A burst pipe repair must be done quickly to prevent water damage throughout your home. Is it time to call an emergency plumber? Or, can you fix the problem yourself? If you have the right tools and materials, you can repair a burst pipe at least temporarily. There are a few ways to stop the flow until a technician can perform pipe repair or replacement.
Temporary Solutions for Burst Pipe Repair
A burst pipe must eventually be replaced. However, some simpler options can stop the leak quickly until a plumber arrives. We’ll look at how you can address the plumbing emergency yourself, but before you start:
- Turn off the main water shut-off valve.
- Open faucets near the burst pipe to reduce water pressure.
- Place buckets and towels under it to catch water.
Before proceeding, assess the damage and determine if you can handle it. Call a plumber if the damage is severe and spreading quickly. It’s a good idea to contact a professional even if you find a temporary DIY fix; they can guide you and schedule a permanent repair. Nonetheless, here are temporary burst pipe repairs you can do yourself:
- Apply Silicone Tape: If you find a small crack before the pipe fails, apply a self-adhesive waterproof silicone tape. You’ll need 6 to 8 inches of tape. Wrap it around the cracked pipe several times, pulling it tight as you adhere it to the pipe surface. Repeat the process with a second strip to ensure a watertight seal.
- Use Epoxy Putty: A clay-like compound, epoxy putty can be used on wet or dry surfaces and forms a watertight seal when it dries. First, knead the putty resin and hardener. Make sure you’re wearing latex gloves. Then, apply the compound to the pipe surface and work it into the damaged section. Make sure the putty completely seals the crack.
Epoxy putty takes several hours to cure. Don’t turn the water on until then, as the putty won’t form a tight seal and will leak. Also, avoid using plumber’s putty; it’s intended to seal areas around sinks, taps, and drains so water doesn’t seep through.
- Attach a Hose Clamp or C-Clamp: This is assuming a narrow crack is causing the pipe to leak. First place a rubber gasket over the damaged pipe. Use an adjustable hose clamp to secure it, positioning the clamp directly over the break. An alternative method is to secure the gasket with a flat piece of wood. A C-clamp can be positioned to hold this wood piece in place.
- Use a Split-Sleeve Clamp: A split-sleeve clamp is also used to secure a rubber gasket to the damaged pipe. A repair kit for this is available. The kit includes the gasket, which must be wrapped around the pipe. Then, fit the two semicircular metal sleeves over the gasket and secure them using a screwdriver. When purchasing a sleeve clamp kit, check the product label to ensure it’s suited for the type of pipe you need to fix.
How to Replace a Damaged Pipe
Replacing a damaged pipe sounds like a plumbing repair for a professional. However, some methods are easier than others so, with the right materials, a handy homeowner can avoid hiring a contractor for repiping. If you are comfortable doing so, you can proceed with the following steps:
- Gather Your Tools and Materials: You’ll need a copper pipe cutter, steel wool, soldering flux, and lead-free solder. Depending on how you’re installing the new pipe, you’ll need a torch kit. Simpler repairs are possible with push-to-connect fittings, while a stop-and-waste valve can prevent a pipe from freezing. And, don’t forget to wear eye protection while working.
- Shut Off the Main Water Supply: The main valve is located where water enters your home from outside. Turn it off to stop water from flowing through your plumbing system. Then turn on a sink or other fixture in the lowest part of your home. This releases water pressure so you don’t have a flood when you start working.
- Remove the Damaged Section of Pipe: Once you find where the damage is, assess the severity of the break. Place a bucket underneath; even though you’ve released the pressure, water may still be in the pipe. Use a pipe cutter to remove the damaged section, rotating the tool around the pipe until it cuts all the way through. Use the steel wool to smooth out any burs on the pipe ends.
Now that you’ve removed the broken pipe section, you can proceed as follows:
- Install a Push-to-Connect Fitting: This is the easiest way to replace a pipe. Just push the fitting onto the end of a copper or PEX pipe to secure it in place. Some fittings have a twist-and-lock feature; twisting the fitting tightens it. The fitting replaces the damaged pipe section you cut away.
- Install a Valve: If installing a valve, remove the small screw (petcock) from the pipe. Once the screw is removed, check the arrow to identify the direction of the water flow. The new valve must be installed in the right direction; also, the inside of it must be cleaned using steel wool.
- Cut the Pipe to Length: Measure the length of pipe you need and cut the copper pipe accordingly, leaving a little extra on each side for a secure fit. The diameter of the new pipe must be identical to the existing line. Most water supply lines are ½ inch in diameter.
- Connect the Pipe: Add soldering flux to the outside of the pipe end. Next, add flux to the inside of the valve fitting and then slide the valve onto the pipe. Using a propane torch, heat the connection point between the fitting and the pipe. The edge of the blue flame should be against the pipe. Then push about 2 inches of solder into the joint; the pipe should still be hot, so the solder will melt into the connection and solidify. Solder around the entire connection and between the assembly and the water line.
- Turn On the Water: Once you reinstall the petcock, open the main water valve and inspect the pipe and fitting for leaks. If you see water leaking, the connection may require more tightening or soldering.
FAQs
What Should I Do to If There’s Water Damage?
The scope of the damage depends on where a pipe bursts. Floors or walls near the damaged pipe are most often affected. Mold can start growing within 24 hours and spread through waterlogged materials. Meanwhile, a broken attic pipe can cause a ceiling collapse. Therefore, the damage can spread quickly; it’s often hard to pinpoint the source of a leak, but a plumber can use leak detection equipment to locate it.
If there are signs of water damage:
- Contact a licensed plumber and request an emergency repair.
- Call your insurance company and begin the claims process.
- Document the damage by taking pictures and videos.
- Hire a water damage repair specialist if necessary.
Can I Prevent a Pipe from Bursting?
Whether you have completed a DIY burst pipe repair or hired a professional, you’re likely wondering how to avoid such a situation again. To prevent a burst pipe, check attic and basement pipes and call a plumber if any are rusted, eroded, or cracked. They can fix the problem before it gets worse. Scheduling annual plumbing inspections also helps.
Freezing is one of the leading causes of burst pipes. Therefore, follow these tips to prevent a burst pipe when the winter cold sets in:
- Turn the thermostat up during a hard freeze.
- Open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate pipes.
- Set the thermostat to at least 55℉ when away during a freeze.
- Let faucets drip when the outside temperature goes below 20℉.
- Add or improve insulation around basement, attic, or crawlspace pipes.
When Should I Call a Plumber Immediately?
Knowing where your water shut-off valve is and having the appropriate tools and materials handy can help you deal with a situation when it arises. However, a burst pipe is a plumbing emergency. You can’t expect to perform a complex plumbing repair without experience and training. A lot goes into pipe repair or repiping a home.
Call a contractor if a pipe is heavily damaged and leaking large amounts of water. Burst pipes often occur inside a wall, so repairing them requires breaking through drywall or drilling through finished surfaces. Once the pipe is fixed, the wall must be restored.
Don’t wait to call for help if you:
- See wet spots form on the wall
- Find new stains on a wall or ceiling
- Hear gurgling sounds from behind a wall
Contact Sky Heating & Air Conditioning
If you have a plumbing emergency in Portland, we can quickly fix a burst pipe or any other plumbing issue. Our technicians are fully licensed, trained, and experienced. Whether you have a broken pipe, need help with leak detection, or require water heater repair, they’ll get the job done quickly and effectively. Our team also provides drain cleaning, tankless water heater installation, and plumbing maintenance. To request emergency burst pipe repair or other plumbing services in Portland, call (503) 662-9660 today.