A burst pipe is one of the most frustrating things that can happen in your home.
There can be several reasons, including freezing temperatures, heavy rains and faulty piping. Sadly, sudden pipe bursts can lead to a huge mess, and it can be challenging to figure out how to fix such leaks with all that water gushing.
With a bit of luck, you might catch the leak early and turn off the water before it causes significant damage. But if the pipe has already split, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further issues. We’ll walk you through the ways to fix burst pipes so you’re always prepared.
5 Ways To Fix A Burst Water Pipe
1. Replacing It With A New Pipe
First, you must turn off the water supply to the burst pipe, preventing further damage by stopping the water flow entirely. Then, look at it and see if you can identify the source of the leak.
If the leak is in a joint or fitting, you may be able to replace the damaged portions. However, if the pipe is damaged, you must remove it and replace it with a new pipe.
Once you have mended the leak, you must turn the water back on and check for other leaks. If you find any, ensure that all the fittings and the popes have been appropriately installed. Burst pipes can be a pain, but your DIY plumbing skills can come in handy to fix them before they flood your home.
2. Using A Rubber Gasket
A handy temporary fix is placing a small piece of rubber gasket over the leak. Then, secure it with a hose clamp or two, depending on how big the leak is. This method relieves stress from the damaged area, helping to curb further leaks.
But remember that this is only a short-term solution, and you’ll need to call a plumber to fix the burst pipe properly.
3. Applying Epoxy Putty
If the leak isn’t too big, you can temporarily use epoxy putty.
If you’re new to this, epoxy putty is a two-part mixture that turns into a tough, waterproof seal when applied. Just mix the components from the package and apply it.
We’d suggest choosing an epoxy putty formulated for the same material as your pipe for best results, and avoid using a plumber’s putty, which is only for sealing joints. The putty will form an excellent barrier until a professional can repair the burst pipe properly. Remember that epoxy putty is not a permanent fix, so you must keep the water turned off until it cures (usually a few hours).
4. Eliminating Damaged Piping
Once the water supply is shut off, you can remove the damaged piping from each side of the leak. You may only need to cut out half an inch of the pipe for a pinhole leak. However, for a bigger leak, mark 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the pipe on either side of the damage and cut them out with a pipe slice or pipe cutter.
After this, you can repair or replace the pipe and turn the water back on.
5. Breaking Through A Wall
If you’ve got a burst pipe hidden in the wall, it’s crucial to access it for repairs. These leaks often show as wet spots or gurgling sounds coming from behind the walls.
Depending on where the leak is located, this may be a simple case of removing a section of drywall or other material. However, if the break is behind a finished surface, such as tiles, you must take more drastic measures.
This may include drilling holes through the finished surface to reach the break. Although you must patch the holes after repairs, it is often the quickest and easiest way to assess the damage.
Another option is to remove the finished surface entirely. This will give you direct access to the pipe; however, it will create more mess, and you may need to repair the entire wall after the work.
Things That Will Make Fixing A Burst Water Pipe Easier
1. Know Where The Water Shut-Off Valve Is
Make sure you know where your home’s water shut-off valve is located. This knowledge can really help minimise water damage before you start fixing any broken pipes.
2. Spot The Leak
If the pipe is leaking, locating the source is one of the most important things to be done. This will help you determine how to access the pipe best and make the repair.
3. Keep All Necessary Tools Handy
It’s a good idea to keep some, if not all, tools and materials handy, as burst pipes tend to be unpredictable. Having them nearby saves you time and hassle when every minute counts.
On that note, you will usually need the following to repair burst copper pipes:
- Emery cloth
- Pipe cutter
- Gas or propane torch
- Solder
- Plumber’s brush and flux
If you are repairing plastic piping, you will need the following:
- Gloves
- Rags
- PVC pipe cutters
- Solvent cement
- Primer
- Safety goggles
- Couplings
If the leak is behind a wall, you will need a utility knife and drywall saw to get to it. New wood planks or cement may be required to level the area once the work is done.
4. Turning On The Water
After you have repaired the broken pipe, turning the water back on slowly is essential. If you switch on the water supply to its full potential in one go, the sudden increase in water pressure may cause irreparable damage to the repaired portion or the entire plumbing system.
Fixing A Burst Water Pipe
Aside from the abovementioned methods, you can use a rubber piece to seal the leak. This can be done in small leaks where changing the entire pipe is unnecessary. Also, it is essential to insulate your pipes well to reduce the risk of bursts.
Another suggestion is to allow air to enter any cabinet with pipes, like the ones below the sinks. When you keep these cabinet doors open, warm air flows in, keeping the pipes dry and safe.
Again, it’s always best to call for a professional plumber for any severe plumbing damages or issues.
