How To Fix A Pinhole Leak In A Copper Pipe [The Complete Guideline]

Copper pipes are part of every house’s plumbing system. They are used for heating systems, yet sometimes the pipe shows pinhole-sized leaks. It can happen because of age, internal pitting, corrosion, hard water, etc.

So, how to fix a pinhole leak in a copper pipe? There are many ways to fix it but the most effective ones are

• Pipe repair tapes
• Epoxy putty
• Pipe repair clamps
• Rubber seals
• Soldering, etc.

If all of these fail and the pipe has too many leaks, the only option left is to replace it.

In this article, we will cover all the possible ways you can fix a copper pipe that is leaking and plumbing tips for your home. So, let us get right to it.

How To Fix A Pinhole Leak In A Copper Pipe?

There are many ways to fix a leak. Some are little tricky fixes and some are easy quick ones. The easy fixes are mostly done to deal with the situation and buy time for a replacement.

Besides, the type of fixes you can choose will depend on the situation. And you cannot use most of the easier fixes because they require you to stop the water supply. Thus, the fixes you can choose depending on the amount of work you want to put in and the situation you are in.

Lastly, replacement is a thing you can consider if the pipe has too many leaks or shows more signs of them that can happen in the future.

Step-by-Step Guide for The Fixes

All the fixes do one thing, they cover the leak. However, the process is not the same, each fix follows a different procedure. So, we will be going through every fix step by step for your convenience.

1. Pipe Repair Tapes

Using pipe repair tapes is fairly easy and one of the quickest fixes for copper pipe leaks..  There are waterproof tapes such as Gorilla tapes, Tear Aid, Flex Tape, etc. Here is how you should apply the tapes on the leak:

Step-1: Turn off the water supply and wait for the water leak to stop.

Step-2: Clean the leak with a rug and make it dry.

Step-3: Take the pipe repair tape and get enough to circle the pipe at least once.

Step-4: Cover the leak with the tape properly.

Step-5: Turn on the water to check if the water is leaking.

Step-6: Finish the work by wrapping the pipe repair bandage around the fix.

That is how you use pipe repair tapes for leaky pipes. Remember it is not a permanent solution.

2. Epoxy Putty

Epoxy putty can be used on any surface so copper pipes also fall under their protection. The putties have two types of materials in them, mixing them turns them into an adhesive that can patch up any holes.

Here is how you should apply the formula for the leak:

Step-1: Mix the two materials of the epoxy putty.

Step-2: Turn off the water supply and clean the surface of the piper where the leak is.

Step-3: Take the adhesive that you have prepared from the putty and apply it to the leak. Be sure to apply the around the whole leaked portion of the pipe.

Step-4: Turn on the water supply again and check.

Step-5: Finish the work by wrapping the pipe repair bandage around the fix.

Here is a YouTube video that will help you if you want to understand the process better;

This is not a permanent solution and you need to call a plumber to take care of the issue for you. However, it will easily buy you enough time to think and decide what you want to do with a leaked pipe connection.

3. Pipe Repair Clamps

Pipe repair clamps are efficient, professional fixes for pipe leaks. They are used by professionals and they are essentially made for this purpose. So, if you are looking for a dependable fix, clamps are perfect. Here is a guide with steps on using pipe repair clamps.

Step-1: Turn off the water supply.

Step-2: Get the water clamp and take out the bolts.

Step-3: Put the clamp around the leak.

Step-4: Screw the bolts back and secure the clamp tightly.

Step-5: Turn on the water supply and check for spillage.

This can be a permanent solution if done properly.

4. Rubber Seals

The rubber seal is an old-school fix that also needs a clamp but it is cheap and fast. The only thing you would need is a small rubber piece and a cheap clamp. Here is a guide on how to use rubber to seal leaks:

Step-1: Get a small rubber piece and clamp.

Step-2: Clean the place of the leak properly.

Step-3: Attach the clamp and secure it with bolts but do not tighten it.

Step-4: Slide the small piece of rubber in the clamp and right on the leak.

Step-5: Tighten the clamp and let the rubber seal the leak. Do not use too much force.

Step-6: Check if the water is leaking.

Here is a YouTube video by a professional that might help you understand the process better;

5. Soldering the Leak

Soldering the copper leak is a permanent solution. However, it is not something that should be done without safety equipment and professional help.

So, if you are not experienced, it is not a process that is recommended to try alone. You can try the quick fixes and call a professional plumber to solder the pipe for you.

Even if you try by yourself, you might not understand the temperature of the blow torch. That can damage the copper pipe further and a failed soldering attempt means that it cannot be soldered again properly. Resoldering has a 50/50 chance of being successful.

6. Replacing  the Copper Pipe

The option of replacing the pipe is always there but it is expensive and a big hassle. If the pipe is part of a large plumbing system that means many people are gonna suffer. The water supply needs to be completely cut off to replace the pipe.

For this reason, many prefer fixes that can avoid replacement. However, sometimes that is the only option left. There is no DIY for replacing the copper pipe. Even if you try to do it by yourself, it might end up creating more problems.

Plumbing is not easy work and even cutting the pipe the wrong way might mean it can make the whole plumbing system useless.

So, always get the help of a professional plumber for pipe replacements. That can be expensive but a professional will make sure to permanently solve it for you. A leaked pipe can damage roofing, create a damp environment, etc. These are not healthy for your family.

Conclusion

To sum it up, how to fix a pinhole leak in a copper pipe?  You can use pipe repair tapes, epoxy putty, pipe repair clamps, rubber seals, soldering, etc. If they do not work, replacing the pipe is the only way.

If you have read the article, you also know how to do quick fixes by following the step-by-step guide. A fault in the plumping system is a big headache and until you solve it there is no rest. So, start fixing and see what works best for you among these fixes.