Burst water pipes can be a menace to deal with. This plumbing issue is quite common and can cause a lot of damage to your property.
While it may seem like a good idea to fix a burst pipe yourself, following the necessary safety precautions is crucial. In this blog post, we will go through a step-by-step guide on how to replace burst pipes.
We will begin by checking out the signs of a burst water pipe and all the tools required to proceed with this temporary fix. So, keep reading!
What Are The Signs Of A Burst Pipe?
1. Water Damage
A burst pipe may cause water to leak from the damaged region, and your property may face severe water damage. For instance, wet spots on walls, floors, or ceilings and recurring water puddles under your sink can indicate a burst pipe.
2. Change In Water Pressure
If your taps have abnormally low water pressure, your water pipes may have burst. Since a burst pipe directly affects your plumbing system, it is essential to look out for inconsistent water pressures to identify one.
3. Discoloured Water Supply
When a pipe bursts, its rust and debris mix with the main water supply. As a result, you mayreceive a discoloured (rusty or brownish) water supply in your home. Any contact with such water can lead to potential health hazards; hence, looking out for the same is very important.
Potential Risks Of Leaving A Burst Pipe Unattended
1. Mould Growth
The moisture accompanying the broken pipes can grow mould in the damaged region. And since the water supply that comes in contact with mould may pose a potential health hazard to you, it is best to get the broken copper pipes fixed as soon as possible.
2. Higher Water Bill
Whenever a pipe bursts, water leakage occurs. As a result, you may have to pay higher utility bills for the water being wasted. Additionally, not attending to the broken pipes immediately may lead to severe water damage, which might need you to call expensive repair services.
Tools And Materials Required
1. Pipe Cutter
You will need a pipe cutter to cut off the damaged section of your burst pipe. You can either purchase or rent it from a hardware store.
2. Pipe Wrench
A pipe wrench is used to grip and tighten the couplings. You should purchase or rent it from a store according to your burst water pipe size.
3. Replacement Pipe
A replacement pipe is the one that will be installed in place of your burst and damaged pipe. It is important to note that the new pipe’s size, diameter, and other relevant dimensions should be identical to your previous pipe.
4. Couplings
You will need couplings (also known as the pipe repair clamp) to connect your replaced pipes to the existing plumbing system. It would help if you ensured that the couplings matched the diameter and materials of your previous pipe to fit your system well.
5. Safety Equipment
While replacing burst water pipes, wearing the necessary safety equipment is essential. Eye protection, gloves, and so on will protect you from sharp edges and debris.
Step-By-Step Guide To Replacing A Burst Pipe
Step 1: Shut Off The Water Supply
To begin the pipe replacement, you must shut off the water supply first. Locate the main water shut-off valve and turn it off. You can also turn off the water source to your entire accommodation if you can’t find the shut–off valve.
Step 2: Cut The Damaged Section
Using a pipe cutter, cut the damaged section of your burst pipe as smoothly as possible. Make a clean and straight cut so that you don’t have to make many adjustments when setting up the new pipes.
Step 3: Measure And Cut The Replacement Pipe
Measure the length of the damaged section of your broken pipe and cut the same size from your new pipe. Ensure that the shape and material of the new pipe are the same as the burst water pipe.
Step 4: Install Slip Coupling And The New Pipe
Install a slip coupling onto each end of your replacement pipe. Tighten them using a pipe wrench. Next, slide the new pipe between the existing pipes.
Ensure that each pipe repair clamp is tightly fitted. However, it is important to note that putting excessive pressure in the process of tightening may damage them.
Common Mistakes To Avoid While Replacing A Broken Pipe
1. Not Turning Off The Water Supply
Before you begin plumbing work, such as replacing a broken pipe, turning the water supply off properly is important. Not doing so can result in severe water damage or flooding.
2. Picking The Wrong Pipe Material
It is crucial to pick the correct pipe material when replacing an old one, or else you might face additional repair charges. For instance, if you use a pipe designed to carry cold water to replace a pipe that used to carry hot water, you will have to deal with a burst pipe again. Hence, choose an option that goes well with your existing system.
3. Reusing Old Components
It is important to replace an old pipe when replacing the old components, too, since they might be damaged or worn out and might not work well to seal the pipes. Hence, investing in new components like couplings and valves is always a good idea.
FAQs
1. What causes burst pipes, and how can I prevent them from happening?
There can be several reasons behind a burst pipe. For instance, frozen water expanding in the pipe, quality deterioration with age, excessive pressure of water flow, and so on can lead to this plumbing issue.
Insulating your pipes, monitoring the pressure levels of your home’s water supply, and regular maintenance are a few preventative measures that you can take to prevent a burst or leaking pipe.
2. Can I fix a burst pipe, or do I need to call a professional plumber?
You can go ahead if you have all the necessary tools and expertise to fix a burst pipe. However, if you are not confident with your skills or if the pipe needs major repairs, it is best to call a professional for help. A good plumbing service company can replace the pipe and carry out the routine maintenance of your piping system.
Replacing a Burst Pipe
Not attending to broken pipes over a long duration can lead to further damage to your property, foul odour, and a bigger mess. Hence, it is best to look out for crucial signs of the same.
You can temporarily fix the issue by following the step-by-step guide mentioned above. However, if you are looking for a more permanent fix or need clarification at any step, it is best to call a professional for help.
We at Big Blue Plumbing Sunshine Coast take the aspect of customer service very seriously. So, call us today to replace your broken pipe or for any other emergency plumbing problem!
