Copper plumbing pipes have been in use for over 50 years, and while still considered very durable pipes, and resistant to corrosion, nevertheless, because of their years in use, occasionally pipes will develop pitting corrosion and subsequent pin hole leaks. Fortunately, the phenomena is overall rare, however, the rate of leak development is time dependent, so as copper pipes are in use for longer and longer periods of time, more of the pipes develop pin hole leaks.

The aggravating factors causing pin hole leaks come from three sources, which together generate a variety of chemical and mechanical forces that cause the corrosion. One source is exposure of the copper pipes to alumina or silica. This comes from cement mains, or else coagulant chemical s added during treatment of the pipes. The second cause is exposure to solder flux. This occurs generally as the result of poor workmanship. And the third cause of pinhole leaks is believd to be mechanical and related to improperly designed water piping, including pipes that are too small for the load or pipe systems with a number of sharp angles and turns.

Extensive scientific research into the phenomena of pin hole leaks has ruled out a number of factors at one time believed to be contributory to the process of copper pipe corrosion. One class of would be causes were astronomical and astrological. These included the alignment of planets, as well as sunspots, paralectrical phenomena such as electrolysis, the grounding of home electrical systems, and radio signals generated by cell phones and mechanical factors including the grade of the copper and the quality of the manufacturing process.
So what are the options if a pipe in the home springs a leak? The simplest solution is to have your plumber solder the leak. The next step up is having him replace a section of the pipe in which the leak developed. For those with resources, a more comprehensive solution is to replace all the copper pipes in the house. A more modern solution is to replace all the copper pipes with PVC, (polyvinylchloride) pipes, and finally one can coat the inside of existing pipes with epoxy.
For homeowners with copper piping, which have never developed pin hole leaks, there are some preventative measures which can be taken to protect against such an occurrence. If a homeowner sees bluish green color on his copper tubing that may be a sign of moisture in the environment or it might be a sign of a pin hole leak. A plumber should be contacted to check the pipe. New homes should be inspected by the buyer or his plumber, for evidence of water leaks. Small leaks can be clamped for awhile until the opportunity arises to fix the leak. New houses should be inspected before purchase. (Plumbers do this inspection routinely). House water should be tested, and a ph above 7 should be maintained. Be wary of well water that is contaminated with corrosive compounds. And be aware that couplings of copper pipes with couplings made of aluminum or steel can lead to corrosive pitting.
Copper pipes are excellent pipes, they have served us well for over 50 years, pitting corrosion is rare, and no doubt researchers will come up with more and more positive ways to preserve their integrity for a long time.
This report has been brought to you by A-1 Plumbing of Baltimore. A-1 is a Baltimore plumbing company with licensed plumbers who are experienced in fixing fixing pipe leaks.

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