How to Fix a Leak in Exposed Copper Pipes?

Broken or leaking copper pipes can be a problem caused by homeowner negligence, especially when leaking water appears. Although copper pipes have a longer lifespan, corrosion, joint structural failure, or outside impacts can still lead to leaking.

To some extent, you might imagine that managing leaks within copper pipes is difficult, however, it’s quite possible if the right tools are available. Those who want to hire an expert, can always find examples of professional work and the best plumbing services at https://www.plumbersingapore.org/our-works/ .

Guidelines on How to fix a leak on a Copper Pipe:

1. Try to Find the Leak in the System

Before you start any repair, isolate the particular location of the leak. Carefully wipe the area around the pipes with a clean napkin to locate the leak. Look closely, and you should be able to spot a small hole or crack where water is leaking from.

Signs of a leak:

• Water accumulating by the pipe
• Visible rust or greenish stains
• Wet walls or floors close to the piping

If you’re uncertain what area needs repair and you want best plumbing services, visit https://www.plumbersingapore.org/our-services/ and schedule an inspection with an expert.

2. Shut the Water Supply

If you will attempt any form of maintenance around your pipes, follow these steps. 

• First, go to the shut-off valve, which is your house’s primary water control. 
• If you shut the valve, no water will enter the pipes, so you can work without any worry. 

Thus, you can avoid damaging anything, and the work will be safer.

3. Get the Place Ready

As soon as the valve is turned off, clean the zone surrounding the leak. To reach the affected area, you may have to remove insulation or any barrier that is in the way of the copper piping. It’s crucial to have full access to the leakage area to be repaired appropriately.

4. Remove debris from the pipe 

Before you plug the leak, ensure the affected area is cleaned, providing an efficient seal. Wipe the pipe with a wire brush or sandpaper to eliminate dirt, debris, and corrosion. A clean and smooth surface is essential for your repair method to maintain the seal effectively for extended periods.

5. Use the proper method for fixing 

Depending on the size and affected area of a copper pipe leak, different techniques may be employed to fix it.

• Temporary Epoxy Putty: For shorter-term fixes, epoxy putty serves well. After insertion around a leak, the compound hardens and serves as a sealant to stop the water flow. A permanent solution can be applied later.
• Pipe repair Clamp: If you are in an emergent situation, a pipe repair clamp may serve you best. It is a fast solution to fix moderately sized leaks. 
• Compression fittings: Compression fittings are also a great solution if a leak occurs in the joint area. If applied properly, this is a very effective way of sealing pipe connections without binding glue.

6. Testing the Repair

Once the repair work is completed, re-establish the water connection and inspect for leakages. Let the water run for a bit to ensure the leak has been blocked. If the water still leaks through the pipes, then the repair will have to be done again using a different method.

7. Stopping More Future Leaks

After fixing the leak, the next step is to ensure no new issues arise. Check the copper piping which is already exposed for any rusting or other damages. In case you are located in a hard water area, consider installing a water softener because there is an option of using a water softener so that mineral deposits don’t clog the pipes.

8. Testing the Repair

After making the necessary fixes, we can proceed to test the repair, but before this, we can say that the job is done. Turn the pipeline back on, and very slowly observe the mended area for leaks. Shutting off the water supply in one area but leaving it on in another can help you determine whether the repair is leak-proof and enduring.

9. Getting Expert Help

Sometimes, it can be quite daunting to not precisely estimate the time it takes to fix the leak. Leak experts are best suited to help with this problem. The plumber can investigate the problem, solve it, and confirm that all connected pipes are functioning seamlessly as they should.