For all the plumbing experts out there I am having a persistent problem with a some copper pipe leaking. After reparing the pipe several times i finally just replaced the whole run and in examining the pipe I noticed some type of growth inside the pipe. It was only the one piece that was leaking and in examining the inside of the pipe there are lots of small deposits growing inside that I believe was causing the pin hole leaks. It is a hot water line and i have a solar heating system. i have had no problem with any of the other pipes in the house. The house is about 24 yrs old. Has anyone ever seen this type of situation before and if so what is it.
Thanks
Bill
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So here is my thought about your internally crusty and hence leaky copper solar water pipe.................
From my experience with copper drain pipes where the hydrogen sulfide gas from the sewer reacts with the water vapor in the pipe to form sulfurous acid which then eats away slowly at the crown of the copper drain pipe until pin holes reach the exterior of the top of the pipe where the copper sulfate(blue-green) crystals grow like moss on the shady side of the tree!
Jump to your copper water pipes from the solar panels. Assuming that you have separate loops for the collector to the heat exchanger and the domestic hot water supply. If the leaks occur in the closed solar heater loop then consider that the solution that you are pumping is either acid or basic and is reacting with the copper to corrode holes. Check the acidity of the collection loop.
If the leaks occurs on the domestic use side then consider testing your water to find it contents and determine if any of those constituents are reactive with copper.
I would like to add more............could you descibe the solar set-up and if it uses water or antifreeze for the collector loop............or is direct gain? Also could you describe the "growths" found in the leaking pipes.
Just fumbling in the dark..................Iron Helix