Jose L. Villalobos, P.E., Founder and CEOV&A Consulting Engineers, Oakland, Calif.

Recirculating Hot Water Can Corrode Pipes

At a recently opened hotel near Lake Tahoe, a guest reported a small leak in the ceiling. Investigation revealed the source: a pinhole leak in a copper pipe that was part of the 15-story building'srecirculating hot-water system. A similar leak was reported soon after … then another … and another.