According to transparency market research.com, In 2021, the worldwide copper pipes and tubes market was estimated to be worth USD 32.1 billion and expected to increase at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2022 to 2031.
Copper is one of the most often utilized metals in household pipe systems. Copper pipes are among the most useful, versatile, practical, and durable in the market.
A recent research report revealed that about 70-80% of new drinking water pipes in the United States use copper.
They may be found almost anywhere in our house, from sinks and toilets to below floorboards and between walls. They transport everything from potable water to hot water, gas, ventilation, and sewage.
It is true that, regardless of their durability, they may develop a leak or crack. Now, You may be wondering about the average lifespan of copper pipe.
Well, the answer is 20 to 50 years or more. However, it will depend upon several factors, for instance, the kind of copper pipes you are using as well as the acidity of the water.
It implies that most of us will have to make an effort to repair a copper pipe at some time in our lives. However, even if you don’t have much plumbing knowledge, you can fix it with little information and expert guidance!
If a copper pipe is leaking, firstly, it is crucial to locate the source of the leak and fix it as quickly as possible. The longer you wait for the leak to stop, the more likely it could cause damage to your property or even worse.
In this article, we’ll go through how to repair your copper water pipe and how to identify the leak.
Firstly, here are some ways to identify your copper pipe leaks.
- Condensation on the outside of the pipe: Condensation is natural, especially in the summer. However, if you found a dew-like build-up, it might indicate a leak, possibly a tiny leak.
- Discoloration of the pipe: Copper discolors and develops a blue-green tinge as it ages. It might be an indication of interior deterioration.
- Color changes (blue and green), rust, unpleasant odors, and water taste are all signs of corrosion. Copper corrodes and wears down over time, making it subject to leaks. Other factors, such as improper installation or excessive water turbulence, might contribute to corrosion and discoloration.
- You most likely have a pipe leakage if you’ve observed an unusual increase in your water expenses. This type of signal may indicate a burst or a much larger problem.
6 Ways to Repair Copper Pipes
- Solder Repair Couplings
- Compression Coupling
- Sharkbite Slip Coupling
- Soldering The Hole Shut
- Epoxy Resin And Cloth
- Adhesive Tape
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Solder Repair Couplings
Soldering and repairing couplings are the most popular and successful methods for repairing copper pipes. It can instantly fix burst pipes and tiny leaks.
- Remove the damaged section of your copper pipe and dispose of it.
- Take caution around sharp edges.
- To widen the holes, soften both ends using a deburring or utility knife. It increases flow.
- Replace the current but exposed pipe system with a repair coupling on both sides. It will allow the replacement pipe to fit snugly into place.
- Check that the new and old pipes connect beneath the coupler.
- Connect the coupler and pipe by soldering them together.
- Clean thoroughly, and turn on the water to see if the repair is effective.
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Compression Coupling
This procedure is the fastest and easiest way to fix a leaky copper pipe. You must use caution while doing pipework and avoid sharp or rough edges.
- Remove the couplings and cut off the damaged section of the pipe.
- Apply a pipe sealer, such as pipe dope, to help you rapidly fasten everything together.
- Insert the new piece of pipe and tighten the connection using a wrench.
- Turn on the water and fasten the coupler even more if there is still a minor leak.
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Sharkbite Slip Coupling
This approach eliminates the need for soldering, allowing even novices to pick up a few tools and repair a faulty copper pipe. Because these attachments are only available in specified sizes, measure your shark bite slip.
- Mark the length of the copper pipe that has to be replaced and cut it proportionately.
- Remove the faulty pipe with a pipe cutter and deburr the inner and outside edges.
- Push the fitting’s slip end until it clears the other end of the pipe.
- Align it with a wrench so that both pipes are securely connected.
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Soldering The Hole Shut
Soldering the leak closed, like clamping it, is a temporary fix. Because soldering is required, you need to know some basic plumbing abilities.
Although only suited for tiny leaks, you may be able to repair it by soldering the pipe.
- Turn off the water and check that the inside of the pipe is dry.
- Clean and polish the pipe’s pinhole using an abrasive pad.
- Apply pipe flux (acidic paste) and gradually apply heat.
- The hue of the flux will gradually change.
- If the pinhole leak has become too wide for a fast soldering operation, wrap electrical wire over it.
- Secure the wire with pliers and solder it. The wire will help to control the leak until a more formal repair can be completed.
As I said earlier, it is merely transitory. It’s a viable option that will allow you to continue using your water while waiting for a plumber to arrive and do a proper repair.
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Epoxy Resin And Cloth
Epoxy glue compounds are another temporary repair. Although the components and concentrations range between brands, they are all unsafe for drinking water.
The following steps are involved:
- Combine the resin components and apply them to the leak.
- Allow drying after taping both ends.
- Soak the loth, then wrap it firmly around the resin to create tension.
- We must draw your attention to the fact that epoxy resin might be challenging to remove from pipes. They are also unattractive and should only be used briefly on those who are not visible.
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Adhesive Tape
If you need to repair a leaky copper pipe that cannot stop the water pressure from going through may make an epoxy putty repair problematic. Another effective method to seal the live leak is using pipe burst tape.
The most common forms of pipe burst tape are those which also self-fuse. These tapes contain silicone and other sophisticated polymers, and they form a tight rubber ring around the leak to seal it.
Wrap & Seal Pipe Burst Tape is one of the most potent pipe repair tapes. Begin by securing the Wrap & Seal near the leak, stretch the tape to its maximum length, and wrap it around the copper pipe until the water stops.
Repairs will take less than 30 minutes.
Note: You can use pipe repair bandages also for more durable or long-lasting treatment of copper pipe. Overwrap either on epoxy putty or the pipe repair tape with a Pipe Repair Bandage for a more stable repair of a copper pipe.
Conclusion:-
Copper pipes are dependable and sturdy and perform well when properly placed, and are among the most favorable assets a homeowner can make.
However, they are not impenetrable and may sustain damage and unleash a leak at some moment.
No doubt, it’s a time-consuming, backbreaking, and challenging job.
As previously said, there are several permanent and temporary repairs you may apply to your leaking pipe to get you through it.
Remember that even if you use adhesive tape, epoxy, or any temporary patch, you should still visit a plumber because they will not last forever.