Copper pipes are prone to pinholes that can cause gradual water leakage and as a result, damage to your home. These destructive opening are common in copper plumbing and are caused by corrosive particles, improper fittings, and turbulence in pipes.
Early signs of pinhole leaks are difficult to detect by the naked eye, but early detection is essential to help save your home from costly repair. Here is a list of what to look for:
Blue Dots
Change of color on your copper pipes is a common indication that your pipes are having an issue with corrosion. Blue-green or black dots on pipes are an early indication of pinhole development.
Expensive Water Bills
Are you noticing an abrupt increase in your monthly water bill? You may be paying for the water leakage happening in your basement, crawlspace or wall cavity you aren’t able to see.
Drip… Drip… Drip Sounds
Don’t ignore dripping noises around your home, as faint as they may be, because even the smallest of leaks can cause significant damage over time. A good home inspector will have a moisture meter or an infrared camera they can use in the right area to find signs of a leak.
Water Stains and Discoloration of Walls
With most plumbing being hidden in your walls, be aware of any peeling, discoloration, blistering, cracks and warping in your drywall or plaster. Remember, water always moves in the direction of least resistance, so you will most likely see signs of a leak towards the bottom of a wall or at the baseboards. At the first signs of any of those issues, contact a plumber to evaluate and repair the areas plumbing to prevent further damage.
