How to Fix a Copper Pipe Leak in Singapore

Since pipe leaks are pretty common in Singapore’s humid weather, knowing how to fix a copper pipe leak becomes essential. Water leaks can cause water pooling around the leakage site or go unnoticed until they have done extensive damage to the pipes or the house. Whether you are dealing with a minor leak or a major one, having a good know-how of the repair process can save you a lot of time and money.

Keeping these points in mind, we have come up with the perfect guide to help you do a leaking copper pipe repair in no time. We will discuss the temporary and permanent fixes so that you can apply the ones you prefer. Also, note that LS Plumber Singapore offers drain cleaning, clear floor top, and drainage pipe choke services.

Why Do Copper Pipes Leak?

Copper pipes are robust and sturdy and can last long without damage. However, in hot and humid weather, like in Singapore, these pipes are exposed to harsh conditions that can make them rusty. These rusted parts are prone to leakage. The joints between two pipes can also get damaged, leading to leaks.

Leakages can also arise due to poor installation when cheap parts are used to install the house’s pipes. In addition, high temperatures, water pH fluctuations, and physical damage can lead to the pipes leaking water. If you face water leakages due to any of these conditions, you must repair a copper pipe leak to prevent damage to the house.

How To Identify Water Leaks 

You can identify potential leaks in the water pipes by several methods, such as

• The pipe can leak if you see a water puddle around the pipe or at a distance from it on the ground. However, you should differentiate leakages from standard condensation droplets.
• If you notice that your water bills are too high for the amount of water you are using, you might have a leaking pipe issue that needs attention.
• If the water in the faucet has a metallic odor or taste, there might be a leakage in the pipe.
• If you notice a blue-green color around any parts of the pipes, the pipe has aged and can lead to potential leaks in the future.

How To Fix A Copper Pipe Leak 

Here is the step-by-step guide to fix a copper pipe leak

1. Temporary Fix (Quick Solution)

If you want a quick and easy fix to the leaking problem, try this temporary fixing method. However, this fix won’t last long, and you might have to repeat this process. To achieve this temporary fix, you can try the following things.

·         Turn Off The Water Supply 

In the first step, you should turn off the water supply for the pipe. You can turn off the supply to the pipe individually or turn off the whole house’s main water supply to prevent water from coming into the pipe. Once the supply is off, open the faucet and let the pipe drain and dry completely before moving on with the repair process.

·         Apply Epoxy Putty Or Rubber Clamp 

Once the copper pipe has been dried, apply enough epoxy putty on the damaged area to seal the leakage. Smooth the putty per the instructions and let it cure for a reasonable time before turning on the water supply. The epoxy putty should give you a temporary fix to the leaking issue.

Alternatively, you can use a rubber camp over the leaking area if the leak is minor. Ensure the clamp is tight enough to hold the cover of the entire leakage point without letting the water escape.

·         Test The Fix 

Once you are sure that you have fixed the leak, you can turn on the water supply. If the leak has disappeared, your temporary fix has worked, and you can continue using the pipe.

2. Permanent Fix

If your temporary fix doesn’t work and the leak persists, you will have to resort to permanent methods to repair the leak. Here are the steps to go about this process

·         Turn Off The Water Supply

In the first step, you must turn off the water supply. Once the main supply is off, you will have to let the water run to relieve any remaining pressure from the pipe.

·         Cut Out The Damaged Section 

Use a pipe cutter to remove the damaged section from the pipe. Make sure to get a complete and straight cut to make the repair process more manageable.

·         Prepare The Pipe 

Once you have cut the pipe, use sandpaper or an emery cloth to smoothen the ends. The ends should be smooth and shiny enough to make a good seal between the new ends.

·         Install A New Section 

In the next step, you can install a new section in the pipe with the help of compression fittings. Slide the fittings on the pipe, insert the new section, and tighten the assembly with the help of an adjustable wrench.

You can also use soldering to attach the new section to the pipe. Apply a good amount of flux to the pipe ends and fittings. Slide the new fitting onto the pipe and heat the area with a blowtorch until the pipes are secure.

Conclusion 

We have discussed the complete process to fix a copper pipe leak in Singapore. Depending on your needs and budget, you can try temporary and permanent fixes to the problem. However, we recommend using the permanent method to get a fix that can last a long while. You can try the permanent method or use professionals’ help to fix a copper pipe leak in Singapore.

Frequently Asked Questions