How Do You Solder Copper Tubing Leaks?
There is nothing more aggravating then walking down into the basement and discovering one of your copper water lines has sprung a leak. This often happens if your pipes accidentally freeze and thaw if the heat goes out in the winter, or it can happen due to normal corrosion of the pipe from the inside. Whatever the reason, the leak has to be repaired. With a few hand tools and a little know-how you should be able to fix that leak yourself without calling a plumber. Locate the leak in the copper tubing. Measure 1 inch on either side of the leak and make a mark. Turn off the main water value located where the main water line enters the house. Open the faucet connected to the leaking water line to drain the water and release the pressure. Leave the faucet open while repairing the pipe. Clamp a copper tubing pipe cutter around the pipe. This is a special tool made for cutting copper tubing. Turn the handle until the cutting blade bites into the copper. Rotate the pipe cutter 360 degrees. T
