Why are metal pipes used if they corrode?
Metals used in plumbing possess a unique combination of strength, durability, corrosion resistance and low cost. In most cases, these metals retain these characteristics through decades of use. Materials that have failed in practice are no longer used. Other metals which do not corrode significantly, such as gold, are too expensive for common use. Are pinhole leaks a common problem? Pinhole leaks occur in water systems throughout the world and are a challenge. In the past ten years, less than 2 percent of BCDES customers have reported pinhole leaks. What causes pinhole leaks? Although research has been conducted, scientists have not yet discovered why pitting that results in pinhole leaks occurs. “Pitting” happens when there is excessive corrosion of a small area on the interior pipe surface, causing a pinhole in the pipe. There is usually no consistent pattern to help identify the cause. Pinhole leaks can form singly, in patterns or at random along a pipe. They can form in some sectio
