Whose Fault is it
When Pipes Develop Pinhole Leaks?

There are no easy answers.

While there are a number of possible causes of pinhole leaks, but it is generally accepted that there is one single cause or solution.

Here are a few possible causes of pinhole leaks: • Copper, the standard metal used in piping, is reliable only for 25-50 years, after which it begins to break down, causing pinhole leaks. • The local water treatment process is altered to include chemicals that break down copper piping much quicker. • Soil chemistry can also cause quicker pipe breakdown in the case of underground piping. • Faulty copper materials or installation can result in an increase in the material’s breakdown rate. • Copper pipes that are used to ground electrical wiring are picking up random corrosive electrostatic charges from recent installation of cable, computer or other high-tech wiring. This causes the piping to break down faster than usual.

Some areas are showing a higher rate of incidence than others, in both old and new homes. This has raised the question as to whether or not changes in the local water treatment process are to blame.

Agencies responsible for water treatment, such as the WSSC (Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission) deny responsibility. They claim that very little has changed about the process in the past 10 years and whatever has changed has been an improvement.

The CDA (Copper Development Association) tells a different story.

CDA vice-president says, “We know what causes copper to fail, and failures are rare. We think it’s a water-chemistry problem.

Many plumbers like John Leahy in Washington agree. “I’d be shocked if it turned out to be something other than water treatment, Leahy said. “They’ve increased the levels of chlorination or made some other changes,” he concluded, despite WSSC’s claims to the contrary.

As the debate continues, homeowner are left hanging, trying to decide on the best course of action to protect their property investment.

What can you do to prevent pinhole leaks? Find out here.