Copper Water line leak

 49 years after installing the copper water lines our house a very slight leak appeared in the basement. After searching I found the water line had a very minimal leak in the middle of a 2x8 floor joist leaving a six-inch wet spot on the ceiling of the basement. The leak was close to the hot water tank and was in the hot water line.

The location was naturally in a hard location to repair and it turned out to be difficult to get all the water out of the line making the last solder joint impossible to get water tight. After much heat even with a heat shield and scorching the 2x8 I still could not get a water tight joint.

I then tried a SharkBite ¾ to ¾ Slip Repair Coupling for the repair. Home Depot refers to their version from Tectite. Using this coupler and working in an awkward position, with my strength, I was unable to slide the coupler onto the 3/4 in pipe. I called JJ who obviously using extreme force was able to install the coupler which completed the repair.

I worked on this project for two days trying to get it right. Now the water line is water tight.

I drained the hot water tank some several times to try and get all the water out of the lines. While near the 49-year-old hot water tank I took the time to check the current of the elements and found the top element was drawing 8 AC amps while the bottom element is drawing 18 AC amps. (1,500 watts and 4,500 watts.) I replace the upper and lower thermostats in 2013.

SharkBite

Removed pipes

The minuscule leak is the green spot in middle of picture which was located in middle of 2x8 floor joist.