The Pinpoint Problem: What This Leaky Pipe Tells Us About Copper in Indian River County
It doesn’t look like much. A fine mist of water quietly spraying from a weathered outdoor pipe. You’ve probably seen it before—or worse, walked past it without noticing.
But that tiny stream is a warning sign. And in Indian River County, it’s becoming more and more common.
This is not just “old pipe.” This is copper corrosion—specifically, copper pitting—and if you live in this part of Florida, you need to know what that means.
Why Is This Happening in Indian River County?
Over the last several years, an increasing number of homeowners in Indian River County have reported pinhole leaks in copper piping, both inside and outside their homes. Some cases have required full re-pipes. Others led to hidden water damage, mold, and thousands in unexpected repairs.
What’s causing it?
That’s still up for debate. But here’s what we know:
- The county made changes to its water treatment process over the last decade—including the introduction of carbonic acid and lime slurry to reduce corrosion risk.
- Independent studies haven’t found one smoking gun, but experts suggest the issue is a mix of:
- Water chemistry fluctuations
- Long-term stagnation in plumbing lines
- Microbial activity within the pipes
- Natural erosion of internal pipe walls
In short: the conditions in our local water supply may be accelerating what copper naturally does over time—pit and fail from the inside out.
What to Watch For: Signs of Trouble
Copper corrosion doesn’t always start with a visible spray like the photo above. In fact, it’s often invisible until damage is already done.
Here’s what homeowners should keep an eye out for:
- Unexplained water bills creeping higher
- Hissing or dripping sounds inside walls
- Green or white powdery corrosion around fittings or valves
- Discolored stucco or wall stains near outdoor spigots or hose bibs
- Moldy or musty smells near plumbing lines, even if no water is visible
- Hard-to-turn or brittle shutoff valves with surface rust or flaking
These are early warnings—if caught soon, repairs can be minimal. Left alone, they become expensive fast.
Sean’s Advice: Assume It’s Not Just That One Spot
That mist spraying out of a pinhole is rarely an isolated incident. Here’s what I tell every client when I find a leak like this:
- Don’t just fix the leak—inspect the system. If one section of copper is pitting, others are likely right behind it.
- Get the leak fixed immediately. Even a slow spray causes long-term damage to siding, foundations, and framing.
- Have your plumber evaluate the whole run. Don’t let them replace just the fitting—have them check for systemic corrosion.
- Don’t ignore corrosion on hose bibs. If the exterior is shot, the interior probably isn’t far behind.
- Talk to your neighbors. If they’ve had pinhole leaks too, it could be a water chemistry issue affecting the whole block.
If you live in Indian River County and haven’t had your plumbing looked at in the last 10 years, now’s the time. The problem doesn’t go away—it just moves further into the walls.