Copper Water Pipe Leak
#1
12-21-15, 08:52 AM
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Copper Water Pipe Leak
Hi, I've been having a pipe leaking water on to my ceiling for a while. It's ruined the sheetrock, and I've cut it out to inspect the pipe. There is a lot of calcium build up and tarnishing on the pipe, but the water appears to be coming from a joint that is above the ceiling. This is on the first floor of a two story house, and I checked the water pipes in the attic, but they had no signs of leakage. This leads me to believe that there is water leaking from a joint that is not accessible. It must be somewhere inside the second floor or in the wall going up to the attic. It's quite frustrating since I can't find the source of the leak without tearing the house apart. Do y'all have any suggestions for finding the leak or preventing the water from dripping off the pipe? I've thought about pipe insulation, but eventually that would get soaked and drip too. I only noticed small drops when there is a change in weather. So maybe there is a pinhole leak that expands when the pipes expand, causing the water to drip out? Thanks in advance for your help.
#2
12-21-15, 09:32 AM
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No real secrets to this one, the leak must be found.
Pipe insulation will do nothing. Insurance companies might pay for "burst" pipes, but that varies as to how they determine if a leak is covered, a lot based on how long the leak has existed.
It wouldn't hurt to call them now, whether covered or not.
The drywall can be replaced and made to look new, that's down the road.
Pipe insulation will do nothing. Insurance companies might pay for "burst" pipes, but that varies as to how they determine if a leak is covered, a lot based on how long the leak has existed.
It wouldn't hurt to call them now, whether covered or not.
The drywall can be replaced and made to look new, that's down the road.
#3
12-21-15, 12:30 PM
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I'll give the insurance company a call for coverage. I know I have to find the leak, but are there "non-invasive" ways of finding leaks, where I don't have to pull the floor up and physically get to the leak?
Thanks!
Thanks!
#4
12-21-15, 01:44 PM
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With a leak this small, I don't think non-invasive techniques would work.
Leaks in slabs can be detected, but there's saturation in those cases.
Hopefully the insurance will fix it, if not post back. You might be responsible for any drywall repairs even if insurance does cover the leak.
Leaks in slabs can be detected, but there's saturation in those cases.
Hopefully the insurance will fix it, if not post back. You might be responsible for any drywall repairs even if insurance does cover the leak.
#5
12-22-15, 11:19 AM
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I only noticed small drops when there is a change in weather.
#6
12-24-15, 07:35 PM
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That makes sense. What would cause the excessive condensation? Do the pipes need insulation to remedy that?
#7
12-24-15, 07:41 PM
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Condensation could form on the cold water pipe if the surrounding air is warmer and humid.
Pipe insulation would remedy that.
If you determine that there is a leak in the wall...... and there are no connections (faucets) in that wall.... you could replace the copper line with PEX. It can be fished thru the wall and attached in the attic and the basement.
Pipe insulation would remedy that.
If you determine that there is a leak in the wall...... and there are no connections (faucets) in that wall.... you could replace the copper line with PEX. It can be fished thru the wall and attached in the attic and the basement.
#8
12-29-15, 10:42 AM
Chalk can be used to help locate a slow leak. You dry the pipe and surrounding wood as much as possible and either use chalkboard chalk or some chalk dust to cover the area. After a bit of time, some of the chalk should remain dry while other parts are visibly wet or dripping.
Sometimes pinhole leaks are hard to find since they spray. It looks like the water is coming from somewhere else, but it's actually being sprayed there in a very fine spray. Dry newspaper or paper towels can help isolate where the dripping is coming from too.
If the sheetrock is ruined, I personally would lean away from condensation. I've seen condensation cause staining and dampness, but from your description it sounds much more like a small leak.
Sometimes pinhole leaks are hard to find since they spray. It looks like the water is coming from somewhere else, but it's actually being sprayed there in a very fine spray. Dry newspaper or paper towels can help isolate where the dripping is coming from too.
If the sheetrock is ruined, I personally would lean away from condensation. I've seen condensation cause staining and dampness, but from your description it sounds much more like a small leak.
