, pipes, and fittings.

Some of the dangers resulting from copper corrosion in your pipes could cause significant loss of pipe material. This in return will cause your pipes to lose its strength and create pinholes.  Furthermore, water pipes that have lost some of its piping material will start to burst and break more often. In addition, copper corrosion & pinholes could also lead to small release of metal to your drinking water.

Bursting copper pipes? Are plastic pipes or metal pipes better for your plumbing system? Do you have defective copper pipes? How to prevent pinhole leaks in copper pipes? Do you have leaking pipes? How to detect pinhole leaks?  Pinhole leaks causes? Why copper corrodes? Get your answers here! 

How do copper pipe corrosion & pinhole leaks occur?

To make things more complicated, corrosion can develop in one of two ways. One is normal corrosion, and the other is pitting corrosion. Homeowners and residents shouldn’t be so concerned with the normal corrosion on copper pipes, as this is something “normal”. Normal corrosion is happening very slowly, during which time the corrosion eats away the surface of the pipe. Usually this takes hundreds of years and it is not something homeowners need to worry about.

However, on the other hand pitting corrosion is something that needs attention. It is excessive corrosion on a small area on the surface of the pipe, creating a pinhole. As a result of that pinhole the pipe breaks or bursts resulting in a water leak. When that happens, the bursting or broken pipe must be replaced. If the pitting corrosion is happening on all major pipes throughout the house, it will cause multiple pinhole leaks. In such cases, homeowners will need to do a complete house repipe in order to cure the problem.

Why not use plastic pipes to prevent copper pipe corrosion & pinhole leaks?

Lastly, many of you will ask why plumbing contractors don’t use plastic pipes in order to avoid the issues resulting from using metal pipes? The answer lies in the fact that even though plastic pipes could avoid the pitting corrosion problem, at the same time they bring other problems. Major problem with plastic pipes is that certain bacteria can grow much faster on plastic pipe surfaces rather than on copper pipe surfaces.  Since potable water must have minimal levels of bacteria this is not an ideal solution.

In addition, since plastic is porous, unwanted chemicals could easily penetrate drinking water thought the plastic tubing. Moreover, since plastic is also prone to bursting in lower temperatures, it cannot be used to ground electrical appliances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you suspect that you may have pitting corrosion on your copper piping in your home resulting in multiple leaks, you should consult with a reputable repiping company in your area. You may need to replacing one or all pipes, therefore, you will need the expert opinion of a licensed plumbing contractor.

Advanced Pipe Restoration & Repipe can help you examine the plumbing problem or leak that you are having and assists with practical restoration and repiping solutions. We offer quality pipe restoration and repipe services in California & Nevada, including Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Henderson & all surrounding areas. Contact us today for you free repipe consultation at (888) 445-8720 or visit us at Advancedrepipe.com.