The section with the leak is almost all fittings, valves. The valves are
hard to operate and some don't quite shut off. I think I'll have the whole
section replaced, new pipe & valves.

Thanks for the responses. Now the wait for the plumber.

Al


"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message
et...

"Al Schmidt" wrote in message
news:QYtQi.4192$I22.4009@trndny03...
I have a copper pipe which just developed a leak. This is in the basement
of the house. I have two wells and this is neat the valve which allows me
to switch wells. I have never had a copper pipe leak, except when damaged.
There is a high iron content in the wells, also sulfur is present, and the
ph is close to balanced. What would cause this pipe, actually a tee
fitting to develop a leak? It is in the fitting wall, not the joint. This
is large ~ 1 inch copper.

I've heard of regions with high sulfur content having corrosion in copper
pipes. Could be a defective fitting that took many years to corrode or
erode through. Rare, but it does happen.

While simple enough to replace it, check the tubing going to it to be sure
they are not corroded and ready to let loose with a lot of pin holes.