If you have a cracked copper pipe, you may be wondering if soldering is a viable repair option. The good news is that, depending on your skills and resources, you can indeed repair cracked copper pipes through soldering, plugging with epoxy, or wrapping with a commercial wrap seal kit. Each of these techniques can provide a watertight, permanent repair for your copper pipes.
Soldering a Cracked Copper Pipe
Soldering is a common and effective way to repair cracked copper pipes. Here’s how it works:
Shut off the main water valve and drain the pipe below the crack.
Clean the damaged area with an abrasive pad and apply flux.
Heat the flux with a blowtorch until it changes color, then add solder into the crack.
This will seal the crack and return the pipe to full working order.
Soldering requires some skill and practice, but it can provide a long-lasting solution for repairing cracked copper pipes.
Using Epoxy to Repair a Cracked Copper Pipe
Another option for repairing cracked copper pipes is to use an epoxy putty. Epoxy putties consist of two components, a resin and a hardener, which form a hardened material when mixed together. Here’s how to use epoxy to repair a cracked copper pipe:
Mix the epoxy putty components thoroughly.
Apply the mixed epoxy to the crack in the pipe.
Allow the epoxy to fully dry and harden.
Epoxy putty is a quick and easy solution for repairing cracked copper pipes, but it’s important to note that it may not be as durable as soldering or a commercial wrap seal kit.
Repairing a Cracked Copper Pipe with a Wrap Seal Kit
For a longer-lasting repair, you can use a commercial wrap seal kit to fix a cracked copper pipe. These kits typically include a pipe repair tape and a fibreglass wrap coated with a water-activated resin. Here’s how to use a wrap seal kit:
Wrap the pipe repair tape around the crack, stretching it to its full length.
Dip the fibreglass wrap in water and wrap it over the tape.
The resin will set rock hard in less than 30 minutes, providing an impact-resistant layer and a permanent repair.
Wrap seal kits are WRAS approved, meaning they are safe to use with drinking water. They can provide a durable and long-lasting solution for repairing cracked copper pipes.