Copper Pipe Leaks

[Nikita K. Tsarov]

We manage about 70 rentalunits. In one project We continue to have pin hole leaks in our hot water copper pipes. Leaks are usually close to the hot water heater. We also have leaks in between the walls where we have to cut the sheet rock to get to them . We have been told that it is caused by elecrolysis. In the past year we have had about 150 leaks. This is a multi-plex complex.
Could you please HELP US . How can we solve this problem. It is getting very costly.
Thank You for any help you can give us.

Antonito Housing Authority

[NickHydroParticipant]

tha pips by the watre heeter ar too small and chek to see if yuo hav cheep M tub an get K tubes

[Retired plbg1Participant]

It is something in the water . You might try talking to the water co. and to a water softner co. and get there opinon.Art retired plbg. I saw lime build up in brass pipes and eat holes from inside out same as you.
Art retired plbg

[TheLocalPlumberParticipant]

This is a problem for many. You did not say what part of the country you are in, in the West we have this happen often due to the soil condition and the way in which the pipe was laid in the ground. Per code sand should surround all pipe underground.
The leaks in your walls could be a water velocity problem. How large are those return pumps? Is it always hot water? Does the return line come back to the boiler room 1/2″ in size? What is the water pressure? Does it increaese at different times of the day? Is hot different pressure than cold?
There are alot of questions to be answered. With 150 leaks in the system it seems as if a repipe would have been discussed by now.
There is also a company that relines the existing piping system with epoxy. Beware that this technology is new and far from foolproof.
The epoxy has a tendency to not fill the pipe evenly and or not cover the piping at all. It is, in my mind an expensive experiment.
Good Luck,
Bill
The Local Plumber
Tustin, California http://www.TheLocalPlumber.com

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