How to Repair Copper Tubing for an Espresso Machine

Many espresso machines use copper tubing in their operation because copper won't rust and is durable, which minimizes leaking. If your copper piping gets damaged, try repairing it before buying a new machine or new tubing. Copper is pliable when heated, and this enables you to use heat to seal damaged tubing and prevent it from leaking. Repairing copper tubing on an espresso machine requires a few basic materials and tools.

Pipe cutter
Wire brush
Emery paper
Copper tubing repair sleeve
Lead-free solder wire
Soldering torch

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the machine, and turn off the water valves to prevent leaking.
- 2
  Cut out the damaged piece of the tubing with a pipe cutter. It slices through the tubing so you can remove the breached area.
- 3
  Rub a clean wire brush over the interior of both the existing piping and your repair sleeve. Wipe down the outside with emery paper to help remove dirt and foreign substances that interfere with the repair.
- 4
  Place the repair sleeve over the area where you cut out the damaged tubing. The repair should cover both sides of the original tube with an overlap of about 1/2 inch.
- 5
  Hold a piece of lead-free solder wire on one side of the repair tubing with a soldering torch on the other. Heat the tubing so the wire melts over the seam between the repair tubing and the original tubing. Remove the remaining wiring once the seam is fully coated. Do this on the other seam as well, and allow a half hour for the repair to fully cool and harden over the tubing.
- 6
  Turn on the water valves, and plug the machine back in to test your machine.

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