Hole in a copper pipe

hepatel

Hi could someone guide on how I can cut and replace the damaged copper pipe. The space is narrow and there is a bend

hepatel

Hi could someone guide on how I can cut and replace the damaged copper pipe. The space is narrow and there isn’t s a bend c

doodling

Hi,

This is probably better on the DIY forum but the best approach is to cut the pipe away on both sides of the bend and then join in a new piece with a bend, either a bent piece of pipe or two straight pieces joined with an elbow.

You will then end up with:

    r--=---
    |
    ||
    |

Where 'r' is the bend / elbow in the new piece of pipe and '=' and '||' are inline joins.

You'll need to get nice clean cuts in the pipe ready for the joints to the new piece.  If you can't get a pipe cutter in then I'd do the initial cuts with a multi-tool as it is fairly easy to do a cut with just access at 90 degrees to the pipe.  Hopefully there would then be enough movement in the pipe to clean up the ends with something line a miniature pipe cutter or if not, a file.  You'll need to take precautions to avoid swarf / debris getting into the pipe (or be careful to remove it / flush it out if it does).

WIAWSNB

The fact you have access to the pipe as it descends below the hole is very good news.

It could possibly be fixed in situ, but the hole would have to be away from the 'swept bend' part so a solder fitting could go on to it. All cables removed, damaged part removed with a suitable multitool (or pipe cut once at that point, and the half-holes could be covered by the fitting if pipe not distorted), and an extended (if needed) slip coupling soldered into place. Be ready to put out the smouldering joist - actually, best slip a solder mat under it...

Or, much safer and easier, cut the pipe a couple of inches beyond the joist, and also a couple of feet or so below ceiling level, and remove the whole bend section for repair on your bench.* 

Cut out and replace damaged section, and refit pipe using slip soldered couplings. All cables obvs kept away, and a solder mat will protect the surroundings.

If you need to buy the tools required - multitool, blowtorch, etc - and you don't have further use for them, then best get in a plumber - with their experience, they'll sort this in no time (make sure you tell them what the issue is when you phone - tight access, etc.)

But, if you fancy building up a nice tool kit, then it's perfectly competent-DIYable, and we can guide you.
You could use comp fittings, but it would be a bit MickeyMouse. But it's ok if a smear of joint compound is also used.

What plumbing work have you done before? And what is this pipe - CH? Pressurised system?

* Cutting the pipe beyond the joist is a simple rotary pipe slicer job. Do that one first. Then prise the vertical pipe away from the wall in the room below, enough to move it an inch or so away from the corner, but not distort it. That will hopefully also allow the cutter to get in there. 

Boohoo

hepatel said:

Hi could someone guide on how I can cut and replace the damaged copper pipe. The space is narrow and there is a bend

Who put the nail through the pipe?

If it was you I would get a plumber in as it looks to difficult for untrained people to do a proper and neat job.

Where the pipes come into downstairs is is the plasterboard ok as there looks like water damage?

Also at the bottom of your post you have a poll going. Options are DIY or DIY so not much choice is there.

grumpy_codger

If the hole isn't through, i.e. only at the top of the pipe,it's worth trying to solder it. Add a piece of copper or copper wires to stop the solder leaking inside. 

You need a plumber with a good torch.

That said, if you manage to cut it, you can easily replace it either with a longish piece of plastic pipe or with two pieces of copper pipe with an elbow connection in in the conner.