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Why Do More Copper Pinhole Leaks Spring Up After Repairing Damaged Sections Of Copper Water Lines in Pittsburgh?
Pinhole leaks are a common but frustrating plumbing issue, especially for homeowners with older copper piping. These tiny leaks may seem minor, but they can indicate larger underlying problems in your plumbing system. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is turning their water back on after discovering a pinhole leak—without addressing the root cause. This can lead to more leaks appearing, worsening the damage, and increasing repair costs.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into why turning the water back on when you have pinhole leaks can cause more leaks to form, what causes these leaks in the first place, and the best solutions to prevent further damage.
Understanding Pinhole Leaks in Copper Pipes
Before discussing why more leaks can form, it's important to understand what pinhole leaks are and why they happen.
What Are Pinhole Leaks?
Pinhole leaks are tiny perforations in copper pipes, usually less than a millimeter in diameter. Though small, they can cause water to slowly seep out, leading to water damage, mold growth, and increased water bills. These leaks typically develop over time due to corrosion and weakening of the pipe's interior walls.
What Causes Pinhole Leaks?
There are several reasons why pinhole leaks form in copper pipes:
Corrosion from Water Chemistry
High acidity or alkalinity in your water can accelerate pipe corrosion.
Soft water (low mineral content) can cause copper to deteriorate faster.
Chlorine and other disinfectants in municipal water systems can corrode pipes over time.
Turbulence and Velocity Issues
High water pressure and sudden directional changes in pipes can lead to turbulence, which wears down the inside of the pipes.
Areas where pipes bend or where fittings are installed are particularly vulnerable.
Electrolysis
If copper pipes come into contact with dissimilar metals (like steel or iron), an electrochemical reaction can occur, leading to rapid corrosion.
Poor Installation or Aging Pipes
Older copper pipes are more prone to corrosion, especially if they were installed decades ago.
Poor soldering or improper pipe fittings can create weak points in the plumbing system.
Why Turning the Water Back On Can Lead to More Leaks
Many homeowners assume that once they patch or replace the section of pipe with a pinhole leak, they can safely turn the water back on. However, doing so without addressing the root cause can actually create additional problems.
1. Increased Water Pressure Can Exacerbate Weak Spots
When your water is turned back on after being shut off, pressure surges through the pipes. If your plumbing system has other weak areas due to corrosion, those spots can give way, leading to new pinhole leaks appearing almost immediately.
If corrosion is widespread, new leaks may develop in nearby sections.
High water pressure can cause existing pinhole leaks to grow larger.
2. Water Hammer Effect Can Worsen Pipe Damage
"Water hammer" occurs when water flow is suddenly stopped or restarted, sending shockwaves through the pipes. When you turn your water back on, this sudden pressure can stress already weakened areas, causing additional leaks to form.
The sudden jolt from restarting water flow can rupture fragile pipe sections.
Pipes with existing internal corrosion are more susceptible to breakage.
3. Corrosion Weakens Pipes Over Time
If one pinhole leak has formed, it's likely that other sections of the pipe are also compromised. Copper pipe corrosion doesn’t happen in just one isolated spot—it’s a progressive issue. When you turn the water back on, you’re forcing water through a system that is already failing, which can accelerate the process and create multiple leaks.
Turning water on too soon might cause another leak in a different part of the same pipe.
Older pipes with interior corrosion may already be at their breaking point.
4. Repairing One Leak Doesn’t Fix the Root Cause
Many homeowners think that fixing a single pinhole leak means the problem is solved. Unfortunately, pinhole leaks are a symptom of a bigger issue—not the problem itself.
If the leak was caused by water chemistry issues, those same conditions still exist in the pipes.
If turbulence or high velocity caused the leak, those pressures are still present in the system.
If the plumbing system is old, more pinhole leaks are likely waiting to appear.
5. Hidden Leaks Can Go Unnoticed Until It’s Too Late
Not all pinhole leaks are immediately visible. Some form inside walls, ceilings, or floors. When you turn the water back on, previously unnoticed weak spots may start leaking behind drywall or under flooring, leading to:
Water damage inside walls
Mold and mildew growth
Structural weakening of wooden supports
Increased water bills due to unnoticed leaks
How to Safely Restore Water and Prevent More Leaks
If you’ve discovered a pinhole leak and need to turn the water back on, you must take precautions to avoid worsening the problem.
Step 1: Inspect Your Plumbing System
Look for additional signs of corrosion on visible pipes.
Check for any discoloration or water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors.
If possible, use an infrared moisture detector to find hidden leaks.
Step 2: Reduce Water Pressure Before Restoring Water
Turn the main shutoff valve back on slowly to prevent sudden pressure surges.
If your home has a pressure-reducing valve (PRV), check that it's properly adjusted (ideally to 40-60 psi).
If you don’t have a PRV, consider installing one to protect your plumbing.
Step 3: Address the Underlying Cause of Pinhole Leaks
Test your water’s pH and mineral content to determine if water chemistry is causing corrosion.
If you have high chlorine levels, consider installing a whole-house water filter to remove excess disinfectants.
If your pipes are aging, consider repiping with PEX or newer copper piping.
Step 4: Use Proper Leak Detection and Prevention Methods
If you suspect widespread corrosion, schedule a professional plumbing inspection.
Consider a whole-house re-pipe if multiple pinhole leaks are appearing.
Install water leak sensors to catch new leaks before they cause major damage.
Step 5: Consider Long-Term Solutions
Install a water softener if you have hard water contributing to corrosion.
Use an epoxy pipe lining to coat the inside of aging pipes, preventing further leaks.
Switch to PEX piping, which is resistant to corrosion and less likely to develop pinhole leaks.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While some homeowners attempt DIY fixes for pinhole leaks, professional intervention is often necessary, especially if multiple leaks have appeared. You should call a plumber if:
You have recurring pinhole leaks in different areas of your home.
You notice low water pressure, which could indicate internal pipe damage.
There are signs of water damage inside walls, ceilings, or floors.
Your home’s pipes are more than 30 years old and showing signs of widespread corrosion.
A licensed plumber can assess the extent of the damage and recommend long-term solutions such as repiping, water filtration, or pressure adjustments to prevent further leaks.
Conclusion: Don’t Just Patch—Fix the Root Cause
Turning the water back on when your pipes have pinhole leaks without addressing the underlying issue is a recipe for disaster. The sudden pressure can stress weak spots, leading to more leaks forming. Instead of just patching one leak at a time, take a proactive approach by investigating the cause, reducing water pressure, and considering long-term solutions like repiping or installing water treatment systems.
By understanding why pinhole leaks form and taking preventative measures, you can protect your home from future water damage and avoid costly plumbing emergencies.
If you would like to schedule a free estimate to convert your old copper lines into pex give us a call at 412-518-7170 or find out more here.
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