Repairing leaky water pipes by welding them with a torch and solder can be an intimidating prospect--even for the most intrepid DIYers. Yet that doesn't mean you have to call a plumber the next time you've got a burst or leaking pipe on your hands. If you would like to learn more about repairing damaged water supply pipes on your own, read on. This article will explain how to solve this common problem using a compression repair coupling.

Step 1: Drain the pipes.

To prepare your damaged pipe for repair, the first thing you must do it ensure that it is emptied of water. To do this, close your home's main water supply valve. Then drain the water currently in your pipes by opening the faucets on the bottom floor of your home. Once all of the water has drained from your system, you will be ready to proceed.

Step 2: Mark and cut the existing pipe.

Next you must remove the damaged portion of the pipe. This is easily accomplished using either a hacksaw or a rotary tubing cutter. If your pipe is located in an especially tight space, you may need to use a mini tubing cutter. These have a compact design, which allows them to be used in limited space situations.

Once you've cut out the damaged section, smooth the cut ends with a piece of sandpaper. Be sure to use a fine-grit sandpaper especially designed for sanding soft metal. Customarily, these are made using either aluminum oxide or emery grits. Be sure to completely smooth away any burrs or rough patches before proceeding.

Step 3: Install and tighten the repair coupling.

Compression repair couplings come in a variety of different widths and lengths. Be sure that the diameter of the coupling you buy is the same as that of the pipe you're repairing. Likewise, ensure that it is long enough to overlap each end of the cut pipe by at least 1 inch, otherwise the coupling won't fit properly.  

Begin installation by slipping the two compression nuts onto the two pipe ends flanking the cut section. Then do the same with the two smooth rings, also known as ferrules. Now you are ready to put the repair coupling in place and tighten the compression nuts.

Tightening the compression nuts wedges the ferrules firmly into place, thus preventing any water from escaping. You must be careful, however, not to overtighten the nuts. This can actually cause the ferrules to bend out of shape, which in turn will ruin the seal and lead to leaks. One full rotation of the compression nuts is all it should take to seal the repair fitting. Congratulations, your water pipe is good as new!

To learn more, contact a company like Underpressure Welding Inc.