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Copper Pinhole Leaks in Pittsburgh: Causes, Problems, and Solutions
- Pittsburgh Plumber
- Oct 24, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 18
Copper pinhole leaks are a common yet frustrating problem for homeowners in Pittsburgh. These small leaks in copper pipes can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. At Revelation Plumbing, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing copper pinhole leaks in Pittsburgh, ensuring your plumbing system stays in top shape. In this blog, we’ll explain why copper pinhole leaks happen, what causes them, the damage they can lead to, and how to fix them—plus why Revelation Plumbing is your best choice for repairs.
What Are Copper Pinhole Leaks?
Copper pinhole leaks are tiny holes that form in copper plumbing pipes over time. While small in size, these leaks can allow water to escape, leading to serious damage to your home’s plumbing and infrastructure.
Why Do Copper Pinhole Leaks Happen?
There are several reasons why copper pipes develop pinhole leaks:
Corrosion from Water Chemistry
The water in Pittsburgh’s municipal systems can have certain properties—such as high levels of chlorine or acidic pH—that contribute to corrosion inside copper pipes.
Over time, this corrosion weakens the pipe walls, leading to tiny holes.
In our plumbing work across the Pittsburgh area, we consistently see pinhole leaks occur much more frequently in homes located within municipalities served by West View Water Authority. While every home is different, there's a clear pattern emerging—areas with Westview water tend to have a much higher rate of copper pipe failures, especially in homes with Type M copper. The water chemistry, particularly the use of chloramine as a disinfectant, may be playing a role in accelerating internal corrosion. If you're experiencing repeated leaks and you're in a Westview-serviced area, it may not be a coincidence.
Age of the Plumbing System
If your home has older plumbing, the copper pipes may be wearing down. As copper ages, it becomes more susceptible to pinhole leaks. Homes built in the 1970s or earlier are especially prone to copper pipe degradation.
Water Velocity and Pressure
High water pressure or velocity can cause wear and tear on the interior surfaces of copper pipes. This increased stress can eventually lead to pinhole leaks.
Environmental Factors
Certain environmental conditions, such as soil composition and humidity, can also accelerate the deterioration of copper pipes, contributing to leaks over time.
Problems Caused by Copper Pinhole Leaks
Even though copper pinhole leaks start small, they can lead to significant problems if left untreated. Some of the issues include:
Water Damage: Pinhole leaks can cause water damage to walls, ceilings, and floors. Over time, this damage can lead to mold growth and structural weakening.
Higher Water Bills: Even a small leak can waste gallons of water over time, leading to unexpectedly high water bills.
Decreased Water Pressure: As leaks develop, the water pressure in your plumbing system may decrease, leading to issues with faucets, showers, and appliances.
Risk of Larger Leaks: If a pinhole leak is not addressed, it can expand into a larger leak, resulting in even more damage and costly repairs.
How to Fix Copper Pinhole Leaks
Fixing a copper pinhole leak requires professional expertise to ensure the problem is solved effectively. Here’s how we address these leaks at Revelation Plumbing:
Pittsburgh Leak Detection and Inspection
Our licensed plumbers perform a thorough inspection to locate the leak and determine its cause. Using advanced tools, we detect the smallest leaks before they can cause more extensive damage.
Pipe Repair or Replacement
Depending on the extent of the damage, we can replace the affected section of the pipe. If your plumbing system is older and prone to leaks, we may recommend upgrading the pipes to a more durable material, such as PEX. To learn more about the different types of pex, click here.
Preventative Maintenance
To prevent future leaks, we can also provide preventative maintenance services. This includes checking water pressure, testing water quality, and recommending steps to protect your pipes from corrosion and wear. A quality water softener system can add years to the life of your plumbing pipes and fixtures—especially if it's installed before hard water minerals or chemical corrosion have caused irreversible damage.
Copper Pipes With Pinhole Leaks
Prevent Pinhole Leaks in Copper Pipes with Revelation Plumbing
Pinhole leaks in copper pipes can be a frustrating and costly problem for homeowners. These small leaks occur when the copper pipes develop tiny holes due to corrosion, wear, or other environmental factors. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent pinhole leaks in copper pipes and prolong the lifespan of your plumbing system.
1.Maintain Proper Water Chemistry
One of the main causes of copper pinhole leaks is water chemistry. When the water is too acidic (low pH), it can corrode copper pipes. To prevent this, you can:
-Test your water quality regularly. If your water is too acidic, you may need to install a water pH neutralizer.
- Use a water softener if your water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can lead to scale buildup and pipe corrosion.
Maintaining the right water chemistry can significantly reduce the risk of corrosion that causes pinhole leaks.
2. Control Water Pressure
High water pressure can cause excessive wear and tear on the interior walls of copper pipes, leading to pinhole leaks over time. To avoid this:
- Install a water pressure regulator if your water pressure is too high.
- Regularly check your water pressure, keeping it between 40-60 psi to reduce stress on your pipes.
Reducing excessive pressure can extend the life of your copper pipes and prevent leaks.
