Let us have a look at the various copper pipe repairs you can manage at home:
1. Repairing a Copper Wire Pinhole with a Pencil:
At times, the copper pipes develop a minute pinhole. However, if this minute pinhole is not treated in time, it can cause big damages. The pinhole can leak water onto other surfaces, which in turn can cause mold and rotting.
So, what you can do with the leaking copper pipe? If it does not need professional pipe burst repair services, you may start repairing this pinhole in your copper pipes by using a pencil.
To start with, seal the water supply so that water doesn’t run through the pipe while you work. Now have a close look at the entire pipe to locate the pinhole.
As a next step, finely sharpen a pencil. Insert the tip of the pencil into the pinhole and break if off so as that it remains fixed into the pinhole and keep the pinhole covered.
Now, dry the Copper wire pipe taking proper precaution not to knock off the pencil from the pipe. After drying out the pipe, just cover the entire pipe, including the pencil tip, by wrapping a duct tape around it.
However, it is to be noted that this is only a temporary fix to prevent leakage and seeking professional services should be availed for a permanent solution.
2. Repairing a Copper Wire Pinhole by Cutting:
If the copper pipe has the pinhole-sized leakage, as a repair measure, cut and remove i/2 inch of the pipe and do soldering on an ordinary pipe coupling.
This can be another quick fix for a copper wire pinhole. It is to be noted that though soldering isn’t a complicated process, it need to do done properly in order to prevent any leaks. Additionally, a heat shield should be used in confined spaces areas for safety. This can be done if the problem issue does not require professional help from leaking and pipe repair contractors.
3. Repairing Longer Sections of Holes:
In order to repair longer sections of holes, make use of the ‘sweat’ coupling, which is easily available at any hardware store. Buy a sweat coupling that is used to repair ½ inch or ¾ inch copper pipes. Seal the water supply and drain the damage pipe’s line. Use a pipe cutter and cut the damaged leak section to 1 inch to each side of the leak. Grip the pipe firmly in the cutter’s jaws and tighten it. Now, cut a repair piece from the sweat coupling but ensure that this piece is at least 1 inch longer than the damaged section.
Tip: In order to have the best of the solder joints, ensure that the inner pipes are complete dry. Thus, stuff cotton rag in each pipe so as to absorb any water drops remained in the pipe just before you solder. Ensure that you open a faucet above that level so that the pressure doesn’t build up and drooling more water into your repair.
Once done, turn on the water supply and check again for leaks.
Tools And Materials Required For The Repairs:
To avoid last minute hassle or shopping, have these tools and materials ready well before time to quick fix any leaks with your copper pipes:
- Tube cutter
- Solder
- Emery cloth
- Propane torch
- Sweat coupling
- Flux and brush
