Do you have a burst or leaky water line? One of the trickiest things about repairing a copper water line is having to use a soldering torch. Not everyone has a soldering torch and not many people are skilled enough to use it to repair their water lines effectively. It may take several tries to get the repair just right. This is not something everyone has the time or opportunity for. Soldering torches also create a fire hazard, especially when you are doing repairs in a tight space. 

The good news is that you don’t have to be skilled at soldering in order to repair a leaky copper pipe. You can use push-fit fittings instead. 

Push-fit fittings eliminate the need to solder copper pipes in order to replace sections of the pipe. You will also not need to use glue or other such adhesives in repairing your water line making the repair a lot safer. The push-fit fitting has steel teeth that grip the pipe. These ensure the O-ring make a tight seal with the pipe. No water will leak out when the fitting is installed properly. 

1. Turn off the water 

Turn off the water at the mains or the closest shutoff valve. Allow water to drain out of the system by turning on faucets.  Mark the section that needs to be replaced. Be sure to include at least 1 inch on either side of the damaged area. 

2. Cut the pipe 

Mark a line along the pipe on either side of the damaged section. Use a cutter to cut a ring shaped line around the pipe. Ensure that it is not a spiral. Rotate the cutter and tighten it slightly with each rotation. Stop rotating the cutter when the pipe snaps. Repeat this on the other marked line. Remove the section you have cut. 

3. Install the push-fit fittings and pipe sections 

Smooth out the rough edges of the existing pipe. Use the triangle-shaped blade of the cutter for this. Take the nuts and compression rings that came with the coupling. Slip them onto the section that you have cut to replace the damaged section. Slip the couplings onto either end of the pipe. The section should be centered within the coupling. Using the pliers, tighten the compression nuts on the existing pipe. Use an adjustable pipe wrench to stabilize the coupling. 

You can purchase push-fit fittings at your local hardware store. They offer an easy solution for repairing leaks or cracks in copper pipes without soldering. You can also use them to repair joints and to replace connectors in your water line.

The method above is also effective for repairing frozen pipes and replacing damaged sections in faucets, washing machines and showers. You will save yourself a lot of time and money by using the method above instead of calling a plumber to do the same thing for you and charging you for it.