How to Repair Leaking Copper Fittings

Repair Copper Pipe Fittings

Copper pipes are used throughout most homes for cold and hot water systems. The copper pipes are joined together using solder that fuses the copper fitting joints and pipes together to make a permanent seal. When a copper fitting leaks it is probably caused by not being properly soldered in the first place.

Another reason for leaky copper fittings is from water freezing in the pipe. When water freezes it expands with enough force to loosen or break the solder seals and sometimes split the pipe. If water is leaking from a fitting, you can repair it by removing the fitting and re-soldering it, but a more reliable alternative is to replace the fitting.

Tools to have in your plumbing tool kit:  

• Pipe cutter

• Wire brush

• Solder Flux

• Replacement copper couplings or fittings

• A piece of copper pipe

• Propane or mapp gas torch

• Lead-free solder

How to repair leaky copper fittings:

1.    Turn off the water to the line that has the leaky fitting. Open the faucet that the line feeds. This will relieve water pressure and give the steam a route to escape when you solder on the new fitting.

2.    Remove the leaking fitting by heating it until it can be removed from the joint or cut out the leaky fitting with a pipe cutter or hack saw. If you cut out the fitting, cut approximately one inch on both sides of the fitting.

3.    Let all the water drain from the pipes. De-burr the ends with a wire brush or plumbers emery cloth. Sandpaper will do in a pinch.

4.    Brush flux onto the end of each pipe with a small brush. Brush flux on the insides of the copper couplings and slide one onto the end of each pipe.

5.    Cut a length of copper pipe long enough to reach from the coupling to a replacement fitting. The pipes should extend at least 1/2 inch into the ends of the couplings and the fitting. Apply flux on the ends of these pipes and on the inside of the fitting, and then assemble them.

6.    Heat each joint in turn with a propane or mapp torch until the flux begins to smoke and sputter. Remove the heat and touch the end of a coil of lead-free solder to the joint. Move the solder around the joint as it melts and is drawn into the joint by capillary action.

7.    After the solder has partially cooled, wipe the solder joint with a wet cloth to remove any residue solder and flux.

Note:

If you are working near wooden framing or any other flammable surface, protect it with a heat shield of sheet metal.

8.    Close the faucet you opened when you have finished soldering and turn the water back on. Inspect all the joints you soldered for leaks.

That’s how to repair leaky copper fittings.

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