Detecting and fixing plumbing problems early may help prevent more severe damages that’ll cost more to repair. For instance, you may avoid paying for mold remediation or water restoration when you handle burst pipes repair early.
Suppose you are a homeowner or manager looking for a guide on water pipe fixing with burst, then you’re in luck! In this article, our team at BFMD will work you through the step-by-step procedure of fixing burst pipes.
Procedure For Fixing Burst Pipes
Locate The Damaged Section Of The Pipe
The first step to fixing a burst pipe is locating the damaged section. If you don’t know where it is, ask an expert for help. They can tell you whether or not your house has a leaking pipe and what type of damage has been done.
While looking for signs of water damage, be aware that there could also be other factors contributing to the cause of your leak. For example, suppose the leak occurs in a ceiling due to water seeping through cracks or holes in the ceiling sheetrock. In that case, this area needs immediate attention, as well as any other areas where moisture may have entered through similar means (such as below-grade walls).
If there are any signs of wetness on walls near where pipes enter into rooms, for example, behind fireplace mantles, it might mean that there’s another source causing damage elsewhere (like under floorboards). All possible sources must be found before starting repairs, so no further damage occurs during repair attempts later on down the line. In addition to checking for possible leaks, look around your house for other signs of mold growth or freezing temperatures, and make sure no one walks through any areas where there might be frosty patches.
Shut Off The Water Supply
Once you’ve identified the problem and determined that it’s safe to work on the damage in your home, you should shut the main water supply. After shutting the water supply, turn on the tap to drain the water left in the pipeline. Drawing out residual water will prevent water leakage when working on the damaged pipe.
Cut Out The Damaged Section Of The Pipe
To fix a broken pipe, you need to cut out the damaged section of the pipe and use a hacksaw to make an X-shaped cut. Then cover it with duct tape to keep the saw from slipping and cutting too far into your home’s walls or floor.
If you don’t have access to a hacksaw, try using a pipe cutter; it’ll give you more control over where the cut goes. If neither option works for you, then use a hand-held electric grinder with very sharp blades; this will allow for more precision but still be safe enough for most people who aren’t professional local plumbers.
Measure and Cut Replacement Pipe
Measure the length of pipe you need to replace to fix the cut-out part. When you cut out the replacement pipe, you must cut it with enough angle so that when it is put back into place, there will be no sharp ends sticking up from inside your home or business building.
You’ll need a pipe cutter or hacksaw to cut out the replacement pipe. If you don’t have access to either tool, consider purchasing one before continuing with the project; these tools do quick work out of cutting through tough materials, especially if you’re working on copper pipe burst, cast iron, or PVC pipes.
Reattach Pipes
Now that you’ve removed the old pipe, it’s time to attach the new one. Ensure all your new pipes are properly connected and not bent or kinked. If there are any leaks in your system, you’ll have to fix them before turning on the water supply again (this should be done with a professional).
Once you’re satisfied with how everything looks, turn on the water supply and test for leaks. If nothing has gone wrong during this process, then congratulations; you’ve just fixed your burst pipe.
Seal a New Connection
Once you’ve connected the new pipe, you need to seal it off. You can use a pipe sealant, or you can use a pipe joint compound that’s designed for this purpose. If your pipe is metal, it will be easier for you to get at least some of the old goop out with a wire brush and some solvent like acetone or methylated spirits, commonly called “methyl.” If it’s plastic, then it may not be so easy; but don’t worry. There are tools available online that allow you to remove stubborn bits of material from around the hole without damaging your pipes.
If all else fails and your replaced pipe keeps leaking water even after cleaning up its insides with solvent-based cleaners and other methods listed above, consider installing new connectors on either end of the faucet instead of just replacing them altogether.
How To Prevent The Recurrence Of Burst Pipes
Burst pipes are a plumbing problem prevalent in the winter season, but the good news is that it can be prevented with the following tips;
Cover Exposed Pipes
Exposed pipes are susceptible to freezing and bursting, but the risk is greatly reduced when they are covered with insulation materials. You can visit a hardware store nearby to buy spray foam insulation to apply over the exposed pipes. You can also use warm clothes or newspapers to wrap up exposed pipes.
Heat Uninsulated Pipes
You can fix a 60 watts bulb close to exposed pipes to serve as the heat supply for the pipes. But, ensure that the bulb is not close to flammable materials.
Run Your Taps Regularly
Another way to prevent burst pipes is to keep them running on cold days. This will prevent the water in the pipes from freezing and causing a pipe burst.
In conclusion, if you don’t have the patience and expertise to fix your burst pipes on your own, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a professional plumber to get them done. Our team at BFMD can help you with this.
BFMD, LLC.
4219-A Hanover Pike Manchester
(410) 440-5814