Baltimore Plumbing

Rapid location and repair of a domestic pipe leak, even a pin hole leak, will prevent wood rot, depreciation of the insured value of your home, termites and mold. Therefore, it is essential that at the first sign of a plumbing pipe leak, (see below), you contact a plumber. A-1 Plumbing of Baltimore assists in all the phases of pipe leak response, diagnosis, location repair and prevention.

Pin Hole Leaks

80% of the buildings in America use copper plumbing piping. After many years we are seeing an increasing number of pin hole leaks in these pipes, which results from years of internal pitting corrosion

Signs and Symptoms of a Pin Hole Leak

Most plumbing pipes are hidden behind walls or above the ceiling, so it is sometimes difficult to recognize the presence of a pin hole leak and to locate it. Signs of a pin hole leak include:

• Bluish green color on exposed copper pipes
• Unexplained increased water usage on the waterbill
• Moisture or wet spots appearing on walls or on the ceiling,
• Termites, (they thrive on the water)
• Development of mold (thrives in damp areas)

What Should I do If I Suspect a Pipe Leak?

If you suspect that you have a pin hole pipe leak in the house you should contact a plumber immediately. If you do nothing, the leak will continue, and the water will rot out your home's wood. In time, this will decrease the insurance value of your home. The ready supply of moist wood will attract termites.

What Will the Plumber Do?

If the plumber assesses the situation and determines there probably is a leak, he will try and locate the leak. He may have to remove part of your ceiling or part of your wall in the process of finding the source of the leak.

How Will the Plumber Fix the Leak?

If the plumber finds a pin hole leak, you will have 4 alternatives.

• Solder the leak
• Replace a larger section of the pipe, if he believes the pipe is in danger of developing a leak later on
• Replace all the piping in the home with plastic PVC, (Polyvinylchloride), piping
• Coat the inside of existing pipes with epoxide Discuss the situation with your plumber and decide which choice is right for you.

Other Types of Pipe Leaks

• Cracked and Frozen Pipes - A common cause of pipe leaks is winter freezing. Frozen water in a plumbing pipes freezes. Frozen water expands and causes the pipe to enlarge, crack or burst apart. The leak becomes apparent when the water thaws.

What to do if you see the signs of a leaky pipe

• If a lot of water is leaking, then shut the water off at the main and call a plumber immediately. Otherwise call the plumber for a routine visit
• Do Not delay calling the plumber. Long standing water leaks cause damage to your home and increase your water bill. (See above).