DIY Series 27: Fixing Copper Pipe Leaking

Copper pipe supposed to be very reliable type of piping. Indeed, it is very durable, installation was done since 2007, and it was in good condition without any issue for the past 15 years.

On a Sunday morning, it was noticed that there was a leakage at the bathroom where water leakage observed at a corner of copper pipe. 

Further checking found out that there is a pin hole at the copper pipe, under the aging and rusted pipe holder.

Prior to this, I don't have any experience on fixing the copper pipe, and it was a Sunday morning, it is difficult to get a plumber to come for the fixing. Thus, I started to study online, for a solution. Finally I found a youtuber shared several methods to fix the copper pipe leakage.

1st solution: Use a hose clipper (with a piece of rubber)

2nd solution: Use soldering iron to solder on it.

3rd solution: Use copper welding

4th solution: Use a 15mm socket (Copper-to-Copper) fitting to replace the leaking area

As there is no immediate parts available in hands, I proceeded to try on 1st solution, as temporary solution. Use a hose clipper to hold a piece of rubber to cover over the leaking area. After fixing, there is no more leakage and it was there for a week while I ordered some parts from online platform.

For permanent solution, I would like to try on the 4th solution (sounds better and easier). On the same day, I placed order for copper pipe cutter, copper sockets, and even a 3' long copper pipe (for backup). Then only I realized that copper pipe is so expensive, almost nearly MYR40 (include delivery) for just 3' long copper pipe.

Few days after, all the parts were received. Together with other tools that I have, I started my fixing on the next weekend. Of course, the main parts are copper pipe cutter and the copper socket.

For the 1st time, I started to use the copper cutter. The operation is so easy, much more easier than I expected. Just locked it to the copper pipe (after dismantle from the wall) and twist it for few cycles, the pipe will be cut into two. I make 2 cuts in total (to remove the small area of the pin hole detected area). 

Note: To dismantle the copper pipe, it might be challenging too, as it was already 15 years old. That's why I bought the spare 3' copper pipe as spare.

To replace the pin hole leakage area with the new copper socket, make sure you cut the correct length as equal (or almost) to the length of the copper socket. You will need 2 plumbing pliers / spanners to tighten the copper to the copper socket.

Now, connect it back to it original location on the wall and re-adjust the holder back to its original condition. 

Now, the leaking is fixed. To conclude, you can try using the temporary solution (1st solution) during emergency (especially during weekend / holiday) and later try the permanent solution (4th solution) once you have the parts / tools ready.

I personally feel that 2nd solution (soldering) is not that safe due to solder is not really good for health, and 3rd solution (copper welding) required more complicated tools and it is most likely involved higher skill and cost.

The total cost involved (for the copper pipe cutter and the copper socket) is below MYR20. With this knowhow, it might easily save you about MYR100 to MYR200 labour fee (depends on your local plumber charges).