How To: Fix Pinhole Leaks

Watch How to Fix a Pinhole Leak on YouTube.

Pinhole leaks can cause costly damages like mold, mildew and a higher water bill. These leaks are the result of calcium and heavy metals that build up in your pipes, creating scratches that weaken the inner wall of the pipe. To repair this, the damaged pipe must be replaced with a new pipe or a slip fitting. SharkBite Max push-to-connect fittings are a fast, secure way to ensure your pipes are free of leaks or weak spots.

A Secure Connection

You can trust SharkBite Max fittings for permanent connections that won’t budge- see standard ASSE 1061 for more information. Made using only the best quality materials, Max fittings are manufactured to withstand up to 250 psi. Our push-to-connect design uses a grab ring with stainless steel teeth, which attach to the outside of the pipe. The EPDM o-ring secures this connection by compressing between the pipe and the wall of the fitting.

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Method #1: Slip Coupling

SharkBite Max slip couplings are perfect for making repairs to damaged copper or CPVC pipe. This type of fitting provides 2 in. of pipe for your repair, allowing you to use little to no new pipes for your installation. The only tools required for this method are pipe cutters, a deburr tool and a disconnect clip.

  1. Shut off the water supply to the area you are working on. The safest way to do this is the main water shut-off valve for the house or building. It might be in a basement, crawl space, near a hot water heater, or even outside in a shut-off valve box. Once it's turned to the off position, relieve the line pressure by opening a nearby faucet.
  2. Cut your pipe squarely and ensure it is free of debris. After cutting your pipe, deburr it using the SharkBite Depth & Gauge Tool until it is clean and free of debris or copper shavings.  
  3. Measure and mark the insertion depth. Mark the insertion depth according to the SharkBite Insertion Depth Chart.  
  4. Make the connection. Push the slip fitting up the pipe using the slip end. Then, pull the fitting down with a disconnect clip to meet your insertion depth mark. A slight twisting motion may help with pushing the fitting onto the pipe.

Method #2: Straight Couplings

SharkBite Max couplings are easy to install and are ideal for working in cramped spaces. Although pinhole leaks most often occur in copper pipes, this coupling has a tan collar that indicates it is compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT and HDPE SDR-9 pipe. The only tools required for this method are pipe cutters, new pipe and a deburr tool.

  1. Shut off the water supply to the area you are working on. The safest way to do this is the main water shut-off valve for the house or building. It might be in a basement, crawl space, near a hot water heater, or even outside in a shut-off valve box. Once it's turned to the off position, relieve the line pressure by opening a nearby faucet.
  2. Cut out 10 in. of pipe and ensure the ends are free of debris. Cut 5 in. above and 5 in. below the damaged portion. Then, deburr the pipe ends with the SharkBite Depth & Gauge Tool. Check that the pipe ends are clean and free of any debris or copper shavings.  
  3. Measure and mark the insertion depth. Mark the insertion depth according to the SharkBite Insertion Depth Chart for both pipe ends.
  4. Make the connection. Push the coupling on the pipe until it meets your insertion depth mark. A slight twisting motion may help with pushing the fitting onto the pipe.
  5. Prep the new pipe. Measure from the top of the top coupling to the bottom on the bottom coupling for the correct length of the new pipe. Once you have this measurement, mark the length and cut it squarely. Then, deburr it and ensure it is free of debris. Use the insertion depth chart to measure and mark the correct insertion depths on both ends of the pipe. Connect each coupling to the pipe for a secure connection.

Methods to Avoid

There are alternative methods that many people assume are complete, secure solutions for fixing a pinhole leak. Here are some common methods to avoid and why they aren’t the best solution.

  1. Epoxy weld. This temporary fix fills the pinhole but ignores the bigger problem. Since pinhole leaks are the result of a weak pipe, the entire pipe around the hole needs to be replaced.  
  2. Compression wrap. Wrapping this around the hole may fix the immediate problem, but eventually the damaged pipe will bust the wrap open. By not replacing the pipe, you risk causing an even bigger leak.  
  3. Soldering. This method is not ideal for pinhole leaks because of hairline trickles that could burst open the welded joint. It also takes much longer to install than push-to-connect solutions and is a fire hazard, especially in tight spaces. Soldering also requires dry pipe, so you can’t install in wet lines.  
  4. Press. This method takes up space because of the big press tools needed for installation. This is not ideal for pinhole leak applications and could result in a hard-to-maneuver and long process.

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