Are your home water line pipes made of copper?  Though durable, this type of piping can develop leaks around connections.  And pinholes may form in pipe walls, leading to larger breaks.

If your copper water pipes are starting to leak, don’t despair.  You may be able to simply remove the bad section and replace it with a new one that’s joined to the existing pipe with copper fittings.

Step 1: Investigate

Trace the water to where it’s seeping out of the pipe.  Once you’ve found it, turn off the flow of water to the pipe at the closest main shutoff valve.

Step 2: Cut pipe

Using a pipe-cutting tool, cut away the leaking section of pipe.  Make sure to cut the pipe a few inches away from the leak and on each side of it.  Sand the ends of the pipe with an emery cloth until shiny then dry them.

Step 3: Pre-fit couplers

Slide couples on each end of the cut pipe.  Measure from the middle ridge of each coupler with a measuring tape to determine the length to cut the replacement coupler.  With measurements in hand, cut replacement pipe and sand ends with emery paper until shiny.

Step 4: Prepare replacement pipe

Brush one end of the replacement pipe with flux so that about one inch is covered with a thin coating.  Slide one end of the coupler fittings onto the fluxed end of the pipe.  Using a torch, heat the area where the pipe and coupler are joined until you see the flux begin to run and drip off.

Apply solder to the joint on the opposite side and work your way around the connection. Allow the heated pipe to draw the solder into the connection: this will seal it.  Repeat this step to attach the remaining coupler to the other end of the replacement copper pipe.

Step 5: Make repair

Apply flux to one end of the existing copper pipe.  Slide one end of the replacement pipe, with its coupler, over this fluxed end of pipe.  Solder the fitting and pipe together with your torch.

Apply a thin layer of flux to the end of the remaining copper pipe.  Pull and twist the remaining end of the existing copper pipe gently until you can slide the coupler over the end of the existing pipe.  Solder this connection together.  Turn water back on and test for leaks.

At South Austin Irrigation, we’re here to help maintain all parts of your landscape watering system.  Whether you need pipe repair or replacement, sprinklers or sprinkler parts, we’ve got what you’re looking for.  Contact us today!