Much of the valley's water is hard, meaning it carries dissolved minerals. Combined with heat and age, copper lines in older homes can develop small pinhole leaks.
- Watch for small stains, green spots on exposed copper, or low water pressure.
- Check the meter for unexplained flow.
- Ask a plumber about spot repairs versus repiping, and whether water treatment makes sense for your home.
See slab leaks.
How a pinhole leak turns into water damage
A pinhole in a copper line behind a wall or under a slab may spray or drip slowly for weeks. By the time you see a stain or a warm floor, drywall, insulation, or flooring may be soaked. That is why the water meter test matters: it catches leaks you cannot see.
Questions to ask a plumber
- Is this a single failure or a sign the whole system is wearing?
- What are the options: spot repair, reroute, or repipe, and what does each involve?
- Will you need to open walls or floors, and who patches them?
- Would water treatment help, and what does maintenance involve?
After the repair
Ask for moisture readings around the leak. If materials are wet, a restoration contractor can dry them before walls are closed. Keep the plumber's invoice and photos for your insurer.
Related: water damage · slab leaks · burst pipes · mold · guides
Guides: What Tropical Storm Hilary Taught Valley Homeowners · Leaving for the Summer: A Leak-Prevention Checklist · Hard Water, Copper Pipes, and Pinhole Leaks · AC Condensate Leaks in Desert Homes
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