Inaccessible pipe leak problem.

[<ThrowAwayAddress]

We have a 1" copper pipe running between the floor joists It has been tapped with one of those taps that drill a hole in the copper when attached. Later, the tap was shut off and not used anymore. Recently the tap has started leaking.

This was done by the previous owners and we don't even know why the line was tapped.

The problem is that the location of the tap is nearly imposssible to access because it's right above a door frame. Therefore the pipe cannot be cut or welded to replace the tapped segment. Also the pipe cannot be easily removed because it's about 24' long and safe access to one end is also impossible without destroying a wall.

What are my options to fix the leak ?

[Speedy Jim]

Get another saddle valve and replace it. There is a rubber gasket between pipe and valve which may be the cause. Or, a pipe repair clamp. These are usually iron though, which might cause more problems. Or, make your own repair clamp out of copper tubing, PVC tubing, etc.

Jim

[c_kubie]

It may be that it just needs to be tightened. A long flex screwdriver may be able to tighten it.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

It can be cut, it can be soldered. You just have to know how to do it. A plumber can do it as they run across tough situations all the time. It may have to be shielded when the torch is used, it may have to be slowly cut with a small saw. That is why a pro can charge a decent price. $125 just to knock on the door is about average.

Installing a new saddle valve may cure the problem if the seal is gone.

[trader4]

What makes this so impossible to get at to cut it out and solder a coupling in? Somebody had to get to it to put the saddle valve in to begin with, didn't they?

[Dave Morrison]

And it dose not need to be cut. The valve can be removed and the hole sealed with silver braze. If you can see the leak an oxy/acet torch with a small tip can get in there to fix it. You might have better luck calling a company that dose refrigeration and plumbing, most straight plumbing companies have no experince with silver braze and will want to rip your wall out and put in a coupling. Dave

[<ThrowAwayAddress]

For the people suggesting cutting and soldering or brazing. There is NO WAY to get at the spot to do ANY OF THAT without taking out walls and conduits. That's why I'm trying to find ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS.

[trader4]

"For the people suggesting cutting and soldering or brazing. There is NO WAY to get at the spot to do ANY OF THAT without taking out walls and conduits. That's why I'm trying to find ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS. "

Maybe you should post a picture, cause it's pretty hard to suggest how to fix something in a critical location within unknown dimensions/access, that you can't see. Have you considered just cutting the pipe off on either side some distance from the leaking inaccessable spot and re-routing a new section around it?

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Can you touch it? If so, it can be cut and soldered. Not everyone can do it, but a good plumber can. Pre-tinning it can even be done with one hand.

Another saddle valve may be an alternative, other alternatives are running a section of PEX, butt that depends on what is accessible.

[BobK207]

The request for a picture is very reasonable one. Those of use w/o benefit of seeing the installation can only imagine it.

I've done this before with success but it's not a great fix.

Cut a !" copper coupling in half (both ways) to create a copper arc.

Flux pipe to be repaired & solder copper arc onto pipe.

btw it's still working after 25 year, haven't gotten back to it :)

cheers Bob

[Duane Bozarth]

[e-mail] wrote: ...

Well, then start the demolition if you're so sure and unwilling to call a pro...