Burst pipes are every homeowner’s worst nightmare. They can cause extensive damage to your property and be a major headache to fix. A burst pipe can quickly become a disaster due to freezing temperatures or old plumbing.
It is if not addressed promptly. But don’t panic! In this blog post, we’ll show you how to stop a burst pipe in its tracks and prevent further damage from occurring.
From identifying the source of the problem to using simple DIY fixes, we’ve got you covered with all the tips and tricks you need to know. So let’s start and learn how to tackle this typical household emergency like a pro!
Use a Plunger
If you have a burst pipe, you’ll first want to turn off the water to your home. Once the water is shut off, you can assess the situation and decide if you need to call a professional or if you can fix the problem yourself.
If the pipe is leaking but not fully burst, you may be able to stop it by using a plunger. To use a plunger on a burst pipe, wet it and then cover the drain. Apply firm pressure and push and pull the plunger up and down.
Continue for a few minutes until the water starts to drain. If the leak stops, congratulations! You’ve fixed the problem yourself. If the leak doesn’t stop or the pipe is fully burst, however, it’s time to call a professional.
Trying to repair a burst pipe yourself is not only difficult but dangerous. Please leave it to experts and call plumbing services as soon as possible.
Apply Heat with a Hairdryer or Heat Gun
This method requires two people to hold the hairdryer or heat gun and turn off the water. Start by turning off the running water at the shutoff valve closest to the pipe or the home’s main shutoff valve.
Once the water is off, plug in the hairdryer or heat gun and set it to its lowest temperature setting. Have one person hold the hairdryer or heat gun and direct it at the pipe while the other slowly turns the shutoff valve back on.
The heat will cause the area where the pipe is leaking to expand, which should then cause the leak to stop. Keep the hairdryer or heat gun pointed at the site while you slowly turn the water back on.
If the leak persists, quickly turn the water off and repeat the process as needed.
Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum
Shut off the water supply to the pipe and assess the damage. After turning off the water supply, a wet-dry vacuum should be used to remove the standing water from the area surrounding the burst pipe.
The vacuum should be set to the “wet” setting, and the suction hose should be placed near the area of the pipe and worked until all excess water has been removed. Afterward, the next step is to repair the burst pipe.
Depending on the extent of the damage, this can involve replacing the damaged section of the pipe or using a patch to cover the leak.
After the repair, the water supply should be turned back on to ensure no further damage occurs. Using a wet-dry vacuum is a practical first step in the repair process to stop a burst pipe.
Use an Air Compressor
Turn off the water main so no more water runs from the pipe. It will allow you to work with the pipe without it being under pressure. Next, use a clamp or hose clamp to secure the damaged area of the pipe.
Once the clamp is in place, attach an air hose to the air compressor. Connect the air hose to the pipe and turn on the compressor, which will pump air into the line.
This pressure should be enough to stop water flow from the damaged area. Use sponges and towels to clean up any remaining water from the site. If necessary, apply any pipe repair product to the damaged area.
Try Rodding the Pipe
Taking action as quickly as possible is essential to avoid more significant damage. Once the water is turned off, try rodding the pipe. Rodding is a process that involves inserting a metal rod into the line to clear it of any blockage.
It removes any objects causing the obstruction and, therefore, should stop the burst from occurring. If rodding does not work, you may have to consider replacing the affected part of the pipe.
Make sure to check out these plumbing services today. It is essential to employ a professional’s help to prevent further damage.
Seal the Leak with Epoxy Putty
If the leak is small, you can repair it with epoxy putty. Epoxy putty is a pliable, moldable material that you can use to seal leaks in pipes. It is available at most hardware stores and home improvement centers.
To use epoxy putty, mold it around the leaky pipe area. The putty will harden as it dries, sealing the leak. Once dry, you can turn the water back on and test for leaks. If the epoxy putty was successful, your leak should be gone.
Replace the Burst Pipe Section
Once the water supply has been cut off, drain the remaining water from the pipe by turning on all the taps downstairs or in the basement. It reduces the pressure in the plumbing system.
Now, you must carefully remove the damaged section of the pipe, loosen the fittings at each end of the line and remove it. Replace the old unit with a new set of pipes using the same fittings and screws.
Once the replacement pipe is in place, turn on the water supply and test the new lines for leaks. If no leaks are detected, the repair is finished.
Remember to keep replacement pipes and other necessary tools and supplies on hand in case of another burst pipe emergency.
Learn How to Stop a Burst Pipe Now
In conclusion, stopping a burst pipe requires quick and effective action. Shut off the water main, call a plumbing professional to repair the line, and turn on an auxiliary water source while waiting for assistance.
Take action now to avoid more extensive damage and costly inconveniences.
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