Copper pinholes in aggressive water. CPVC cracks near a hot process. PVC used where it's not rated. Galvanized steel scaled shut. Most premature piping failures come down to a material choice that didn't fit the conditions.
We evaluate the operating conditions and water chemistry, compare materials on performance, code acceptance, lifecycle cost and installability, and write the specification. When something has already failed, we examine the failure, identify the likely mechanism and recommend a durable fix.
When to call us
- Pipe is corroding, pinholing or cracking prematurely
- You're specifying a new system with unusual media or temperature
- A contractor proposed a material substitution
- You need lifecycle cost comparisons
- You're standardizing materials across facilities
What we do
- Operating condition and media compatibility review
- Material and joining method comparison
- Failure analysis of removed sections
- Lifecycle cost comparison
- Specification language
What you get
What drives the fee
- Number of systems or materials
- Failure analysis and lab coordination
- Water chemistry testing
- Specification writing
Material Analysis FAQ
Why does copper pipe pinhole?
Common causes include aggressive water chemistry, high velocity, poor installation (burrs, excess flux) and stray electrical current. The pattern of the failure usually points to the cause.
Can you evaluate a contractor's proposed substitution?
Yes. We compare the substitute against the specified material for code acceptance, performance and lifecycle cost.
Do you send samples to labs?
When visual analysis isn't enough, we can coordinate metallurgical or water chemistry testing.