How To Fix A Leaking Pvc Pipe Elbow

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

Here's the Story:

Last 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 you'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 cost on Sunday?

You don't want to find out…trust me.

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

After today you'll have the confidence to do this yourself.

Here are the supplies you need

SharkBite Couplings
SharkBite Depth Tool
AutoCut Copper Pipe Cutter
Ridgid No. 10 or 15 Tubing Cutter
Milwaukee PEX Tubing Cutter
Emery Cloth
Drywall Saw
Utility Knife
PEX (optional)
Copper Pipe (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 Start a Copper Pipe Repair

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

That way you can 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.

Feel for Sponginess

Saw a small square or rectangle in your drywall ceiling.

Yah, this is scary but you have to do it — PLUS your drywall is ruined, so who cares, lol.

Saw a Square

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

Mustache is NOT optional.

Inspect

Here's what I found:

…a copper pipe pinhole leak, FUN TIMES

Pinhole Leak

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

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

Please excuse it's grime. I wasn't expecting to do this tutorial on a Sunday night!!

Laundry Tub

Whew, dealing with a water leak can be stressful.

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

Can You Fix a Copper Pipe Leak Without Soldering?

Yes

One word:

SharkBites

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

SharkBite

These slide onto copper, PVC, or PEX pipes.

AND anyone can use them.

Start the repair by cutting out the leaky piece of pipe.

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

It's not a bad idea to hold a container under the pipe.

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

Drain Pipe

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

Type L Copper

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

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

Debur

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

Emery

Why I Love SharkBites

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

Seriously, I'm pretty sure my 11 year old daughter can use them.

You need to make sure they fit on the end of the pipe by 1 inch.

Use the SharkBite depth tool or a measuring tape to make your mark.

Mark 1 Inch

Push the SharkBite onto the pipe and make sure it's flush with the mark.

Super easy.

SharkBite Location

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

Cut 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)

Square PEX

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

I had to debur and emery cloth this pipe as well.

Then I made my 1 inch mark for the SharkBite fitting.

Copper in Ceiling

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 have slack in your copper line you can use a SharkBite Slip Fitting.

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

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

I'm not good with measurements but this is easy.

Measure

This is the dimension for your new piece of pipe.

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

Fixed Pipe

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 great options if you want to avoid soldering.

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

If you're doing a bathroom remodel and want to simplify the process enroll into the Bathroom Repair Tutor Video Library

We show how to build showers (Schluter, Wedi, Curbless, etc.), install tile, upgrade basement bathrooms, and more.

The extra guidance is invaluable

Enroll Today

Cheers,

Jeff Patterson