If you own an older home in the Sacramento area, it is highly likely that the plumbing pipes moving water throughout your house are copper. Because copper is durable, resists bacterial growth, and is rodent resistant, among other positives, copper pipes have been the most popular choice for plumbing since the mid-1960s.
Why Do Copper Pipes Leak?
Although there are many advantages to copper piping, there are a few disadvantages that can lead to leaking and repair issues. One of the disadvantages of copper piping is that the pipes are prone to corrosion if the water traveling through them is too acidic. If your water pH is between 5 and 6.5, your pipes are likely experiencing the effects of corrosion.
Corrosion in copper pipes can also be a result of improper water velocity, temperature variation, and CO2 levels. Over time this leads to deterioration and shortens the life of your pipes. The age of your pipes matters too. If your pipes are over 20 years old, you should be on the lookout for pinhole leaks.
How Do You Know If You Have Pinhole Leaks?
Although pinhole leaks may be hard to find without professional help, there are a few signs that you may have one or more. Here are some signs.
- Changes in the color of your copper pipes such as black, blue, or green spots
- Changes in the color of your water
- A drop in water pressure
- An increase in your water bill
- Dripping sounds
- Blistering, staining, or spongy walls
- Mold and mildew odors
Any of these signs likely indicate that your copper pipes need repair or replacement. Mr. Rooter in Sacramento can dispatch a professional plumber to quickly assess the issue and recommend the proper action.
If you would like more information on pinhole leaks or suspect your copper pipes may be leaking, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing at (916)- 694-1474. We have the equipment and trained technicians to quickly identify and fix your piping issues.
Sources:
https://www.nuflowmidwest.com/why-10-year-old-copper-pipes-start-to-develop-pinhole-leaks/
https://proinspectsolutions.com/how-to-identify-pin-holes-in-copper-plumbing/
https://redcapplumbing.com/help-guides/troubleshooting/how-to-prevent-pinhole-leaks-in-copper-pipes