Replacing a Pipe in a Wall

Turn off the water at the valve. Since the pipe is located in a wall, you may need to shut off all the water to the house at the main valve.

Drain any water remaining in the pipe by turning on the faucet connected to the pipe. Let the water that is currently in the pipes drain out.

Cut a square portion out of the wall. A drywall cutter is best for this process; however, a utility knife works if you do not have a drywall cutter. Make the hole big enough to maneuver in but not larger than necessary, as you must replace it when finished.

Place a small bowl, bucket or rags underneath your work area, if possible, to catch any residual water remaining in the pipe when you remove it.

Remove the pipe. If the pipe is a PVC pipe, you can typically remove it by using a wrench to unscrew it. If the pipe is copper, you will have to cut it out using a pipe cutter. To use a pipe cutter, attach the tool to the pipe and rotate. The rotation will cut through the pipe. Repeat on the other end of the section you need to replace.

Replace the pipe. For PVC, put Teflon tape over the threads on both ends of the pipe and screw it into place. For a copper pipe, you will need to clean the inside of the pipe section with a wire brush and the outside with emery paper. Put flux on all surfaces. The pipe must then be soldered onto the existing pipes with soldering wire and a torch. The wire is placed around the joint and heated up with the torch until it fills the joint.

Test the pipe after replacement by turning the water back on to be certain there are no leaks.

Cut an appropriately sized piece of drywall to replace the hole you cut out of the wall. Use the drywall cutter or a utility knife.

Replace the drywall using joint compound to seal the drywall in place. Allow the joint compound to dry and paint over the new drywall to match the existing wall, or repaint the entire wall.