Leaking copper pipe

[Connie194]

Hi - totally new here and really need some advice. I have a pin hole in a 10mm copper wall pipe that supplies a nearby radiator. The hole is about 4cm from the bottom of coving. I have looked at the repair patches but these are for 15mm pipe as are the other fixes available - cannot find it in 10mm. The leak is a dribble with everything on so not pouring out but leaking. I have had 3 plumbers come and look at the leak and the advice has been different on each one and the prices seem too much.

One has said that he will have to access through upstairs floor (bedroom with laminate flooring) cost approx 650-700.

Another has said that he will drain the pipe and solder cost approx 380.

Final one said he can take more wall out either side and replace bit of piping cost approx 420.

None of them can give me an idea of how long it will take so it's difficult to work out the pricing structure.

Should also mention that there is no give in the pipe at all and no gap between wall and pipe so it's difficult to see if the hole has gone all the way through.

Please advise - pictures can be posted.

Thanks Connie

 

[Connie194]

Hi - totally new here and really need some advice. I have a pin hole in a 10mm copper wall pipe that supplies a nearby radiator. The hole is about 4cm from the bottom of coving. I have looked at the repair patches but these are for 15mm pipe as are the other fixes available - cannot find it in 10mm. The leak is a dribble with everything on so not pouring out but leaking. I have had 3 plumbers come and look at the leak and the advice has been different on each one and the prices seem too much.

One has said that he will have to access through upstairs floor (bedroom with laminate flooring) cost approx 650-700.

Another has said that he will drain the pipe and solder cost approx 380.

Final one said he can take more wall out either side and replace bit of piping cost approx 420.

None of them can give me an idea of how long it will take so it's difficult to work out the pricing structure.

Should also mention that there is no give in the pipe at all and no gap between wall and pipe so it's difficult to see if the hole has gone all the way through.

Please advise - pictures can be posted.

Thanks Connie

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Might be easier to remove a bit of the ceiling to gain access to replace the damaged pipe

But realistically it’s 1/2 to 3/4 of a day of work

 

[Connie194]

Might be easier to remove a bit of the ceiling to gain access to replace the damaged pipe

But realistically it’s 1/2 to 3/4 of a day of work

Hi - Thank you for your reply. Would that be go up to the ceiling from downstairs or do it from bedroom above (it has laminate flooring) and 2 - 4 hours work? - I've been quoted 600 - 700 to do that option which seems high. I don't know the pricing on these jobs, I recently had a radiator removed non-emergency and the guy wanted £410 plus VAT. He did not take the radiator away and has not left end caps on the valves to stop any water escaping - he used no materials and was gone within the hour. I live on my own and whilst I'm confident in most jobs this one is not for me - the advice from local plumbers has varied and I wanted to ask here as I'm not entirely confident with the jobs that have been done by others - it's quite a list.

Is this the only viable option and does the price seem high.

I've been advised that the materials on this would cost £40 and might only take two hours but the charge will remain the same - I understand that no-one can give a definite time frame on this but I am shocked with the cost.

Any opinions or advice on this would be appreciated.

Thanks Connie

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Downstairs would recommend as plaster is easier to patch than laminate/ different flooring

Depends are you 100% sure it’s not leaking from above and running down

As for cost 2 hours seem optimistic especially draining down and refilling could take that etc

 

[Connie194]

Downstairs would recommend as plaster is easier to patch than laminate/ different flooring

Depends are you 100% sure it’s not leaking from above and running down

As for cost 2 hours seem optimistic especially draining down and refilling could take that etc

Hi - It's definitely leaking from that hole - I put tissue above the hole to check and it's dry. Tissue below gets slowly damp - annoying because it's the tiniest bit of water that escapes Thanks for the advice I would prefer they go up so reassuring that could be an option.

Can you tell me what "draining down" involves - only one plumber mentioned it - I understand that the pipe needs to be drained but how is this done?

One more question please - if it takes four hours is £600-700 reasonable?

Many thanks Connie

 

[Rtplumb]

Personally I would cut the pipe through the centre of the hole using a multi-tool with a metal blade, remove the clip, smooth off the pipe ends, clean and flux, put on a 10mm slip coupling, solder it up (or use a brass one). Job done, about half an hour and if you’d made me a cuppa I’d charge you £100.

 

[Mary__]

Where are you Connie?

 

[Connie194]

Hi - I'm in Manchester, not far from Manchester United. Thanks

 

[Connie194]

Personally I would cut the pipe through the centre of the hole using a multi-tool with a metal blade, remove the clip, smooth off the pipe ends, clean and flux, put on a 10mm slip coupling, solder it up (or use a brass one). Job done, about half an hour and if you’d made me a cuppa I’d charge you £100.

Hi - that was my initial thought but then three plumbers came and blew my mind - I would throw in a cake to go with the cuppa if anyone in the area could do it as you explained. It took three weeks to get the three guys in - they kept cancelling due to traffic, broken vans and other issues and another just did not turn up after cancelling once he arranged another visit which was a no show. Thank you for taking time to advise its really appreciated. Thanks Connie