Leaking hw pipe to basin

[harmonia]

Just discovered that a HW pipe that is supplying the basin in my under stairs closet appears to be leaking at a copper right angle joint (occasional drip). Anyway first question:- I am just about to go away for a while and I was wondering if there is a product I could buy from B&W that could be applied around the joint to prevent the leak?

I know the best way is to take the joint off and replace it. If I do go down this route I would stop the water supply; drain the pipework; remove the old joint with heat and finally clean up the pipe ends with some emery cloth. Question:- can I use the same pipe ends and simply put on another joint & solder or do I have to cut them clean with a pipe cutter (could get tricky)

 

[Whitespirit66]

No, don't use any dodgy repair paste from Been & Queued. Turn the water off at the stopcock whilst you are away.

Trying to un-sweat old fittings, then clean off the old solder is a waste of time and effort. Cut out the pipe near the leaking fitting, and solder in a new piece of pipe with the elbow in it. If soldering will be problematic, use compression joints instead.

 

[harmonia]

Thanks. Took your advice and cut the pipe above the elbow. Soldered a new joint and added some pipe. Turned the supply and no sign of a leak so far but its early days..

Noted that the waste under the sink has a slight drip. Oh well next DIY job...

 

[Whitespirit66]

The joys of plumbing!