Pinhole leaks in copper pipes can cause a lot of water damage and be costly to repair. In this article, we’re going to tell you how to prevent these leaks from happening in the first place. Keep reading for our tips!

There are a few ways that you can prevent pinhole leaks in copper pipes.

  • One way is to use a copper pipe primer before you apply the solder. This will help to create a stronger bond between the copper and the solder.
  • You can also use a flux paste, which will help to reduce the number of pinhole leaks.
  • Finally, you can use a copper pipe coating to help protect the copper from corrosion.

What Causes Pinholes In Copper Piping?

The presence of various chemicals in water can cause your copper pipes to be corrosive. For example, high amounts or acidic water can likely contribute heavily toward copper pipes corroding over time. Copper pipes can develop pinhole leaks if the conditions are acidic or corrosive. This means that the leaks can be slow but steady which makes it difficult to notice that you even have a leak happening.

Also, if your pipes are 20+ years old, the inner linings in those copper pipes normally become worn and weaker over time. This makes them more prone to pinhole leaks that can wreak havoc in your home or business!

How Do You Stop A Pinhole Leak?

There are basically 4 ways to fix a pinhole leak on copper piping and they are…

1. Use Epoxy Putty

Pinhole leaks are small, but you can fill them with epoxy putty to make the leak go away. The best tool for this job is an epoxy putty stick which has premeasured amounts of both resin and hardener so it’s easy-to-use! Although this is not a permanent solution, it will last for a length of time until you can get a plumber in to do a more permanent fix.

2. Use A Waterproof Pipe Repair Tape

These waterproof tapes are made from self-infusing silicone so that they form a solid rubber band over the pinhole leak in your copper piping. Again, it’s not a permanent solution but will last long enough for you to get a more permanent repair.

3. Use A Pipe Repair Clamp

This is basically a metal sleeve that is fitted with a pad of flexibile rubber. Placing the clamp over the pinhole leak and then tightening it will help to keep water from leaking out of the copper pipe. If the corrosion in the pipe is severe enough, this method may not work.

4. Replace The Pipe

At some point, a copper pipe with pin hole leaks will have to be replaced so that is the more permanent solution to the problem and one that a plumber can fix for you.

What Is The Best Sealant For Copper Pipes?

Any sealant to fix a pin hole leak in copper piping that is made of silicone is considered to be the best type of sealant. This works mostly on very small gaps of less than 1/4 inch which makes it a perfect product for pin hole leaks.

Does Flex Seal Tape Work On Copper Pipes?

There are many commercials advertising the product Flex Seal and you may be wondering if this can be used to seal pin hole leaks on your copper piping. The manufacturers of Flex Seal do claim that it will work on copper.

Flex Seal is basically a rubberized spray. After you spray ir or paint it on a surface, you give it some time and it will turn into a solid piece of rubber. It can withstand temperatures ranging from -20 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it a very good sealant for many different purposes.

If you have any questions about copper pipes or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-505-8570. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.