What starts as a simple toilet leak turns into a full-on plumbing lesson when water refuses to stop flowing inside the pipe.
In this LIVE, uncut service call on Long Island, NY, Mikey Pipes of Pipe Doctor Home Services shows exactly why soldering copper with water in the line is impossible — and how using a torch to steam out the pipe is sometimes the only way to win.
This video is for service technicians who want real-world problem solving, not textbook theory. No shortcuts. No edits. Just professional plumbing done the right way.
If you’ve ever fought a dripping valve, stubborn copper, or a pipe that just won’t dry out — this one’s for you.
Diagnosing a leaking toilet supply valve Why water in the pipe prevents solder from flowing Using a torch to steam water out of copper piping Cutting, cleaning, and installing a proper angle stop Professional valve replacement — clean, safe, correct Teaching moments with apprentice Derek
⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 – Walking in to “just a toilet leak” 01:45 – Why this drip is a real problem 04:30 – Inspecting the fill valve & supply line 07:10 – Why solder WON’T melt with water present 09:25 – Torching the pipe to steam out the water 12:40 – Cutting the old valve & cleaning the copper 14:55 – New valve installed & tested 16:30 – Final walkthrough & pro tips
