three_jeeps
Well-Known Member
House was built in mid 60s. Original copper pipe throughout. Over last 5-6 years, been chasing pinhole leaks in cold water lines in the unfinished basement, once in a riser to 2nd floor. Typical mid-60s split level suburban house, AFAICT, type M used throughout, 1/2". Strange that it has only happened on cold lines. Water is on the hard side. I talked to some neighbors in the plan (about 15 houses, all built by some company), a few (3-4) have seen this problem. Talked to people one street over, one house has similar issues.
I am at the point where I am going to replace all the cold lines in the basement with new copper, and will us L. Will probably go up to 3/4" for more volume, and will probably put in expansion tank.
The bottom line question is, What is the cause of the pin holes?
One plumber suggested installing a water softener but was just guessing. A few ppl suggested that it is something the township is putting into the water (scary thought).
Another data point, all the sink, bath, and toilet shutoffs are useless - either frozen or bottom out without stopping the water. I've replaced about half of them with 1/4 turn ball valves.
I know the old shutoffs dont work after a while, but seeing this at all the fixtures makes me wonder.
Thanks for any insight.
J
I am at the point where I am going to replace all the cold lines in the basement with new copper, and will us L. Will probably go up to 3/4" for more volume, and will probably put in expansion tank.
The bottom line question is, What is the cause of the pin holes?
One plumber suggested installing a water softener but was just guessing. A few ppl suggested that it is something the township is putting into the water (scary thought).
Another data point, all the sink, bath, and toilet shutoffs are useless - either frozen or bottom out without stopping the water. I've replaced about half of them with 1/4 turn ball valves.
I know the old shutoffs dont work after a while, but seeing this at all the fixtures makes me wonder.
Thanks for any insight.
J