Pin-holed Copper
Pin-holed Copper | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Jellico
Tiny pin-holes in aging copper lines can turn a calm Jellico morning into an emergency flood. HEP’s licensed pros track down the leaks you can’t see, isolate hidden corrosion, and replace faulty runs with modern, long-lasting materials—all without tearing your whole house apart. From the first camera inspection to the final pressure test, we keep you in the loop so there are zero surprises, only clean water and peace of mind.
Our targeted pipe upgrades stop recurring leaks, boost water pressure, and raise your home’s value in a single visit. Schedule today and discover why Jellico homeowners call HEP the “no-drip, no-mess” team for life beneath the walls.
FAQs
What causes pin-hole leaks in copper plumbing, and why are they common in Jellico?
Pin-hole leaks are tiny, corrosion-related perforations that develop over time in copper tubing. In Jellico, our water tends to be slightly acidic and can contain higher dissolved oxygen levels. This chemistry accelerates pitting corrosion inside copper pipes, especially in hot-water lines. Over years, the pitting becomes a full-blown pin-hole leak. Houses built between the 1970s and early 2000s are most vulnerable because copper was the default material and water treatment standards were different back then.
How do I know if I have pin-hole leaks or failing copper pipes?
Common signs include unexplained spikes in your water bill, damp spots on drywall or ceilings, reduced water pressure, and small green or blue stains on pipe surfaces. You may also hear a hissing sound when the house is quiet. A licensed plumber can perform a pressure test and use thermal or acoustic leak-detection tools to confirm the exact location and extent of damage.
Is it better to repair individual pin-holes or upgrade the entire piping system?
Isolated repairs work if the piping is less than 15 years old and the leak is truly localized. However, once multiple pin-holes appear, it indicates systemic corrosion. At that point, repiping—replacing all affected copper with PEX or new L-type copper—provides a permanent cure, eliminates future leaks, and often improves water pressure and quality. Most Jellico homeowners find a full upgrade more cost-effective over the long term.
What piping materials do you recommend for upgrades, and why?
For most Jellico homes, we recommend PEX-A or PEX-B tubing. PEX is highly resistant to corrosion, handles temperature fluctuations, and requires fewer fittings, which reduces leak points. It’s also faster to install, minimizing labor costs and disruption. If you prefer copper, we use thicker L-type copper paired with dielectric unions and proper water conditioning to mitigate future pitting.
How long does a typical whole-house repipe take, and will I be without water?
A standard three-bedroom, two-bath home can be fully repiped in 2–3 days. We stage the project so you’ll have at least one working bathroom at the end of each day. Full water shutdowns usually last only a few hours during the pipe-switch-over phase. Wall patches and finish work may add an extra day, but overall disruption is minimal.
What is the cost range for upgrading from pin-holed copper to PEX in Jellico, and are there financing options?
Prices vary by home size, pipe accessibility, and fixture count, but most projects fall between $4,000 and $9,000. This includes materials, labor, permits, and basic drywall repair. We offer transparent, upfront quotes and multiple financing plans—0% interest for 12 months or low-interest terms up to 60 months—to help spread out the investment. All repipes come with a 25-year manufacturer warranty on PEX and a 10-year workmanship guarantee.