How to Replace the Copper Water Line in an Evaporative Cooler

Evaporative coolers operate by spraying water down a panel of porous media that air is then pulled over and into the house. The water has a cooling effect on the outdoor air. The small copper pipe that supplies the water to the cooler is usually a quarter-inch in diameter and runs from an outdoor faucet to the side of the cooler. While copper is a durable plumbing material, corrosion or breaks in the line might require you to replace the pipe.

Adjustable wrench
Ladder
Pliers
Quarter-inch evaporative cooler supply line
U-clamps
Small nails
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the ball valve on the main water shutoff inside your house. The shutoff valve is usually in a basement or utility panel.
- 2
  Walk around the side of the house until you see the small copper pipe that's connected to the outdoor faucet.
- 3
  Place an adjustable wrench around the small nut on the end of the copper pipe. This compression nut is what connects the copper line to the water supply. Turn the nut counterclockwise until it pulls free of the faucet.
- 4
  Access the evaporative cooler. For rooftop units, use a ladder to reach the roof.
- 5
  Locate the copper pipe on the side of the cooler and loosen the nut using the wrench until it pulls out of the side of the unit. Use pliers to remove any U-clamps that are holding the copper pipe against the house or roof. Discard the old pipe.
- 6
  Place the nut on one end of a new quarter-inch evaporative cooler copper supply line on the faucet. Tighten into place using a wrench.
- 7
  Gently pull the copper line against the side of the house and place a U-clamp around the pipe. Secure the clamp in place using two small nails and a hammer. This will keep the pipe in place.
- 8
  Continue pulling the copper pipe along the side of the house toward the cooler, installing a U-clamp about every 10 feet along the way. When you reach the cooler, fasten the nut on the end of the pipe to the side of the cooler. Tighten it using a wrench.
- 9
  Turn on the main water shutoff valve inside the house and turn on the cooler to test the new connection. The water should fill the basin of the cooler and shut off automatically.

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