Call Now Before It’s Too Late: 678-386-7513

Everything You Need to Know About Pinhole Leaks in Copper Pipes

Understand the causes, recognize the signs, and discover effective solutions for pinhole leaks to protect your home from water damage.

Over 50 Years of experience! Low overhead, Low Prices

What Are Pinhole Leaks?

Pinhole leaks are small, pinpoint holes that develop in copper plumbing pipes due to corrosion over time. These tiny leaks can cause significant water damage, mold growth, and increased water bills if not addressed promptly. Common in homes with copper piping installed 20–50 years ago, pinhole leaks often signal broader system deterioration.

Common Causes of Pinhole Leaks

  • Aggressive water chemistry (high acidity, chloramines, or low pH)
  • High water velocity or turbulence eroding pipe interiors
  • Galvanic corrosion from mixed metals in the system
  • Poor electrical grounding causing electrolysis
  • Hard water minerals leading to pitting
  • Age and general wear on older copper pipes

Signs and Symptoms of Pinhole Leaks

Early detection can prevent major damage. Watch for these warning signs:

  • Blue-green stains on fixtures, sinks, or pipes (copper oxidation)
  • Discolored water or metallic taste
  • Reduced water pressure
  • Unexplained wet spots, mold, or water stains on walls/ceilings
  • Sudden spikes in water bills
  • Visible dripping or recurring small leaks

Solutions for Pinhole Leaks

Spot repairs on individual pinhole leaks are rarely effective long-term, as new holes typically develop elsewhere in the aging copper system. The most reliable and permanent solution is full pipe replacement or whole-house repiping.

Permanent Solution: Repiping with PEX

Signs and Symptoms of Pinhole Leaks

Replacing copper pipes with modern PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) eliminates corrosion risks and provides:

  • Resistance to pinhole leaks and scale buildup
  • Better freeze tolerance
  • Fewer fittings and potential leak points
  • Quieter water flow and consistent pressure
  • 50+ year lifespan
Polybutylene pipe replacement

Experiencing Pinhole Leaks in Your Home?

Get a professional inspection and lasting solution.  Modern repiping can eliminate pinhole leaks for good.

Contact Greenlee Plumbing today for leak detection and repair options.  Call 678-386-7513.

NEW YEAR SPECIAL

Pinhole Leak Repairs Starting at $250.00.
Call 678-386-7513 today to schedule an appointment.

We now offer financing.  Call for details: 678-386-7513

Greenlee Plumbing service truck

Ready to Repipe Your Home?

Contact Greenlee Plumbing today to schedule your consultation and discover how easy it is to replace your old plumbing with our expert services.  Call 678-386-7513 to schedule your appointment to get your copper pipe problems resolved.

Our Family Commitment to Quality

At Greenlee Plumbing, we pride ourselves on being a family-owned business dedicated to delivering top-notch polybutylene replacement services. Based in Gainesville, GA, our mission is to provide reliable and efficient plumbing solutions, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners and property managers alike. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we treat every project as if it were our own home.

Best Plumbers in Suwanee
Angi Super Service Award
BBB

What Our Customers Say About Us

“Billy was awesome! I received a text when he was on the way. He was at my door at 12pm, the scheduled appointment time. Not a minute late. He came in and quickly diagnosed both problems.” – Shunya Stafford
“These guys are great! Billy was on time, did quick clean work. Ensured he cleaned up and answered all my questions. These are my go to plumbers from now on.” – R Brant
“I hired Greenlee to replace a water heater and 2 sump pumps. They had the best prices in town, were prompt and professional. Highly recommended” – Andy M

If you feel we met or exceeded your expectations, please leave us a review.

Areas We Service

We find that most of the polybutylene pipe installations reside in the North Eastern part of Atlanta.  Many of these areas also have copper pipes which will get pinhole leaks that cause major problems as well.  Call 678-386-7513 for more information.

Main Polybutylene Areas: Cobb County: Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs, and Smyrna.

We also offer a full line of plumbing services all around Metro Atlanta.

Gwinnett: Auburn, Berkeley Lake, Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Dunwoody, Grayson, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Loganville, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Rest Haven, Snelville, Sugar Hill, and Suwanee.

DeKalb: Brookhaven, Chamblee, Decatur, Doraville, and Dunwoody

Fulton: Alpharetta, Chatahoochee Hills, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Palmetto, Roswell, and Sandy Springs.

Hall: Chestnut Mountain, Clermont, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Gillsville, Lula, Murrayville, and Oakwood