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 home.
Fixing a burst pipe might seem straightforward, but it’s crucial to take the right safety precautions. In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to replace burst pipes step by step.
First up, we’ll look at the signs of a burst water pipe and gather all the tools you’ll need for a temporary fix. Let’s dive in!
What Are The Signs Of A Burst Pipe?
1. Water Damage
A leaking 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 suddenly have low water pressure and start dripping, it could indicate a burst pipe. This directly impacts your plumbing, so keep an eye out for any inconsistent water pressure as a warning sign.
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, a water leak occurs. As a result, you may have to deal with high water bills for the wasted 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 handy for gripping and tightening the couplings. Make sure you buy or rent one that fits the size of your burst pipe.
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 to complete the burst pipe repair and efficiently connect your replaced pipes to the existing plumbing systems. Confirm that the couplings are compatible to fix burst pipes and effectively fit your system.
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 first shut off the water main. Locate your water meter or the main 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 tidy 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 damaged section of your pipe and cut your new pipe to the same length. It’s important that the shape and material match the original burst 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 essential 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 starting any plumbing work like replacing a broken pipe, make sure to turn off the water supply properly. Failing to do so could lead to significant 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 uses a hot water system, you will once again need to burst pipe plumbing repairs. 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, freezing temperatures may cause water expansion in the pipe, quality deterioration in older pipes, excessive water flow pressure, and so on, like tree roots invading the line, which can contribute to serious plumbing problems.
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 issues like leaking pipes.
2. Can I fix a burst pipe, or do I need to call a professional plumber?
You can proceed if you have all the necessary tools and expertise for tasks like pipe relining. However, if you are not confident with your skills, we highly recommend, highly recommended or if the pipe needs major repairs, it is best to call a professional for help. Our plumbing services can replace the pipe and carry out the routine maintenance of your entire plumbing system.
Replacing a Burst Pipe
Not attending to broken pipes over a long duration can lead to extensive property damage, foul odour, and a bigger mess. Hence, getting the job done promptly is crucial when you notice these signs.
You can temporarily fix the issue by following the step-by-step guide mentioned above. However, if you’re seeking to fix burst and leaking pipes with a more permanent solution or require further guidance at any step, it is best to call a professional for help.
We at Big Blue Plumbing Sunshine Coast take the aspects of a friendly team and customer service very seriously. So, call us today to engage a reliable plumber for your plumbing fixes or urgent emergency pipe repairs!
