Pinhole Leaks
Pinhole Leaks | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Soddy-Daisy
When pinhole leaks start turning your Soddy-Daisy home into a surprise water feature, HEP’s licensed plumbers arrive fast with specialized leak-detection gear and decades of local know-how. We trace hidden seepage behind walls and foundations, then eliminate the damage at its source—saving you from inflated water bills, mold growth, and the frustration of repeat repairs.
For lasting peace of mind, our team can replace aging copper or galvanized lines with modern PEX or CPVC during targeted pipe upgrades that boost water pressure, improve quality, and add value to your property. Backed by transparent pricing, neat workmanship, and a satisfaction guarantee, HEP Plumbing keeps your water flowing flawlessly—so you can get back to enjoying life on the lake without worrying about what’s happening behind your walls.
FAQs
What causes pinhole leaks in copper pipes in Soddy-Daisy homes?
Most pinhole leaks are the result of internal corrosion. Soddy-Daisy’s municipal water is safe to drink, but it can be slightly acidic and carry small amounts of dissolved oxygen and minerals that attack copper over time. High water velocity in undersized pipes, excessive chlorine, and stray electrical currents from improper grounding can accelerate the process. After 15–25 years the pipe wall thins until a microscopic “pin hole” develops, allowing water to spray out.
How can I tell if I have a pinhole leak rather than normal condensation?
Condensation forms as uniform moisture on the outside of a cold pipe and stops shortly after you stop running cold water. A pinhole leak, on the other hand, produces a fine mist or steady drip that continues even when the fixture is off. Other red flags are unexplained increases in your water bill, green or bluish stains on the pipe, damp drywall or cabinetry, moldy odors, and the sound of running water when no tap is open. If you shut off the main valve and your water meter still moves, you almost certainly have a hidden leak.
Why should I consider a whole-home pipe upgrade instead of repeated spot repairs?
Once pinhole leaks start, the rest of the piping network is usually the same age and condition. Repairing just the visible hole fixes today’s problem but leaves equally thin spots that can fail next month. Multiple service calls quickly add up—plus you risk water damage each time. A planned repipe gives you new, warrantied piping, better flow, and peace of mind. Because we open walls only once and work zone-by-zone, a full upgrade is often more cost-effective and less disruptive long-term than chasing leaks piecemeal.
What pipe materials do you recommend for replacements in our area, and why?
For most Soddy-Daisy homes we suggest Type L copper or PEX-A tubing. Type L copper is thicker than the older Type M found in many houses and has a 50-year life expectancy. PEX-A is a flexible, cross-linked polyethylene that resists scale and chlorine corrosion, withstands freezing better than copper, and can be pulled through cavities with minimal wall damage. Both materials are code-approved in Tennessee; the best choice depends on your budget, water quality, and how accessible your framing is. We’ll explain the pros and cons during a free on-site evaluation.
How long does a typical pipe upgrade take and will I need to leave my house?
An average 2-bath, 1,800-sq-ft home can usually be fully repiped in 2–3 days. Our crew sets up dust barriers, protects floors, and works in sections so you can stay in the house most of the time. Water is turned off only during the actual tie-in—usually a few hours per day. We finish with drywall patching and rough painting; final paint can be done by us or your painter. Larger or more complex homes may take up to a week, and we’ll give you a precise schedule before work begins.
What does it cost to repair pinhole leaks versus performing a full pipe replacement, and do you offer financing?
A single pinhole repair in an open area might cost as little as $250–$400, but if drywall, cabinetry, or slab work is required the price can jump to $800–$1,500 per leak. A whole-house repipe for most Soddy-Daisy residences falls between $4,500 and $9,500 depending on size, story count, and material choice. We offer transparent, up-front pricing, manufacturer-backed warranties, and 0% interest financing for qualified homeowners so you can spread the investment over 6–24 months. Insurance may cover water damage but rarely pays for replacing corroded pipes themselves.