How To Repair a Leaking Copper Compression with Thread Tape

Copper compression couplings join two copper pipes together. A ferrule, which resembles a wedding band, and a nut fit over each end of the two pipes. Both pipes are then inserted into a coupling and the nuts are tightened, compressing the ferrule, which seals the pipe. When a leak develops in the compression coupling, it can usually be repaired by applying pipe thread tape. You can do the work with a few tools, materials and basic do-it-yourself skills.

Two adjustable wrenches
Paper towels
Pipe thread tape

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the water off to the pipe that the compression coupler is connected to. If a dedicated valve to the pipe does not exist, shut off the main water supply for the house. The main valve is usually close to the home water meter.
- 2
  Open a tap to relieve the water pressure in the house pipes.
- 3
  Place a drain pan or bucket under the coupling to catch any drippings.
- 4
  Loosen the two nuts on either end of the compression coupling using an adjustable wrench. Support the coupling with another adjustable wrench and turn the nuts counterclockwise. Slide both nuts back over the pipe and away from the coupling.
- 5
  Pull the two pipes out from the coupling to expose the ferrules.
- 6
  Wipe the pipe end and the ferrules dry with a paper towel.
- 7
  Wrap 1 1/2 turns of pipe thread tape over each ferrule, keeping the tape centered.
- 8
  Insert the two pipes into the coupling.
- 9
  Attach the two nuts to the coupling and tighten each nut clockwise using the two adjustable wrenches.
- 10
  Restore the water pressure. Leave the tap open until any residual air is purged, then close it. This usually takes five or 10 seconds.
- 11
  Check the compression coupler for leaks.

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