How to Repair Metal Pipe

Over time, the pipes of your home can become damaged and leak. The damage can vary from a hole bored into the pipe by corrosion, to a crack in a PVC pipe. You can repair the majority of pipe damage without cutting and replacing sections of the pipe or welding patch plates onto galvanized pipe. If you follow the directions of the pipe repair kit, the repair will be permanent, and it can be used on nearly all types of piping.

Step 1

Turn off the water, if you are repairing a water supply line, and turn on the faucets of the home to drain the water from the line.

Step 2

Run a fine-toothed flat file over the area of the leak to clean the surface of the pipe and create a bonding surface for the pipe repair.

Step 3

Remove the epoxy putty from the fiberglass repair kit and knead the epoxy for the time specified in the pipe repair kit instructions.

Step 4

Apply the mixed epoxy putty to the leaking area of the pipe. Work the epoxy onto the surface of the pipe to ensure that you remove all the air from the epoxy.

Step 5

Put on a pair of rubber gloves, and dip the roll of resin-impregnated fiberglass into the water two or three times.

Step 6

Wrap the wet fiberglass roll around the damaged area of the pipe.

Step 7

Massage the fiberglass, after you have wrapped the entire roll of fiberglass around the pipe, to remove air from the fiberglass tape.

Step 8

Allow the fiberglass repair to cure for the time recommended on the pipe repair installation instructions before you turn on the water. If you turn the water on before the repair has cured, the water will break the bond between the fiberglass tape and the surface of the pipe.

Step 9

Turn on the water, wait 30 minutes and then inspect the repair for leaks. If you notice a leak, you will need to apply an additional roll of fiberglass tape to seal the damaged pipe.