How to Repair Plumbing Pipes

Plumbing repairs may require cutting copper pipes.

Repairing plumbing pipes involves removing the damaged piece of plumbing and installing a new piece. The amount of work required depends on the type of plumbing you intend to replace, the location of the plumbing, and your tools. Some configurations require extra effort and materials, such as repairs to pipework behind walls or in hard-to-reach areas. It helps to have a basic idea of how the plumbing system works in your home and an understanding of which plumbing materials to use for a certain application.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement pipes and fittings
• Pipe cutters or hacksaw
• Bucket
• Clean rag
• Sandpaper
• Lead-free plumbing flux and solder
• Flux applicator brushes
• Propane torch
• Plastic primer
• Brush
• Plastic cement
• Transition coupling with integral clamps
• Tape measure

Instructions

Removing the Damaged Pipe

1. Turn off the water to the pipe you intend to repair. Open nearby faucets to release water trapped in the lines. Place a bucket under the pipe.

2. Position the pipe cutters onto one side of the damaged pipe by placing the pipe firmly against the back rollers. Twist the end knob to close the gap between the blade and the pipe. Turn the cutters toward you slowly, tightening them after every turn or so until the blade cuts through the pipe. If the pipe is too large for pipe cutters, use a hacksaw to cut the pipe. Allow any water to drain into the bucket.

3. Wipe the excess moisture from the surface of the pipe and any burrs made from the hacksaw cut, using a clean rag.

4. Repeat the cutting process on the other side of the damaged portion of the pipe to remove the damaged section from the water path.

Repairing Copper Pipes

1. Clean both ends of the copper with sandpaper until the copper has a shiny finish. Clean the inside of two copper couplings in the same manner. Using an applicator brush, apply a layer of flux to both of the cut ends of the pipe and the insides of the couplings.

2. Slip the couplings onto the pipe ends. Measure the distance between the center seams of the couplings and cut a piece of pipe to fit.

3. Clean both ends of the replacement pipe with sandpaper and apply a layer of flux. Insert the pipe into the two couplings.

4. Light the propane torch and use the lightest blue section of the flame to heat the pipes and fittings. When the flux begins to sputter or the flame turns green, the seams are ready for solder.

5. Rotate the tip of the solder wire around the fittings until the solder sucks into the seams. Do this for each joint, pulling the solder away from the joint once it is filled.

Repairing Plastic Plumbing

1. Clean one end of the cut plastic pipe and the inside of a plastic coupling with plastic primer. With the primer still wet, brush a generous layer of plastic cement onto the primed surfaces.

2. Push the coupling onto the pipe end with a twisting motion to spread the glue evenly. Repeat the priming and gluing process on another coupling and attach the coupling to the other cut end of the existing plumbing.

3. Measure the distance between the couplings' center seams with a measuring tape and cut a pipe to fit.

4. Prime and glue both ends of the new pipe piece as well as the inside of the attached couplings and slip the pipe into the couplings, using the same twisting motion. Hold the pipe in place for a few seconds to keep the fittings from slipping.

Tips & Warnings

• To ensure you have the correct pipe size and fittings, take a sample of your current plumbing to the hardware store.

• When purchasing replacement plastic plumbing, use CPVC for running hot and cold water for drinking and household use. White PVC and black ABS plastic pipes are for drainage and ventilation only. Each plastic material has a specific primer and cement. Avoid using all-purpose plumbing cement since it does not pass most city codes. To connect ABS pipes to PVC, do not use solvent-based glues. Instead, slip a rubber transition coupling over the pipe ends. Position the metal jacket over the seam and tighten the integral clamps that secure the coupling into place with a socket wrench.

• The instructions described for plastic plumbing are compatible with all three major types of plastic plumbing.

• When using a propane torch, avoid heating pipes with higher heat since this will scorch the flux and pipes. Do not use too much solder since the solder can run down the inside of the pipe and cause blockage. Watch for low-hanging fixtures and wires, taking care to prevent fire. Wear heat-resistant gloves and wait for the copper pipe and fittings to cool before continuing.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Repair a Leaking Copper Pipe
• This Old House: Gluing PVC Pipe
• Reader's Digest: How to Connect a PVC Pipe to ABS Pipe