How to Seal a Crack in Copper Pipe

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Wrench

  • Dremel tool with wire brush attachment

  • Flux paste

  • Lead-free solder

  • Paintbrush

  • Copper cleaner

  • Propane torch

  • Epoxy putty and hardener

  • Sealing pipe wrap

Repair a cracked copper pipe using one of three methods.

Cracks in copper water pipes can lead to property damage and increased water costs, and gas line cracks can be extremely dangerous. Depending on your skills and resources, you can repair cracked copper pipes through soldering, plugging with epoxy or wrapping with a commercial wrap seal kit. All three techniques make a watertight, permanent repair.

Advertisement

Step 1

Turn off the water or gas supply and remove the damaged pipe, using a wrench.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Sand the damaged area with a dremel tool and wire brush attachment to reveal shiny bare metal. If you want to apply epoxy putty or sealing wrap, wash the entire pipe with a commercial copper cleaner in addition to sanding.

Step 3

Paint flux paste onto the cracked portion and solder it with a propane torch and lead-free solder. Alternately, mix epoxy putty and hardener according to package directions and press it around the pipe to cover the cracked portion completely. Only use an epoxy putty labeled for use with copper.

Advertisement

Step 4

Cut a piece of sealing pipe wrap large enough to fit around the damaged section and press it in place over the dried epoxy or solder for added, optional protection. If your pipe's pressure is 15 psi or less, meaning you can stop the leak effectively with your thumb, you can use the wrap alone instead of soldering or applying epoxy. Only use the wrap on pipes with temperatures lower than 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references