Any suggestions on how to fix it without cutting and replacing?
The pipe is 3/4″ copper and is leaking about 3 drops per minute at a straight piece and 45 degree fitting. Of course, it is in a tight space in between walls and another pipe. I can get my hand on and around the leak, but there is not enough room to cut and replace the section. Thanks.
Replies
Sounds like plenty of room to fit some heat protection and sweat the joint again.
...that's not a mistake, it's rustic
In the past I have had a similar problem. I was able to cut out a larger section of pipe, in my case about 8 inches both sides of the joint. I dry fitted a new section, then soldered the 45 degree fitting before I set it in place. I used a solder coupling on each end, sanded out the stop on the inside so I could slide the coupling entirely over one end of the pipe, set the soldered section in place and slid the couplings over the joint and did the soldering where I had enough room. To my knowledge trying to resolder a leaky fitting is a crap shoot, best to find some way to do it over.
Put a huge glob of plumber's epoxy
around the joint. Ugly and unreliable,
but it may work. Turn off the water and
cut the pressure first. Get everything
as dry as possible. Work the stuff until
very well mixed. Its supposed to set hard as
steel even underwater, but they lie a lot.
Practice mixing it first. It starts to get hot
when mixed right. But, you only have about
a minute to work it when it starts to set.
If you don't mix enough, it will not set hard.
Much better to bite the bullet and cut the wall
to fix it right. But if you can't, try the glop.
Kids threw a high dart in the basement and pierced a 1/2' type M Cu pipe. This was 18 years ago and the fix is still working. Was busy with something at the time and didn't want to drain, insert slide coupling, and resweat at the time.
Cut a 5/8" wide strip from an old inner tube, wrapped around pipe, and tightened a stainless steel worm clamp over it - no more leak!
Break down and do it right. If you don't you will never be able to take a vacation without wondering if you will come home to an indoor swimming pool. Read up on the consequences of a washer machine supply hose failing. Different type of pipe but the same potential problem. Houses with 16" of standing water in them are not tall tales. Do it right and enjoy your vacation.
4,
Amen, do it RIGHT!!!!
This is Fine Home Building not the Home Despot Cobblers network!!!
as my son is fond of saying,
YEEEESSHHH!!!!
Mr TDo not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
thank you
No one asked what started the leak. If the leak resulted from a reaction between copper and steel piping (no rubber unions between water heater, other steel pipe?) or reaction to water properties more will need to be done. If the problem is systemic, as described above, you will need to investigate for other damage and replace entire system to prevent future leaks. If plastic supply pipe is allowed in your area it will take care of the systemic problems listed.
I can’t think of the brand name of the product at the moment, but there’s a patch kit available comprised of a gauze like material that’s impregnated with a powdered resin. You simply wrap it around that leaking pipe and it’ll seal it while it’s leaking. In fact, the material requires that there’s water present to activate it. One of your local plumbing supply houses will likely have this material. Should work great for your problem.