How To Repair A Broken Copper Water Pipe

Today you'll larn how to gear up a copper piping.

Here's the Story:

Last Sunday I got a frantic text from my wife…

…h2o was leaking from the kitchen ceiling!!!!!!!

What would you do in this situation?

If you don't take an firsthand answer yous're in luck.

Seriously, EVERY homeowner should know how to fix leaky copper pies.

Let's dive in.

Why Learn to Fix Leaky Copper Pipes

How much does a plumber price on Sun?

You don't want to find out…trust me.

So it's good to know how to repair copper pipe leaks.

After today y'all'll accept the confidence to practise this yourself.

Hither are the supplies you demand

SharkBite Couplings
SharkBite Depth Tool
AutoCut Copper Piping Cutter
Ridgid No. 10 or 15 Tubing Cutter
Milwaukee PEX Tubing Cutter
Emery Cloth
Drywall Saw
Utility Knife
PEX (optional)
Copper Piping (Type L)
Sharpie Marker
These Amazon Links help support Home Repair Tutor, many thanks for using them

You don't need all these tools.

But they're nice to know about.

What's the first step when assessing a water leak?

How to Starting time a Copper Piping Repair

Unless at that place'due south water gushing from the ceiling, leave the h2o on.

That style you tin identify the location of the leaking pipe.

I know this sounds NUTS, but it helps spot the leak.

Feel the ceiling or wall for sponginess.

Saw a pocket-size square or rectangle in your drywall ceiling.

Yah, this is scary simply yous take to do it — PLUS your drywall is ruined, so who cares, lol.

Practise your best Magnum PI impression and inspect for the leaking pipage.

Mustache is NOT optional.

Here's what I found:

…a copper pipe pinhole leak, FUN TIMES

Once you locate the pipage leak, shut the water off to the house.

Drain the h2o lines, I did this at our laundry tub.

Please excuse it'due south crud. I wasn't expecting to exercise this tutorial on a Dominicus night!!

Whew, dealing with a h2o leak can be stressful.

What'southward the easiest mode to repair a piping leak?

Can You Fix a Copper Pipage Leak Without Soldering?

Yeah

One give-and-take:

SharkBites

Fortunately I had some spare ane/2 inch SharkBite couplings in my tool box

These slide onto copper, PVC, or PEX pipes.

AND anyone can employ them.

First the repair past cut out the leaky piece of piping.

This is surprisingly cathartic (in the video I testify you my favorite tool for doing this)

It'due south non a bad idea to concur a container under the pipe.

When you lot cut information technology, any extra water volition drain – prior feel and harsh words from my married woman have trained me to do this!

If you use copper choose Type L because it's thicker than Blazon M and volition last longer.

Debur your copper piping with a pipage cut tool or utility knife.

This is ULTRA important for SharkBites (or soldering if you choose to get that road).

Then smooth downwards the starting time 1 inch of copper pipe with emery cloth.

Why I Love SharkBites

SharkBite fittings are great because you lot simply push them onto pipes.

Seriously, I'm pretty certain my 11 year old girl tin utilise them.

You lot need to make sure they fit on the end of the pipe by one inch.

Use the SharkBite depth tool or a measuring tape to brand your marking.

Button the SharkBite onto the pipe and brand sure information technology's flush with the mark.

Super easy.

Since we've had issues with copper I chose to use PEX as my replacement pipe.

Cutting the end of the PEX square with a PEX tubing cutter, Milwaukee makes a good one.

(NOTE: PEX tube cutters make great cigar cutters, too)

In the ceiling, I cut the copper 2 inches shy of the T fitting.

I had to debur and emery cloth this pipe every bit well.

Then I made my 1 inch mark for the SharkBite plumbing equipment.

How to Install SharkBites on Copper Pipes

There was slack in my copper line, so I decided to utilize two 1/ii″ SharkBite couplings.

If you don't accept slack in your copper line you can utilize a SharkBite Slip Fitting.

The Sideslip Fitting can slide on the pipe and allow you to attach your replacement piping without trouble.

Measure the altitude between your two SharkBite couplings and add ii inches onto your dimension.

I'1000 not proficient with measurements but this is easy.

This is the dimension for your new slice of pipage.

One time information technology's cut foursquare, debured, and emery clothed you simply push it into the two SharkBite couplings.

The video tutorial has a few extra tips…

…PLUS a cool SURPRISE giveaway.

I explain the giveaway in the video

What's Next

SharkBites and PEX fittings are not bad options if y'all want to avoid soldering.

Our PEX Pipage tutorial is a great if you've never used it.

If you're doing a bathroom remodel and demand aid, bring together one of our online courses – they'll make your bath renovation much easier!

Let me know if you lot have any questions and I'll practice my best to assistance.

Cheers,

Jeff

Fix a Copper Pipage Leak