How to Use Epoxy on Copper Water Pipes

Though copper pipes are durable and long-lasting, small punctures or fractures can appear if the pipes are accidentally trodden on, or if they are inadequately insulated in cold weather. Damage to copper pipes must be fixed quickly, as water damage can prove very expensive. Removing the damaged section and replacing it requires soldering a new piece of pipe in place, though a short-term solution is applying epoxy putty over the damaged area.

• 1

  Turn off the water to the house at the main shut-off valve. If you the area of damaged pipe is served by its own shut-off valve, close that valve instead.

• 2

  Clean the area around the damaged section of pipe with a wire brush. This will scratch the pipe surface slightly, which will help ensure good bonding of the epoxy putty.

• 3

  Cut off the desired amount of putty from the tube, using a utility knife. This amount should be enough to easily cover the pipe's broken or fractured area. Mix the two colors of putty together in your hands, until there is only one color. Within 90 seconds, apply the single-colored putty around the damaged area with your hands. Make sure the putty covers the pipe on every side of the break or fracture by 1/2 inch.

• 4

  Dampen your hands to smooth out the putty while it cures. The putty takes five minutes to harden and one hour to fully cure. Wait one hour to turn the water back on.