how to repair a leaking solder joint

^{How To Re-Solder A Copper Pipe Joint Without Removing It}

1. Drain The Water. Be sure to completely shut off the water at the main valve in your home. ...
2. Dry And Sand. You will want to dry the outside of the elbow thoroughly. ...
3. Apply Flux. Apply soldering flux around the entire joint. This is essential because it helps to prepare the copper for soldering.
4. Heating To Replace The Old Solder. This next step is the fun part, and it involves your soldering torch. ...
5. Wait. You must let the pipe cool for at least five minutes. Do not attempt to push this any faster than that.
6. See If It Worked. Finally, you can turn the water back on. Let’s hope that your solder worked and that you stopped the leak!
7. The Trick. Replace the elbow with a tee with a threaded fitting soldered on one end. The open end can allow moisture to escape.

How do you fix a leaking copper solder joint?

• Put a piece of sheet metal between the joint and the wall.
• Notching the sheet metal if needed.
• Near your work area, be sure to spray water ahead of time.
• You can use fire-resistant spray around the work area to avoid damage.
• If you are working in a tight space, then you may need to work longer with the torch. ...

How to fix bad solder joints?

While explaining the process, the official added that a slab seal expansion joint method will be followed for the joint repairs.

How to repair pinhole leaks in copper pipe without soldering?

Why Learn to Fix Leaky Copper Pipes

• SharkBite Couplings
• SharkBite Depth Tool
• AutoCut Copper Pipe Cutter
• Ridgid No. 10 or 15 Tubing Cutter
• Milwaukee PEX Tubing Cutter
• Emery Cloth
• Drywall Saw
• Utility Knife
• PEX (optional)
• Copper Pipe (Type L)

More items...

How to repair leaks at threaded plumbing joints?

• Immediately turn off the water supply upstream of the leaking pipes.
• Drain the water from the damaged line and ensure that the area to be patched is clean and dry so that the epoxy will properly adhere to the pipe.
• Tear off enough plumbing epoxy putty to fully cover the surface around the leak.

More items...

How much solder should I use for a pipe joint?

Why won't my solder work?

Do you need a gas torch for copper pipe?

Should you apply flux to joints?

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How do you seal a solder joint leak?

Apply soldering flux around the whole joint and apply heat with a torch until the old solder melts. Add new solder until a shiny ring of solder shows all around the joint. Let the pipe cool for five minutes, then turn the water back on and cross your fingers that you stopped the leak.

How do I fix a leaking solder joint without taking apart?

8:0710:37The CORRECT Way To Fix A Leaking Joint (UNSOLDERING) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply a thin layer of flux all around it like this and get some locking pliers on the pipe toMoreApply a thin layer of flux all around it like this and get some locking pliers on the pipe to lightly tap it in place until it reaches the mark.

Can you solder over old solder?

Just heat the joint up with your torch, once the solder starts to melt use Channel locks to pull the fittings apart. Once the joint is apart, wipe as much old solder off as you can with a rag. Now you can start over. Clean, Flux, solder.

Can you Resolder copper joint?

Copper Pipe: If you're making a repair, you'll need a short stretch of copper pipe. Otherwise, you're working on existing copper pipes that need a fitting soldered on. Solder: Also called soldering wire, this is what melts and flows into the joint between two pieces of copper pipe.

Can you remelt solder?

Try putting some fresh solder on the tip of the iron and see if that helps. Your new ground can be connected anywhere on the back of the pot. You could even just clip the old wire and put the new one next to it if you're unable to get all of that solder off.

Can you reheat solder?

Re: Reheating Soldered Copper Fittings? You can re heat and move it. You might brush a little flux on it first and heat slowly The problem with re heating a joint is getting it too hot and ruining the solder seal. Fix one side firmly so that as soon as it moves you can adjust it and quickly leave it alone.

How do you fix bad solder?

