How to Repair a Leaking Water Pipe

Leaking pipes are caused by corroded pipe sections.

Leaking water pipes are usually caused by corroded sections of the pipes. The chemicals present in water cause rusting or corrosion to metal pipes. Luckily, copper pipes are commonly used for plumbing. Copper is typically resistant to corrosion and more durable. Depending on the size of the hole, the pipe can either be repaired using a clamp-like device to cover and apply pressure on the hole. If the hole is considerably large, replace the damaged section of the pipe and solder in a new piece.

Things You'll Need

• Duct tape
• Measuring tape
• Rubber-lined sleeve clamp
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Propane torch
• Pipes
• Tube cutter
• Emery cloth
• Wire brush
• Flux
• Flux brush
• Solder
• Rag

Instructions

How to Repair a Small Hole

1. Find the leaking pipe. Mark off the damaged pipe with duct tape.

2. Shut off the water valve supplying the pipe.

3. Measure the diameter of the pipe with a tape measure. Sometimes the diameter is embossed on the pipe.

4. Purchase a rubber-lined sleeve clamp with the same diameter as the damaged pipe.

5. Wrap the sleeve around the pipe and fasten it around the hole by screwing it into place. Turn the water back on.

How to Replace the Damaged Pipe

1. Remove the damaged pipe by heating any soldered joints with a propane torch until the solder is melted. Quickly twist and pull apart the pipes using two pairs of pliers.

2. Measure and cut the new section of pipe needed. Cut the new section with a tube cutter by aligning the blade with the marked pointed. Repeatedly rotate the tube cutter around the pipe until the cut is complete. Use the blade attached to the tube cutter to remove excess metal scrapings on the end of the pipe.

3. Polish the ends of the pipe with an emery cloth and clean the interior with a wire brush.

4. Apply flux on the ends of the pipe with a brush.

5. Fit the pipes together. Heat the joints with a propane torch for eight to 10 seconds or until the flux starts to bubble. Feed solder into the heated joint. The capillary action will pull the solder and melt it into place. Apply solder until it drips from the sides, indicating that the joint is filled. Quickly wipe off excess solder with a rag. Be careful when wiping as the pipe is still hot. Let the pipe cool down.

References

• Life Spy: How to Fix a Leaking Pipe
• Easy 2 DIY: Soldering Copper Pipes