Repairing Pinhole Leaks

When small diameter copper water pipes accumulate buildup of minerals and other sediment on their inner walls, they are in need of pipe repairs. A plaque-like build up will either restrict water flow, corrode the pipes, or both restrict water flow and corrode the pipes.

If the corrosion causes pinhole leaks, it is possible to do piecemeal pipe repairs. Such pipe repairs can be in the form of patches or soldering. To patch a pipe due to pinhole leaks, first turn off the water main. Then, purchase a patch kit of some kind, fill the leak with the epoxy putty, and wrap it with the special hardening tape or bandage that comes with the kit.

To make copper pipe repairs by soldering couplers or repair sleeves, first shut off the main water supply. Next, smooth the rough-cut edges of the repair piece to prepare them for soldering. Then, cut out the area plagued with pinhole leaks. Be sure that you cut enough of the pipe out so that there is no corrosion left in the pipe.

Clean and dry the inside of the pipe that needs the pinhole leak repair and sand the outside of the pipe to make it rough. Have a towel handy for when water seeps out of the pipes. (Water in the solder will cause the solder to leak and need more pipe repairs.) Brush flux onto all four cleaned surfaces. (Flux is a substance that facilitates the flow of solder. Be sure not to use too much flux, as it can cause pinhole leaks and the need for more pipe repairs.) Place the pipe repair sleeve over the pipe ends so that about one half inch of each pipe is inside the sleeve. Touch the torch flame to one side of the joint and touch the tip of the solder wire to the other side. Pull the solder away after completely filling the joint.

When finished with repairing pinhole leaks, turn the water main back on and test the pipe. If there are leaks, repeat the pipe repairs.