How to Stop a Leak in a Copper Pipe

What Causes a Copper Pipe to Leak?

Most copper pipe leaks are caused by internal pitting corrosion, a process where small pits form on the inside of the pipe due to chemical reactions with the water. Over time, these pits grow and become pinhole leaks: tiny but damaging openings that allow water to escape.

Several factors can contribute to the development of these leaks:

1. Water quality: Highly acidic or highly alkaline water (also known as hard water) can break down copper over time.
2. Sediment and debris: Grit, sand, and other particles can rub against the inner pipe surface, worsening corrosion and causing leaks.



3. Water velocity and turbulence: Leaks are more likely at sharp bends or elbows where water changes direction.
4. Pipe age: Older copper pipes are more vulnerable due to years of wear and accumulated minerals.
5. Low-grade copper: Inferior materials used in some installations corrode more quickly.

Even newer copper systems can experience leaks if the water chemistry or installation conditions are unfavorable. This makes it important to not just fix the visible issue but also assess whether the leak is part of a broader, systemic problem.

For more information about what causes leaks in copper, you can read our detailed and thorough article on copper pinhole leaks.

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Temporary Fixes for a Leaking Copper Pipe

If you discover a leak, your first step should always be to shut off the main water supply. Once the flow is stopped, there are a few temporary solutions to prevent further damage while planning a more permanent repair.

Some common emergency fixes include:

• Epoxy putty: This can be applied directly to the leak and will harden to form a temporary seal, such as Sylmasta Superfast Epoxy Putty Sticks.
• Pipe repair clamps: These are adjustable metal sleeves that clamp around the pipe to contain the leak.
• Plumber's tape: While not designed for leaks in the pipe wall itself, this can help with stopping temporary minor joint leaks, such as LOX-8 Full Density Thread Seal Tape Oxygen Safe.

These methods are useful in a pinch but aren't long-term solutions. Temporary fixes won't stop the underlying corrosion and won't prevent future leaks from forming elsewhere in the system.

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How to Stop a Leak in a Copper Pipe

To permanently stop a leak, you'll need to either repair the section of pipe or replace it entirely. The best method depends on the location of the leak and the overall condition of your plumbing.

Here are your primary repair options:

Soldering a Replacement Section (Sweating a Joint)

This traditional method involves cutting out the damaged section of pipe before cleaning and prepping the ends. Once this is done, you can fit a new piece with couplings before using a torch to solder the connections.

This method is effective but requires skill, time, and access to the affected area. It's also not ideal if you suspect multiple hidden leaks elsewhere in the system.

Using Push-Fit or Compression couplings

If soldering isn't feasible, push-fit fittings (such as SharkBite) or compression couplings offer a solder-free way to join copper pipes. These are faster and easier for DIYers but should only be used when the pipe condition is otherwise sound.

Full Home Repipe

If you've had multiple leaks or see signs of widespread corrosion (like green or white residue on pipes caused by oxidation), it's likely time to repipe. A full home repipe eliminates the root cause of copper pipe failure and prevents new leaks from forming.

Repairing individual leaks that happen over time becomes a temporary patch rather than a lasting fix. Repiping with Uponor PEX-A tubing or new L-grade copper ensures a longer-term, leak-free plumbing system.

Contact us, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide you with a free written, fixed-price quote.

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Get a Quote for Copper Pipe Repipe in Your Home

Here at Repipe Specialists, we've fully replaced the plumbing in over 60,000 homes since 1991. A Type L copper repipe is a long-term investment that can save you money for years to come. We consistently receive positive feedback from homeowners about their overall repipe experience. We often exceed expectations when it comes to:

• Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
• Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
• Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
• Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
• Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
• Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. Our quotes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity of your project. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail.

Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your copper repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote.

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