How do I solder a lead water pipe with a tear in it along the length?

Question

How do I solder a lead water pipe with a tear in it along the length?

Answer 1

I'd replace it!

Answer 2

You don't. That section needs to be cut out and replaced. Cut out the bad section. You can buy two unions and a short piece of pipe to replace it. Just be sure to get lead free solder and use plumbers cloth to clean the pipe ends and unions so they're shiny bright and use flux before applying the solder. Additionally, what caused the split? Is your water pressure extremely high or did you maybe have a frozen pipe? If it's because it froze during the winter, you need to think about insulating it or wrapping it with a heat tape. If it's because of high pressure (unusual with copper) you need to regulate the supply.