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Materials needed:
clamp-on (saddle) pipe repair kit
Screwdriver
Small adjustable wrench or pliers
Electrical tape
How to repair copper pipe:
There are many types of leaks that can occur on pipes. The only one that is repairable is a leak that occurs on straight sections of pipe. If the leak is on a fitting, at a joint, or on a bend, then the leaking section needs to be cut out and replaced properly.
For a pinhole leak on a pipe, purchase a clamp-on repair kit (saddle repair kit) for the specific size pipe you are repairing. The most common sizes are 1/2" and 3/4". First, center the rubber patches over the leak and wrap with one winding of electrical tape just to hold them in place. More than one layer could put uneven pressure on the repair and cause a leak. Next, assemble and center the 2 metal clamps over the rubber patches. Snug down each of the four screws until just tight. Start at the first screw and tighten it 1 turn, in a clockwise rotation, move to the next screw and tighten that one full turn. Repeat on all screws until tight. Avoid the temptation to tighten one screw down all the way then move on to the next screw, even pressure is a must for the repair to work properly, and the pipe may get crushed if pressure is applied unevenly. |
Many people have asked why we don't mention that small leaks on copper may be soldered fora quick repair. Our answer is simple: Soldering of holes in pipes is risky and also very difficult to do properly. A solder repair of a hole has very little surface area to grab on to, and will most likely eventually blow out from the pressure of the water and the effects of corrosion and erosion. The solder patch may hold for days, or years, but it will fail at some point, and most likely when you're on vacation or sleeping. Every year we hear many horror stories about water damaged houses from plumbing leaks. We cannot recommend something which we know is subject to eventual failure.
