Types of leaks we fix
- Pinholes in copper, often on hot lines and near elbows
- Weeping solder joints from poor original work
- Corroded galvanized threads at fittings
- Leaking compression nuts on fixture supplies
- Cracked plastic drain fittings under sinks
The proper repair
- Shut off and drain the affected line.
- Cut out the damaged section back to clean, round pipe.
- Join new pipe with soldered, press or crimp fittings as suited to the material.
- Pressure the line and inspect with dry paper towel for any moisture.
When one leak signals more
Several pinholes in a short time suggest the pipe is thinning throughout. That is when we talk about repiping rather than another patch. Very high water pressure can also stress joints; a pressure test at a hose bib tells us whether a reducing valve is needed.
See also
Leak detection for hidden leaks, burst pipe repair for sudden failures and noisy pipes for hammering lines.
The short version
Tell-tale signs
- Damp joist or rust drip below a bathroom
- Meter dial creeps with every tap in the house closed
- Blistered paint or a tea-coloured ring on a wall
- Turquoise crust building on a copper joint
Kit on the van
- Tube cutters, propane torch, lead-free solder
- PEX crimp rings and a ratchet crimper
- Stainless repair clamps for a fast stop
- Drywall saw and a shop vac for wet cavities
How we go about it
- Close the closest valve, or the main if none holds
- Cut a tidy access hole right at the wet spot
- Saw out the bad length and sweat or crimp in new pipe
- Bring the line back up to pressure and watch it dry
Your questions, answered plainly
Can a pinhole be fixed with epoxy?
Only as a stopgap. A cut-out repair is the lasting fix.
What causes pinholes?
Water chemistry, fast-moving flow and plain age each play a part.