1:122:42Repairing a Dry, Cold or Cracked Solder Joint & how to identify it - 2021YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt the easiest way would be to grab a soldering iron and simply reheat the solder on the pins untilMoreIt the easiest way would be to grab a soldering iron and simply reheat the solder on the pins until it melts. Again. This is called reflowing. And can get you out of a jam.

How do you solder with water dripping?

0:123:04How to solder a dripping pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo a good way to stop it is to use a piece of bread. If you just take the bread and roll it up andMoreSo a good way to stop it is to use a piece of bread. If you just take the bread and roll it up and actually shove it into the pipe.

How do you clean corroded solder joints?

1:112:43Clean Up Circuit Boards to Remove Corrosion and Flux - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo just using plain water now flux does dissolve in water but the acetone ensures it shifts easily.MoreSo just using plain water now flux does dissolve in water but the acetone ensures it shifts easily.

How do you remove solder leak from copper pipe?

0:211:33How Do I Clean Soldered Joints on Copper Tubing? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust begin sanding that. Off. On the problem areas like this can actually just take it. And use itMoreJust begin sanding that. Off. On the problem areas like this can actually just take it. And use it just like regular sand paper to help grind off all those extra bumps and snags on it.

Can you use too much flux when soldering?

Although there is a sufficient amount of flux present in the core of the solder wire to get your job done, the technicians (to make their job easy) tend to use additional flux in form of paste or liquid during the rework on the PCB. There is no problem with the use of flux during soldering.

Can you overheat copper pipe when soldering?

If the metal being joined is too cool or too hot, tinning cannot occur. Overheating is a major problem when brazing or soldering copper pipe because the flux will burn (become oxidized), stop working, and become a barrier to tinning.

Solder not sticking while sweating copper - DoItYourself.com

Plumbing and Piping - Solder not sticking while sweating copper - I am attempting to connect two pieces of copper, vertical. Using maps, lead free solder, and flux. Cannot get the solder to stick. Each time I put the flame on, solder melts and runs down the side of the pipe. It does not wick into the opening at all. I

How to re-solder a copper pipe joint without removing it - Quora

Answer (1 of 21): Totally depends on why the joint is leaking in the first place. I have fixed 1000’s of copper leaks. on old pipes and I can tell you that re-soldering and old joint is a 50/50 crap shoot. When re-soldering an old joint be fully prepared to cut that joint out and replace it dr...

fixing small leak on solder joint | DIYnot Forums

I have a main water feed pipe to the electric shower that has a very small weep on a solder joint. It produces a small drip about every hour or so. The joint is at the end of an S-curved pipe and appears to have been flared by the original plumber to allow the next pipe to join on without a...

How to stop a leaking copper joint?

When a leaking soldered copper joint is detected in your heating system the first question you ask yourself is how to stop the leak. If it were a compression joint you could probably tighten the nut to seal the leak but it may not be as simple as that with a soldered joint. Traditionally a plumber would apply soldering flux around the whole joint which they would heat with a torch until the old solder melts. New solder would then be added until a shiny ring appears around the joint which is left to cool before turning on the water. At that point it is a case of fingers crossed in the hope that the leak is sealed. The process of looking for a plumber is time consuming and the labour cost can be substantial so are there any alternatives? There are a number of sealants on the market for curing leaks but they do not comply fully with the criteria for a safe and effective seal. You really need to search for a product that first and foremost has the capability of sealing the leak permanently so you will not have to return to the problem again and you have to ensure that the solution is absolutely non-adhesive so it will not clog the central heating system. It also needs to be a safe solution that has protective qualities and is non corrosive so that any seals in the pump are not compromised. It should also contain a lubricant component that will protect any working mechanical parts in the heating system, especially the circulating pump. The product must also be compatible with both plastic and copper pipes and any anti rust treatment present in the system. Over the recent past an amazing sealant product has been developed by C Tec that provides the perfect sealant for leaking copper solder and compression joints in a central heating system.

What is a liquid sealant?

It is a viscous liquid sealant that is poured into the heating system to provide an instant and permanent cure to the leaking soldered copper joint. This amazing solution dispenses with any other traditional fix and can be poured directly into the heating system to not only cure the immediate leak but to protect the system in general ...

