Pinhole Leaks
Pinhole leaks are tiny pits of corrosion located inside copper water pipelines that break through the wall of the pipe. Blue-green areas on copper pipes are an indication of corrosion, but not necessarily of pinhole leaks.
Why are metal pipes used if they corrode?
Metals used in plumbing possess a unique combination of strength, durability, corrosion resistance and low cost. In most cases, these metals retain these characteristics through decades of use. Materials that have failed in practice are no longer used. Other metals which do not corrode significantly, such as gold, are too expensive for common use.
Are pinhole leaks a common problem?
Pinhole leaks occur in water systems throughout the world and are a challenge. In the past ten years, less than 2 percent of BCWS customers have reported pinhole leaks.
What causes pinhole leaks?
Although research has been conducted, scientists have not yet discovered why pitting that results in pinhole leaks occurs. “Pitting” happens when there is excessive corrosion of a small area on the interior pipe surface, causing a pinhole in the pipe. There is usually no consistent pattern to help identify the cause. Pinhole leaks can form singly, in patterns or at random along a pipe. They can form in some sections, but not others, of the same pipe in the same house.
National experts currently think that pitting in pipes can start from many factors, including:
- substandard pipe manufacturing
- improper installation
- improper electrical grounding
- excess plumbing flux
What is BCWS doing to reduce pinhole leaks?
While we may never know the exact cause, BCWS has been working on the problem to reduce pinhole leak occurrence in our system. We have gathered water chemistry data, information and pipe samples from customers who have pinhole leaks. We have compared this data to information from other utilities that have experienced pinhole leaks. We have also worked with the Ohio EPA, the city of Hamilton and other experts to identify specific actions that may reduce this problem. We also continue to participate in nationwide surveys and research projects.
Experts have advised BCWS to add a low dose of sodium carbonate, a common water treatment additive, to increase the buffering capacity of the water. Buffering capacity is the resistance to change in pH values, or pH stability. The pH level is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The higher the buffering capacity, the more resistant the water is to change in pH. Water with a stable pH is more likely to create a thin calcium layer inside the water lines. Water is naturally corrosive to metals, and a calcium layer can be a good protective barrier. However, pinhole leaks can still occur in copper pipe, regardless of the buffering capacity of the water.
If my neighbor has experienced pinhole leaks, does that mean I will too?
Scientists have not been able to explain why pitting occurs in one section of pipe but not in others, even when the pipe is located within the same home or neighborhood.
Who is responsible for repairing pinhole leaks and resulting damage?
The customer is responsible for the cost of repair and the damages resulting from leaks occurring in their home and in the service line from the meter to the house. BCWS is responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of the water system up to and including the meter.
What can homeowners do to prevent pinhole leaks?
Currently, there is no way for a homeowner to prevent a pinhole leak. However, there are a few things a homeowner can do to limit potential damage caused by pinhole leaks.
- Turn off the water at the main valve in your house when leaving for an extended period of time.
- Look for leaks regularly.
- If a pinhole is found, patch the leak using a clamp found at local hardware stores or call a plumber.