3. Prevent Water Velocity Damage
High water velocity can cause erosion inside copper pipes, particularly in areas with many bends or elbows. To minimize this risk:
- Ensure that your plumbing system is properly designed, with smooth bends and appropriately sized pipes.
- Avoid sudden starts and stops in your plumbing system, as this can increase water velocity and stress on the pipes.
By reducing water velocity, you can help prevent the formation of pinhole leaks.
4. Install a Whole-House Water Filter
Installing a whole-house water filter can help protect your copper pipes from corrosion by removing contaminants such as chlorine, sediment, and chemicals that contribute to pipe deterioration. A filtration system can:
- Remove chlorine and chloramine, which is a common cause of copper pipe corrosion.
- Filter out sediment that can cause abrasions inside the pipes.
Cleaner water will reduce the rate of corrosion and help prevent pinhole leaks rom developing.
5. Use Dielectric Fittings for Dissimilar Metals
If your plumbing system includes pipes or fixtures made of different metals (such as steel or galvanized iron), electrolytic corrosion can occur where the metals connect, accelerating wear and leading to leaks. To prevent this:
- Install dielectric fittings or unions between dissimilar metals to prevent galvanic corrosion.
These fittings act as barriers between different metals, helping to prevent corrosion and subsequent pinhole leaks.
6. Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections
Regular plumbing maintenance can help identify and prevent issues before they become serious. Having your pipes inspected by a licensed plumber allows for early detection of:
- Corrosion or buildup inside the pipes.
- Small leaks that could grow larger if left unaddressed.
Scheduling annual inspections can help you catch problems early and maintain the health of your plumbing system, reducing the likelihood of copper pipe pinhole leaks.
7. Consider Replacing Old Copper Pipes
If your home has older copper pipes (especially if it was built before the 1970s), the pipes may be nearing the end of their lifespan. Over time, all copper pipes eventually wear down and become more susceptible to leaks. In such cases:
- Upgrading to newer piping materials like PEX or CPVC can provide a more durable solution and prevent future leaks.
Consult with a licensed plumber to evaluate whether pipe replacement is the best option for your home.
Revelation Plumbing: Pittsburgh’s Experts in Copper Pinhole Leak Repair
At Revelation Plumbing, we understand the urgency and importance of addressing pinhole leaks quickly and effectively. Our team of licensed, experienced plumbers is highly trained in pinhole leak detection and repair, offering reliable solutions to protect your home. Here’s why Pittsburgh residents trust us:
Quick Response for Emergency Repairs
Pinhole leaks can escalate quickly, so we offer emergency plumbing services in Pittsburgh to address the issue right away.
Expert Knowledge of Pittsburgh’s Plumbing Systems
We’re familiar with the local water chemistry and environmental factors that contribute to pinhole leaks in Pittsburgh, allowing us to tailor our repairs to your specific needs.
Top-Notch Plumbers with Proven Results
Our team of master plumbers is committed to providing high-quality workmanship. With 5-star Google reviews and a reputation for excellence, we’re the best plumbers in Pittsburgh for all your leak repair needs.
What’s Included in a PEX Repipe by Revelation Plumbing?
When you choose us for your whole-house PEX repipe, you're getting more than just new pipes—you’re getting a complete, professional upgrade with industry-leading care and craftsmanship.
Here’s what’s included:
New supply valves at every fixture
We don’t reuse old shutoffs. We install fresh, high-quality supply valves to ensure long-term reliability and code compliance.
New braided stainless steel supply lines
Every fixture gets new, durable supply lines to complete the connection between your plumbing system and sinks, toilets, and appliances.
Clean removal of copper stubs
We eliminate every bit of outdated copper stub-outs and replace them with modern PEX connections for a cleaner, neater installation. We don't want to leave one ounce of copper in your walls.
Drywall protection and jobsite cleanliness
We leave your home cleaner than when we found it.
We cover your floors and surfaces with clean drop cloths and plastic sheeting, dust control measures, and careful cleanup each day.
Cystic and content protection
We protect the contents of your home—including furniture, finishes, and fixtures—while working, because your comfort and peace of mind matter to us.
Code-compliant installation
Our licensed plumbers follow all local plumbing codes and best practices to ensure your repipe passes inspection and performs flawlessly for years.
10-Year Warranty on Our PEX Repipe Work
We proudly stand behind our repipes with a 10-year warranty, far exceeding the industry average. That means if anything goes wrong with the piping installation, we’ll fix it—no questions asked.
Dealing with Copper Pinhole Leaks? Don’t Wait—Call Revelation Plumbing Today
If you're experiencing copper pinhole leaks in your home, don’t ignore the warning signs. These small leaks can quickly lead to big problems—water damage, mold, and mounting repair bills.
At Revelation Plumbing, we’ll send a licensed professional plumber to your home quickly to handle any emergency leaks and stop the damage before it gets worse. More importantly, we’ll help you find a long-term solution so you’re not stuck playing whack-a-mole with your plumbing.
Say goodbye to the stress and uncertainty of recurring leaks. Call us now at 412-518-7170 and let Revelation Plumbing come to the rescue—so you can get back to worry-free living.
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