Since the 1950's scores of apartment buildings have been constructed in the Lower Mainland. Most of these buildings have a copper water pipe system. Unfortunately the plumbing materials and installations were not designed to endure decades of water flow. The acidic water supply of Greater Vancouver produces a corrosive effect on copper piping and slowly dissolves the pipe wall causing the pipe wall to wear thin. Electrolysis, high velocity water flow and undersized piping are other reasons for pipe failure. The result is a plumbing system plagued with pinholes, leaks and in need of frequent costly repairs. Theses repairs cause inconvenience and frustration to residents and management. The "band-aid" method of a rubber hose and clamp covering pinholes on the pipe is a quick-fix solution. However, this method is most often short lived. In our experience, total pipe replacements have been necessary to buildings as young as eight years in age.