Causal Factors and Costs of Home Plumbing Corrosion: An Investigation of Sample Selection Bias

High incidences of pinhole leaks, which occur in home plumbing due to pitting corrosion of water pipes, have been observed in parts of the U.S. such as the Maryland suburbs of Washington D.C. This research evaluates factors associated with pinhole leak occurrences and assesses the costs incurred by consumers from corrosion. Statistical analysis of Maryland survey responses suggests that the probability of pinhole leak occurrences is associated with the type of pipes installed and the distance of the dwelling from a water treatment plant. The number of leaks and location of pinhole leaks in the dwelling drive the financial costs of pinhole leak damage. Correcting for sample selection bias influences the estimated coefficients and statistical significance of the model. Research findings will inform policymakers, program managers, and water utilities on the importance of reducing corrosion in home drinking water infrastructure.