January 28, 2011
Brian Johnston
It’s a nightmare for any homeowner when a pinhole leak appears in their copper plumbing, and it’s an even greater headache if they discover more after patching the first one. Worse still, these unseen leaks can result in significant damage and even mold growth if left undetected. That’s why residential plumbing services are so vital for ensuring peace of mind and safeguarding your home.
Unfortunately, this is becoming more common for homes with copper piping in Florida as we have seen an unprecedented number of reports of problems with corrosion and leaks. I agree with leading corrosion experts that the EPA water utility standards 
require them to remove more natural organic materials, such as leaves, from water supplies. Removing them is likely to be a problem since natural organic materials can help form a natural protective layer in metallic pipe. Several studies and research projects look for possible causes but none produced definitive results. I believe the combination of high pH, low organic matter, aluminum solids, and free chlorine is the only thing to change in the last 50 years we have used copper piping for domestic water so likely it is the cause.
Residential Plumbing Services has utilized copper for plumbing systems since 1963, and it’s now present in around 80 percent of all buildings in the United States. Copper is the most popular material for plumbing installations due to its simplicity, corrosion resistance, and resistance to liquid and gas permeation, thus reducing the risk of rust and contamination.
When to consider repiping
Best plumbing practice recommend repiping after three or four leaks at a cost that can run in excess of $8,000. But if you are still connected to the same treated water, repiping with copper is only a temporary solution until pinhole leaks return. I recommend to more homeowners to install CPVC or PEX pipe and fittings. Unlike copper, it will never pit and corrode.
Homeowners that have yet to see any leaks
It is difficult to totally eliminate or prevent copper pitting. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce them, such as:
- Stock up on pipe clamps and be ready to install them over pinholes to temporarily stop leaks until permanent repairs can be made.
- Examine accessible/exposed copper piping for small, bluish-green stains on the pipes – away from joints. This can be an indication of a pinhole leak. Call a licensed plumber immediately at the first signs of leaks.
- Before purchasing a home, self inspect plumbing (or have a licensed plumber do so), ask about the plumbing history, and find out how long the house has been vacant, if applicable.
- Have your water tested for pH value. It may be necessary to do this a number of times at several day intervals, to catch variations. Your water pH should always be higher than 7. If it isn’t, talk to your water department.
July 23, 2026
