Folsom homeowners concerned over failing copper pipes

The city of Folsom continues to receive reports of leaking copper pipes in the community and is working to get some answers for residents. So far, city officials report that some 220 pinhole leaks in copper pipes have been reported by residents in the last few months. The pinhole-sized leaks are continuing across the city, keeping local plumbers busy and proving costly to residents in damages. The situation has even garnered its own Facebook page, titled Folsom Pinhole Leaks. The page has more than 550 members strong as residents continue to share new reports of leaking pipes and engage in discussion. According to city of Folsom officials, the majority of reports have come from houses built in the 1980s and 1990s, with some in the early 2000s. Officials have fast-tracked the city's contracting process and hired a consultant to aid in investigating the issues. The consultants will work with specialists at Virginia Tech University to conduct detailed forensic analysis on sample copper pipes with pinhole leaks. In addition to the forensics analysis, Black and Veatch will conduct a detailed water-quality evaluation to determine if there are any trends in parameters related to corrosion, according to a public statement from city officials on its digital platforms and community newsletters. Black & Veatch is a global leader in building critical human infrastructure in energy, water, telecommunications and government services. The firm has assisted agencies in more than 100 countries through consulting, engineering, construction, operations and program management. "Aside from the quality, age, and composition of the pipe materials, the City is also actively examining other potential causes such as installation methodology and workmanship, unexpected foreign debris in the copper pipe, and mixed metals in the plumbing," reads the statement. "The City anticipates that the results from Virginia Tech should arrive sometime in mid-September, and the City will provide an update as soon as the data and findings are available." Damage from just a pinhole leak can result in hundreds to thousands of dollars to a home, depending on the size and location of the leak. Additionally, replacement of copper pipe throughout a home to prevent future issues can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $18,000, depending on the home's size. Local resident Andre White woke up one night to the sound of water in his home. He is now looking at a possible repair bill of more than $15,000 to his home. "It was a late night and we thought we heard a sound, like a sprinkler system turning on or something," explained White, who then discovered the sound was coming from the leaking water pipe inside his wall and ceiling near his kitchen. "We cut it out (the ceiling and wall) to get the leak stopped," White said."What a lot of people don't realize is that many insurance companies don't cover the actual plumbing. Now we are just waiting for quotes from different contractors, depending how much work they have, which sounds like it's a lot. We'll see how long we have to sit with a hole in our wall and ceiling." Gerard Nakache is one of many local plumbers in the area, Nakache has responded to dozens of calls in recent weeks from residents in need of emergency repairs. A contractor for more than 30 years, Nakache told local media that he doesn't think there is a defect in the pipe causing the issues and that it is more than likely something in the water supply causing the corrosion over time. A variety of builders have constructed the affected homes and they were built in different time periods. "People have been calling us for repairs. They said they have leaks in their attics, leaks in their walls."said Nakache. "First it was one call, two calls, three calls, four calls; then it became 20, 30, 40, 50. While the data so far on those who have been affected has many variables, including builder and time period, what's certain is that the situation has Folsom homeowners concerned. The city is aware of this and urges residents to report any leaks or concerns to the Folsom Water Quality Division at 916-461-6190 or by email at waterquality@folsom.ca.us. City officials will continue to update the community on the findings of the investigation and potential solutions.