Crack in copper tube

[Cheesus]

So being the dumbass that I am, I didn't get out sprinkler system blown out last fall. Water was turned on a couple weeks ago and the copper pipe from the backflow preventer to our valve box has a nice 2" crack in it. There may be other issues but that's the most obvious one right now.

Question: How hard is this to fix? What tools are requred? How much am I looking at to fix it myself vs having someone else fix it?

Thanks in advance.

[{OOE}Death]

meh just get a pipe cutter some lead free solder and some flux. Then have at it. Oh yeah a torch would be helpful also.

[Phantom]

Death has got it! How much space do you have on each side of the crack? Enough to cut in a coupling on each side and a piece of pipe between and your fixed! If the backflow preventer does not move enough to get your couplings in place you can file off the stops inside the coupling to make a slip coupling. A small MAP gas torch should do the trick and a lead solder will flow better if you are not comfortable with soldering. The backflow preventer may have some splits as well, generally in the shut-offs, these should be left in the half open or half closed position in the off season. Sometimes the inner workings can be damaged as well.

To fix yourself a few dollars in material, tools could be $35? to $40?

Plumber may cost $75 to $100

[{OOE}Death]

My boss didn't blow out his last year. It took out the inlet and outlet and both valves. The back-flow was fine. I just cut both pipes and moved the back-flow down. Both pipes were verticle on it though. I can probably help you out, I forget where you live though.

[Cheesus]

Well, both pipes are vertical but the inflow is PVC while the one going to the valves is copper. Backflow valve is probably 2' above ground so I think there's a lot of space to work with. What are the different types of couplings you mentioned Phantom?

BTW, I live in Commerce City, thanks for the advice/offers guys.