Can sealants cure leaks?

There are a number of sealants on the market for curing leaks but they do not comply fully with the criteria for a safe and effective seal. You really need to search for a product that first and foremost has the capability of sealing the leak permanently so you will not have to return to the problem again and you have to ensure ...

Can you use Miracle Seal on copper pipes?

All you have to do to apply this solution is shake the container well and then pour the contents into the heating system. Miracle Seal is unquestionably the miracle cure for water leaks.

Is a lubricant safe for a heating pump?

It also needs to be a safe solution that has protective qualities and is non corrosive so that any seals in the pump are not compromised. It should also contain a lubricant component that will protect any working mechanical parts in the heating system, especially the circulating pump.

JohnD

There is a product called Fernox LSX that is a sort of rubberery paste, it sets quickly in the presence of water. It can be smeared over and into the gap. It might cure your problem. It will also fix itself securely to your skin and fingernails.

lupage80

DJM - I know this post was a few years ago but did it the loctite/LSD work? How did you go about fixing? I have a similar problem with minute weep on a pipe.

Madrab

If it's a temporary repair you want then pipe repair putty will do the job, Evo stick do some I think but a proper soldered/compression fix is the only long term solution.

DIYnot Local

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

What is soldering made of?

Soldering is a process of joining different types of metals together. The solder itself is a metal alloy. It is typically made of tin or led , which is melted using a hot iron or torch. It is best to avoid lead solders, as they are toxic. This heat creates an electrical bond with the copper pipe.

How to replace elbow with tee?

This moisture will actually escape as steam. Since the moisture turns into steam, you will be able to heat the joint enough to melt the solder. Once the pipe has cooled, then screw in a threaded plug .

What to do if your water pipe is dripping?

If your pipe continues to drip, you will need to turn off the water again. Then, open your faucets to drain the line once again. The difference this time is you will need to cut out the whole elbow. Although this may seem irrational, it may be your only option.

Can you solder a pipe if you don't try it?

You will want to dry the outside of the elbow thoroughly. If you do not fully try the pipe, then you will not be able to solder it because water and fire do not mix.

Can you heat solder while turning it?

You should have a pair of slip-joint plyers in your strong hand as well. If you have to remove the old solder, you can keep heating it while turning it with your plyers. This part can be a bit dangerous, so be careful when removing the old solder.

Can you turn water back on after soldering?

Let’s hope that your solder worked and that you stopped the leak! However, after you turn the water back on, you will want to check the pipes and watch them as the water runs through. If it appears to be leak-free, check again in a couple of hours.

Can you resolder copper pipe without removing it?

If you decide you want to re-solder a copper pipe, the best option is to do so without removing it from the wall. The only concern with this method is that you will need to use heat and avoid damaging anything around the pipe. The best method of re-soldering a copper pipe join without removing it is to simply drain the water, ...

How much solder should I use for a pipe joint?

Not so much with larger piping, but with 1/2" it is easy to do it. You should only use about 1/2" to 3/4" of solder to make a joint on that size; don't add more or you could just fill the pipe.

Why won't my solder work?

Since you have leaking joints, heating them up and adding more solder will not work because the new solder won’t get sucked into the joint due to a lack of flux. Sorry to say, each bad joint will have to be removed. I would use a MAPP gas torch, as it burns hotter than propane, which will get the job done quicker.

Do you need a gas torch for copper pipe?

Don't need a MAP gas torch. Propane is plenty hot for normal sized copper piping (up to 3" or so). Wiping a rag on the fitting isn't needed, all that does is smear the solder that's hanging on the outside of the fitting around. Looks better, but it doesn't do anything else. Don't use too much flux.

Should you apply flux to joints?

You should not be applying flux to joints you are not working on, take each joint one at a time. If the joints are all close to each other, try doing the joints out of order. Solder one joint, then move to a joint further away, then back to a joint near the first, etc.