There are a wide variety of different problems that can affect the average home plumbing system. Ranging from minor inconveniences to major emergencies, these problems usually take the form of blockages or leaks. Though at first they may seem like a minor inconvenience, pinhole leaks are actually a very serious plumbing issue that must be dealt with sooner rather than later. Let’s take a look at the cause of pinhole leaks, and how they can cause serious damage to your home.
Most of the pipes used in modern plumbing today are copper. This is because copper is largely resistant to rust and other forms of corrosion, making it ideal for long-lasting piping material. However, copper is not immune to all forms of corrosion. Chlorine particles in the air interact poorly with copper, eating away at it at a rapid rate. This is called pitted corrosion, and it will open up small leaks in the pipes in short order. These leaks are called pinhole leaks, and they can cause immense damage to the plumbing system.
Pinhole leaks are quite tiny, only large enough to release one or two droplets at a time. Why are they such a threat, then? The key is that they are so small they don’t give off any warning signs when they form. Short of physically examining the pipe somehow, there is virtually no way to detect them. This give the pinhole leak essentially unlimited time to rot out the entire area around the leaky pipe. Most people notice pinhole leaks when they spot the wide ring of rotted out dry wall around the pipe, at which point it’s too late to prevent the majority of the damage.
Bell Plumbing and Heating offers water leak detection services throughout Denver, CO. Call today for an appointment with one of our plumbers.
We’re ready to answer your questions or schedule your appointment, call now or book online!