Why copper develops pinholes
Copper was the standard supply pipe in many homes built from the 1950s through the 1970s, including a large share of La Habra's tract neighborhoods. Copper lasts a long time, but it is not permanent. Water chemistry, high velocity, hard water deposits and age can slowly thin the pipe wall from the inside until a tiny hole opens.
Pinholes often show up first in hot water lines and near bends or fittings, where water changes direction. Because they start so small, they may spray inside a wall or under a slab for a while before anyone sees damage.
Signs of a pinhole leak
- A fine spray or mist under a sink or behind an access panel.
- Green or blue-green spots on copper pipe.
- A small wet spot on drywall that keeps returning.
- A hissing sound in a wall when no fixtures are running.
- A water meter that moves when all water is off.
Stopping it right away
- Close the nearest valve or the main.If the leak is under a sink, the fixture valve may isolate it. Inside a wall, close the main.
- Do not rely on tape.Tape or epoxy wraps can slow a drip, but they are not a lasting repair on a pressurized line.
- Open the wall only as needed.If water is pooling in the wall, removing a small section of wet drywall helps it dry, but leave the pipe work to a licensed plumber.
Repair options compared
| Option | What it involves | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Spot repair | Cut out and replace the damaged section | First leak, pipe otherwise in good condition |
| Reroute | Bypass one problem line with new pipe through walls or attic | A line under the slab or one that has leaked repeatedly |
| Partial repipe | Replace the hot side or one area of the house | Leaks concentrated in one part of the system |
| Whole-house repipe | Replace all supply lines, often with copper or PEX | Repeated leaks in different places, galvanized lines or very old copper |
What drives the scope and cost
- Access
- Walls, ceilings, attic space and how much drywall must be opened
- Pipe material
- Copper, PEX or a mix, and the fittings used
- House size
- Number of bathrooms and fixtures served
- Patching
- Whether drywall repair and paint are included
- Permit
- Repiping may need a city permit; check with the city
What to ask before agreeing to a repipe
- How many leaks would justify a repipe in your view, and why?
- What pipe material do you recommend, and why for this house?
- How long will the water be off each day during the work?
- Is drywall patching included, or do I need someone else for that?
- Will the work be permitted and inspected?
Common questions
Is one pinhole leak a reason to repipe?
Not necessarily. A single leak is often repaired on its own. Several leaks in different spots over a short time are a stronger sign that repiping may be worth discussing.
Can hard water cause pinhole leaks?
Water chemistry is one of several factors in copper pipe wear. A plumber can look at the pattern of leaks in your home to judge what is happening.
Should I get a second opinion on a repipe?
For a large job, getting more than one written quote from licensed plumbers is reasonable once the emergency is stabilized.
General information for La Habra, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.