How To Repair A Cracked Plumbing Elbow

Today yous'll learn how to fix a copper pipe.

Here's the Story:

Final Sunday I got a frantic text from my wife…

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

What would you do in this situation?

If you don't have an immediate answer y'all're in luck.

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

Let's dive in.

Why Learn to Fix Leaky Copper Pipes

How much does a plumber cost on Lord's day?

You don't want to find out…trust me.

So it'southward expert to know how to repair copper pipe leaks.

Afterwards today you'll accept the confidence to practice this yourself.

Here are the supplies y'all demand

SharkBite Couplings
SharkBite Depth Tool
AutoCut Copper Pipe Cutter
Ridgid No. x or fifteen Tubing Cutter
Milwaukee PEX Tubing Cutter
Emery Fabric
Drywall Saw
Utility Knife
PEX (optional)
Copper Pipe (Type 50)
Sharpie Marker
These Amazon Links help support Home Repair Tutor, many thanks for using them

Y'all don't demand all these tools.

But they're squeamish to know well-nigh.

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

How to Outset a Copper Pipe Repair

Unless there's water gushing from the ceiling, leave the water on.

That way you tin can identify the location of the leaking pipage.

I know this sounds Basics, but information technology helps spot the leak.

Feel the ceiling or wall for sponginess.

Saw a small-scale square or rectangle in your drywall ceiling.

Yah, this is scary but you lot have to do information technology — PLUS your drywall is ruined, and then who cares, lol.

Practice your best Magnum PI impression and inspect for the leaking pipe.

Mustache is Non optional.

Hither'south what I found:

…a copper pipe pinhole leak, FUN TIMES

Once you locate the pipe 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 do this tutorial on a Sunday dark!!

Whew, dealing with a water leak can exist stressful.

What's the easiest way to repair a piping leak?

Can You Ready a Copper Pipe Leak Without Soldering?

Yes

One word:

SharkBites

Fortunately I had some spare 1/2 inch SharkBite couplings in my tool box

These slide onto copper, PVC, or PEX pipes.

AND anyone tin can utilise them.

Start the repair by cut out the leaky slice of pipe.

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

Information technology'south non a bad idea to concord a container under the pipe.

When you cut information technology, any extra water will drain – prior experience and harsh words from my wife have trained me to do this!

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

Debur your copper pipe with a pipe cutting tool or utility knife.

This is ULTRA important for SharkBites (or soldering if y'all choose to go that route).

Then smoothen down the first 1 inch of copper pipe with emery cloth.

Why I Love SharkBites

SharkBite fittings are great considering you just button them onto pipes.

Seriously, I'm pretty sure my 11 year former daughter tin can apply them.

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

Utilize the SharkBite depth tool or a measuring tape to make your marking.

Push button the SharkBite onto the pipage and make sure information technology'south flush with the mark.

Super easy.

Since we've had bug with copper I chose to apply PEX equally my replacement pipe.

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

(Annotation: PEX tube cutters make great cigar cutters, also)

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

I had to debur and emery textile this pipe too.

Then I made my ane inch mark for the SharkBite fitting.

How to Install SharkBites on Copper Pipes

There was slack in my copper line, so I decided to use two 1/2″ SharkBite couplings.

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

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

Measure the distance betwixt your two SharkBite couplings and add 2 inches onto your dimension.

I'thou non good with measurements simply this is like shooting fish in a barrel.

This is the dimension for your new piece of pipage.

Once it's cut square, debured, and emery clothed you simply push button information technology into the two SharkBite couplings.

The video tutorial has a few extra tips…

…PLUS a cool SURPRISE giveaway.

I explicate the giveaway in the video

What's Adjacent

SharkBites and PEX fittings are slap-up options if you desire to avoid soldering.

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

If y'all're doing a bath remodel and need assist, bring together one of our online courses – they'll brand your bathroom renovation much easier!

Let me know if you lot take any questions and I'll do my best to help.

Cheers,

Jeff

Fix a Copper Pipe Leak