by Gerald Berdula

Created on: December 10, 2006   Last Updated: April 20, 2007

COPPER PIPES - SOLDERLESS REPAIR

1. Shut off the main water supply valve. This is usually in the basement or crawlspace. CAUTION: If this valve has not been turned off for a very long time(years), it may not turn at all. Should this happen, STOP and call a pro. If you break the valve by forcing it, you will have one heck of a leak that can only be shut off outside by City Employees.

2. Open ALL the taps in your house. This will relieve the water pressure and help to drain the pipes. Go back to the Main valve and look for a small bleed valve cast into the body of the Main valve. Open this to help drain the water.

3. Cut out the area that is leaking. Measure the length of pipe that you are going to need plus, count the number and shape of the fittings. The copper pipe size in your house will be 1/2".

4. Purchase the pipe and buy an extra length, just in case. You are going to buy solderless, brass coloured compression fittings. The right size fitting will have 5/8" O.D.(outside dimension) printed on the package. Sounds confusing but, 1/2" pipe is the inside dimension.

5. Cut the pipe to proper lengths and attach fittings. Theres is a brass ring(ferrel) on the inside of each end of the fittings. This is what provides the seal when you tighten the nuts. Use two wrenches, one to hold the body of the fitting, the other to tighten the nut.

6. Assembled and tightened properly, this method works. No torch, no paste, no solder, no hassle.

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