Copper is the most commonly used plumbing material in the United States today, installed in more than 80 percent of all homes and office buildings in the U.S. Relatively inexpensive and easy to use, and known for its resistance to contamination and corrosion, copper is used for pipes and numerous other plumbing fixtures. Unfortunately, however, notwithstanding excellent resistance, copper pipes are not immune from springing leaks over time, resulting in costly damage.
The most common reason for a copper pipe to leak is due to pitting, a form of corrosion that occurs in both soft water and hard water environments, and attacks small, localized areas on the inside wall of the pipe. While much research has been conducted in this area, the exact reason why pitting type corrosion occurs remains unknown. It is, however, generally believed to be due to a chemical reaction between the water and the copper, and has been classified into one of three categories (Type I, Type II, and Type III Pitting) based on water temperature and pH level. Type I occurs place in cold, hard water with average pH levels between 7.2 and 8.0. Type II occurs at in warm, soft water with pH levels that are less than 7.2. Type III occurs in water that is cold, and soft with high pH levels. A pinhole leak occurs as the final stage (and breakthrough) of an area of the pipe affected by pitting.
A second reason why a copper pipe may leak is the use of poor quality materials in building, such as a builder using lower grade copper, or pipes of a smaller diameter than necessary.
A third reason for leaking copper pipes is that, in installation, plumbers sometimes take shortcuts that compromise the pipes. One example is a technique known as "cold bending" in which, rather than using elbow joints, the plumber simply bends the pipe to make turns. At the bend, the copper is weakened and over time, water will cause the pipe to erode, eventually resulting in leaks.
While the second and third reasons stated above can (and should) be eliminated in the building and plumbing installation process, it is, unfortunately, virtually impossible to prevent or stop copper from pitting. By taking the following steps, however, it is possible to reduce damage caused by the leaks induced by such pitting:
Check all copper piping that is exposed for small stains of a bluish-green color, which is one potential sign of a pinhole leak. Upon first noticing any such leaks, call a licensed plumber immediately to determine if there is, in fact, a leak. Note: Such bluish-green stains can also be found on copper pipes in damp environments, such as basements, so such stains do not necessarily indicate a leak.
Purchase pipe clamps, and install over pinhole leaks, until a plumbing contractor can perform a more permanent repair. Such clamps are available for purchase at any hardware or home repair store.
Unfortunately, however, other than replacing the damaged section of the pipe completely, a job best left to a licensed plumber, there is no permanent solution to a pinhole leak resulting from pitting corrosion. Nor are there any certain prevention techniques to keep such pitting from occurring in the first place.
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