Need Help: Leak in Copper Inlet Pipe to Cold Water Tank – Photo & Video Attached

sujsuj

Hi all,

I’m dealing with a small plumbing issue and would really appreciate some advice. There’s a leak at the bend of one of the copper inlet pipes feeding into the main cold plastic water tank.

I’ve shut off the main water supply for now to prevent any further damage.

Photo and video of the leak are attached, which should give a clearer picture of the problem.

I've already contacted a plumber, but since it's the holiday period, I’m also exploring any possible DIY options in the meantime. I recall using a putty-type sealant in the past, though I’m unsure how effective it would be here, as this is a small but fairly strong leak.

While I wait for professional help, I’m open to any temporary or even permanent DIY solutions.

Grateful for any guidance—thanks in advance!

Before shut off

After Shut off

pramsay13

Were you cutting something?
It needs a new elbow joint. It's a very easy repair for a plumber or even a handyman although you might have to wait until Monday unless you want to pay extra for the weekend work.
If you are competent at DIY you should be able to replace like for like and solder the joins, or replace with a compression joint.  

stuart45

An easy DIY solution is cut the pipe each side of the elbow and stick a Speedfit elbow in.

FreeBear

stuart45 said:

An easy DIY solution is cut the pipe each side of the elbow and stick a Speedfit elbow in.

If there is enough "slack" in the pipe, and you don't have any snots of solder, a Speedfit would do the job. Just make sure there are no sharp edges on the pipe when inserting it in to the fitting. A compression fitting would be a little more tolerant of sharp edges though.

A solder fitting would be my preferred "fix", but then I have a decent blowtorch along with flux & solder.

Before the winter sets in, it would be a good idea to lag both the 15mm pipe and the 22mm one.

WIAWSNB

Blimey! That looks like a spontaneous pinhole.
My bro had one of them in a straight run of old 1/2" copper under his floor many years ago. Fortunately the FH sorted it all, including the ceiling damage to the flat below.
He brought the offending piece of pipe to me at Christmas - nice pressie - and I couldn't work out the cause. And it was in a hard water area.
I can only assume an impurity in the copper finally corroded through?

WIAWSNB

To fix, replace with a 'swept' elbow which will hopefully have a longer span to bypass the soldered ends. Eg: Eg https://www.screwfix.com/p/tectite-sprint-copper-push-fit-equal-90-elbow-15mm/6486g
Or, a compression fitting, ideally with a smear of jointing paste.
Unless experienced, I'd avoid soldering as there will be residual water which can cause issues. But if you can drain fully, and dry it using heat, no reason not to.
For a temp measure, I doubt tape - amalgamating or duct - will work since it's mains pressure. A solder blob should, but again needs a dry and empty pipe.
You can 'control' the flow, tho', by wrapping a strip of cloth around it, and dangling the end in a pan - the water will soak downwards and should end up safely in there. 
What I'd do until a plumber comes is to completely fill that tank whilst keeping an eye on the keak, shut off the supply, and use the contents. Then refill as required, always observing...

sujsuj

Keeping with the true DIY spirit, I had a midnight adventure into the unboarded loft and managed to patch things up using super glue and electrical tape. I sent an SOS message to my plumber to come in the morning, but after checking it again, everything seems to be holding up well.

Since this is only a temporary fix—and yes, I’m fully aware it involves super glue and tape on a water pipe—I’ve decided to hold off on the urgent call-out. I’ll get the plumber in over the next few days to replace it properly. I also have a couple of other plumbing tasks that need doing.

Before I bring someone in, I need to do a bit of prep work to get the loft partially boarded in that area (otherwise, I suspect I’ll be calling a ceiling specialist next!).

Really grateful for all the suggestions here—thank you!

stuart45

Another easy option for DIY if there isn't enough slack in the pipes is to get a short length of hand bendable pipe, 2 Speedfit couplers, and a cheap pipe splice. For less than £20, you can repair it. It doesn't really matter about the looks up there. Remember, more than one pro plumber has made a really neat job using end feed, only to go off leaving the roof space to burst into flames a few hours later.

WIAWSNB

I'd still wrap that towel - or another one - around it, with one end dangling into a container. If it starts to leak, this should prevent it spraying across the loft, and direct it safely into the container. 

sujsuj

WIAWSNB said:

I'd still wrap that towel - or another one - around it, with one end dangling into a container. If it starts to leak, this should prevent it spraying across the loft, and direct it safely into the container. 

Yes, will do that as a precaution. Thanks!

sujsuj

stuart45 said:

Another easy option for DIY if there isn't enough slack in the pipes is to get a short length of hand bendable pipe, 2 Speedfit couplers, and a cheap pipe splice. For less than £20, you can repair it. It doesn't really matter about the looks up there. Remember, more than one pro plumber has made a really neat job using end feed, only to go off leaving the roof space to burst into flames a few hours later.

After a close inspection yesterday while it was dry, I realised it’s not a loose joint—the pipe itself is corroded and damaged at the bend, with a visible pinhole. This means I’ll definitely need to cut out that section and use something like the item you mentioned or the  Screwfix item @WIAWSNB mentioned.