I'm assuming he does not want to or can't solder in the space, so CPVC unions would be out. PEX section is obvious at HD stores. They have the PEX compression fititings that would work.
any plumbers out there?
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You don't solder CPVC. Normally you bond it with CPVC cement. So I don't see why CPVC unions would be out. I failed to specify I meant the CPVC compression unions. They have a center piece plus a nut on either end that tightens up on a rubber sleeve. They fit CPVC, copper, PEX, steel, etc. much like the PEX fittings, but are cheaper and easier to use than the older style of PEX fittings. Haven't tried the new ones.
I've dealt with similar problems many times in rental properties.
In my opinion, the piece of rubber and hose clamp is not the way to go, for three reasons. 1. It will only temporarily fix the problem. 2. There is a chance it will not even temporarily fix the problem. 3. Either way, you'll have to cut out some wall to do a permanent fix, so it's better to do it now before any water damage becomes expensive to fix.
It sounds like you know exactly where the leak is. I would cut out a square piece of the sheetrock, so that will be easy/simple to replace, maybe even with the same piece, that is big enough for you to work comfortably in the wall. Cut out a few inches of the copper pipe and just use compression fittings to replace what you cut out with some of that bendable copper pipe stuff. The best way would be to use a solid piece and solder it, though.
In my opinion, the piece of rubber and hose clamp is not the way to go, for three reasons. 1. It will only temporarily fix the problem. 2. There is a chance it will not even temporarily fix the problem. 3. Either way, you'll have to cut out some wall to do a permanent fix, so it's better to do it now before any water damage becomes expensive to fix.
It sounds like you know exactly where the leak is. I would cut out a square piece of the sheetrock, so that will be easy/simple to replace, maybe even with the same piece, that is big enough for you to work comfortably in the wall. Cut out a few inches of the copper pipe and just use compression fittings to replace what you cut out with some of that bendable copper pipe stuff. The best way would be to use a solid piece and solder it, though.
Bought some copper bond this A.M. I think it would work. But after cleaning the corrosion from around the pipe, and looking closer, the whole pipe looks weak. So I have decided to do it right! I will be cutting through the stucco on the outside to create a hole large enough to work through and will replace that section of pipe after all. Soldering the pinhole was a thought but the rest of the pipe looks like it could go at any time, plus, because of poor access, I could end up doing what I have seen many many times in my profession, and that is catching the wall/house on fire. I'd never live that one down! Thanks.
That sounds like the best approach. The correct repair is always better than the "quick" repair.
If the RO water is dissolving the copper, there will be green stains on everything the water touches after the pipe. Is that the case?
If it is a pinhole done by a nail why not just drop a bead of solder... I'd polish the area bright, heat the pipe area with a cheap gun, touch some electrical solder in wire form and it'll stick there forever...
Brett is right.
"...catching the wall/house on fire. I'd never live that one down!"
I know a roofing contractor who did that once. He nearly burned down one of the nicest houses in town. Same guy was hired to reroof a rental I did some work on, and he went and took the roof off the wrong house! The boss just said, "Well, you can do both houses now, but you'll have to eat one of 'em."
"...catching the wall/house on fire. I'd never live that one down!"
I know a roofing contractor who did that once. He nearly burned down one of the nicest houses in town. Same guy was hired to reroof a rental I did some work on, and he went and took the roof off the wrong house! The boss just said, "Well, you can do both houses now, but you'll have to eat one of 'em."
Stupid hurts!
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