How to repair damaged copper pipe?

Question

I accidentally drilled into a water pipe in the wall of my garage which feeds the outside spigot (for lawn watering). Is there any way to fix it without replacing it?

Answer 1

if you have to open the wall, why do a temporary rubber clamp fix?  

you can easily make a permanent "COPPER" repair job.

see:

http://www.rd.com/19869/article19869.htm...

Answer 2

I used to work in an apartment complex where the water was really hard. It would eat through the copper pipes on a regular basis.

We used a pipe clamp that consisted of a piece of rubber and a steel clamp with screws that tightened down on the pipe. Other folks have mentioned this in response to your question, and I have to say it works well as a permanent repair. And it was cheap.

Answer 3

If you can't cut the pipe and solder it then I would get a radiator clamp and a piece of rubber . you won't have to cut the pipe and

it will work. Put the clamp around the pipe then slip the rubber between the pipe and clamp, make sure the rubber is over the hole. Tighten clamp and you should be in business I have had to do this several times in my career.

http://www.wesellnmail.com

http://www.mypowermall.com/BIZ/Home/1443...

Answer 4

Cut the pipe wit a hacksaw and use a same size compression coupling or a shark bite repair fitting.

Usually the pipe should be 1/2" size pipe.

This is a easy, safe and code approved repair.

Answer 5

You will need to tear into the wall to expose the pipe.

Go to the home improvement store and get a pipe repair kit. It will consist of a rubber sheet to wrap around the pipe. Then a two piece clamp will fit over the rubber piece wrapped around the pipe. Four bolts hold the two halves together.

Be careful tightening the bolts. If you get them too tight, you will crush the copper pipe.

Answer 6

go to a hardware ask for a Chicago clamp, or pipe clamp.

or you can wrap the hole with a strip of rubber and use a hose clamp on it,

Answer 7

You have several options depending upon the acessability of the damage, how much trouble you are willing to go through, and how permanent a repair you are expecting to acheive.  

As already outlined you can clamp it with rubber and a steel band.  This has the advantage of being quick if you have the angle to tighten the clamp.  There are commercial clamps or if the hole is small enough you can make your own with a hose clamp and a little rubber.  Make sure there is no steel touching the copper as galvanic action can cause 2 dissimilar metals to corrode over time.  The repair should last as long as the rubber holds up.  Climate is a factor but easily 10 to 15 years.  

A (soft) soldered repair might be made eithor using a sleeve like the type shown in the above referenced website, or for your situation you could use a copper slip coupling, (also sometimes called a repair coupling).  This is a coupling that does not have a stop in the middle of it.   Soldering requires a clean and dry surface.  Sometimes it is difficult to adaquately clean the existing pipe.  Some older valves make it very difficult to completely turn off the water and so your repair area will drip and make soldering difficult.  Limited axcess may again cause problems.

A method to repair the hole without a sleeve would be to use silver solder, also known as high temperature solder or "HARD" solder or stick soldering.  (While in other countries it is generally used, in the USA this is usually limited to AC applications) This can be applied without first shining or adding flux to the copper.  It requires a higher flame on the torch and often MAPP gas is used (yellow container in USA) instead of propane (blue container).  This requires a torch made for the appropriate gas and it is much more like welding.  A bead of solder can be applied over the hole.  

Finally there might be some combination of the above.  You might use a clamp for example with an epoxy plug for increased durability and an inability to completely tighten the clamp.  For a completely temporary repair a wooden plug (toothpick?) may work in this outside faucet line enabling you to turn the water on and call for help.  

You might resolve to create axcess by taking out part of a ceiling.  You might resolve an inability to completely turn off the water by installing a new valve prior to your repair.

Choose your repair method based upon the situation you see and your level of skill with the tools and techniques required.

Answer 8

Solder it!! Expose the hole and clean around the area with Emery cloth apply some flux and heat area with a torch, when hot apply solder over the hole. Sounds hard but not.