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GAZETTE Newspapers
By: Arthur S. Lazerow
Repairing Pin Hole Leaks
Carla’s question several weeks ago about pinhole water
leaks triggered a flood (excuse the pun!) of comments and
additional questions. All have been answered, but the concern
about knowing what to look for and how to repair pinhole leaks
was raised repeatedly.
Andrew Simpson, President of Paul
Friedman Inc., Plumbing & Heating, emailed with some clarifying
information. He said “the standard grade of copper pipe for
residential use is Type M, Type L is an upgrade or for
commercial work and the price of copper is through the roof.
Currently WSSC does not approve of PEX, and PVC is only for cold
water. CPVC is for hot and cold…We recommend that a total
replumb using CPVC is the best remedy, although we will use
copper if that is what the homeowner wants, but in this case,
"metal is not better than plastic."
Pinhole leaks are often difficult to find at their onset. The
smallest leak typically creates a droplet of water, which
evaporates. The residual calcium salts accumulate into little
white deposits on the pipe. A noticeable leak will occur when a
pipe fails or when the calcium deposits are knocked off, such as
when Carla’s husband used his head as a battering ram and
created his personal little rain forest.
Homeowners, especially of older homes, should inspect any pipes
that are visible. WSSC’s statistics show that leaks are most
common on horizontal pipes, rather than vertical riser pipes.
Look for water stains on floors below pipes or on ceilings under
pipes. A white powder-like substance on the outer surface of a
pipe should be investigated carefully.
Along with fire and electrical short circuits, a serious water
leak is a significant threat to the well being of a home. Being
proactive is the key. Inspect periodically for early signs of
pinhole leaks, or any leak for that matter. Should you have
any concern, call a knowledgeable professional plumber for
advice. Spending a few dollars to learn that there is no
problem still offers peace of mind.
Corrective action to resolve leaking pipes is expensive but
absolutely necessary. A flooded basement or wet walls results
in even more extensive repairs and expenses. The least
expensive course of action is to replace the leaking pipe.
Consider this a temporary measure to solve the initial leak and
buy some time.
Replumbing of a house or epoxy coating of the existing pipes is
the recommended remediation of a plumbing system experiencing
pinhole leaks. Any qualified plumbing contractor can replace
the hot and cold water pipes throughout a home. Several
organizations, such as Paul Friedman Inc. or Plumbing Express,
will perform a “turnkey” installation, which includes pipe
replacement, repair of walls that were cut open for access
purposes, and final painting.
The alternative to pipe replacement is the epoxy lining of
existing pipes. This process was developed in Japan and has
been utilized there for many years. It is now being introduced
in the United States. ACE Duraflow in Waldorf, Maryland is the
local contractor for this process. ACE stands for Air drying of
pipes after they are heated, sandblasting and Cleaning, and
finally applying under pressure a liquid Epoxy coating inside
all pipes to create a permanent barrier to prevent leaks. Hoses
are placed at the beginning and end of each plumbing pipe run.
The process is then controlled through these hoses. The
advantage is that no wall or structural damage occurs to the
home and the price is approximately the same as a turnkey
replacement.
Home inspectors consider water problems the number one
deficiency found during their inspections. Considering how much
damage water can do to a home, resolving any leaks, such as
pinhole leaks, running toilets, or leaking faucets, should
receive immediate attention. The cost of these repairs is money
well spent.
Have a question relating
to a housing or environmental issue? To contact Mr. Lazerow,
click on “Contact Us” at Albaninspect.com. Mention
“Gazette Newspapers” in your question. Every question will be
answered and some will be included in this column.
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