How to Fix a Leaking Brass Union

Pipe unions serve to add a faucet or valve to a plumbing line and they connect two segments of pipe. Brass pipes are used for plumbing in some homes, and over time, leaks may develop at the pipe unions where the pipes meet. Brass is comprised of copper and zinc, so the methods for repairing a leaking brass pipe are essentially the same, though brass fittings will require more heat during the soldering process. Cleaning the pipe union may remedy the issue or the union may require soldering to seal the point where the two piping segments meet.

Medium-grit steel wool
Paintbrush
Paste flux
Leather work gloves
Protective eyewear
Drop cloth
Propane torch
Torch striker
Lead-free solder
Spray bottle (optional)
Water (optional)
Thumb tacks (optional)
Flame protector cloth (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the water supply to the affected area. Locate a knob on the pipe and twist it clockwise. The main shut off knob is typically located at the point where the water pipe enters the structure.
- 2
  Turn on a faucet that's supplied by the leaking section of pipe to drain the water from the line. Leave the faucet in the open position, even after the water stops flowing. This will serve as a ventilation point for the heat and gases produced during the repair.
- 3
  Twist the union apart. Twist one of the components counter-clockwise.
- 4
  Sand the union with steel wool to remove corrosion and debris. Pay special attention to the threading. If the piece is severely corroded or if the threading is worn away, replace the union piece.
- 5
  Apply paste flux to the two portions of the union. Use a paintbrush to apply it to the threading and brush the flux inside the female portion of the other pipe.
- 6
  Twist the two parts of the union together and paint flux around joint where the two brass components meet.
- 7
  Don protective eyewear and a pair of leather work gloves.
- 8
  Spread a drop cloth under the work area to catch drops of solder.
- 9
  Twist the propane torch valve into the "on" position.
- 10
  Hold the striker a few inches away from the tip of the torch and squeeze the handle to make a spark. This will ignite the torch flame.
- 11
  Heat the union with the torch flame for approximately 2 minutes or until the flux liquifies and melts. Rotate the flame around the pipe, so the union is heated evenly.
- 12
  Apply lead-free solder to the brass union. Unroll several inches of soldering wire and place the tip of the wire up to the pipe joint. Focus the flame on the solder wire and joint. As the solder melts, dab the solder onto the joint where the two pipe components meet. Apply a line of solder around the entire joint.
- 13
  Turn off the torch by turning the valve into the "off" position.
- 14
  Allow the pipe to cool for a period of 15 to 20 minutes.
- 15
  Turn on the water supply. Turn the valve in a counter-clockwise direction.
- 16
  Close the faucet that was left open to ventilate the heat and gases.

Mortise Deadlocks Vs. Deadbolts

How to Remove Pieces of Wood With Angle Staples

General Home Repair