How to Repair a Burst Water Pipe

Introduction:

As water freezes into ice in extreme cold temperatures it also expands by approximately 10%. Metal pipes are more susceptible to frost and freezing damage than plastic piping. Most water pipes are copper and as ice forms inside them from a freezing situation the ice cannot expand along the length of the pipe so the resulting pressure will split the pipe open or force a solder joint to open up causing a water leak in your home.

Knowing how to repair a burst water pipe, particularly a copper pipe, is not a difficult task but does require a few plumbing tools such as a tube cutter, emery cloth to clean the tubes and fitting before soldering, solder, solder paste (flux), and a soldering torch. There are two types of repair to remedy copper frozen pipes.

Emergency frozen water pipe repair:

· Locate the source of leak and turn off the water supply.

· If it is a spit pipe cut out the section that is leaking.

· Replace the section with a piece of hose and clamp on both ends.

· This emergency repair should last until you have a more convenient time to do a permanent repair.

· If the leak is caused by an opened solder joint the joint fitting will have to be thoroughly cleaned and re-soldered.

· Turn the water supply on and check for leaks.

Permanent frozen water pipe repair:

· Turn off the water supply and drain the pipe of all water.

· If the split is fairly small, cut out the damaged area by removing approximately six inches of pipe beyond the visible crack. This will ensure you get any expanded damage that may have occurred to the pipe.

· Cut a new piece of pipe and solder in place using the appropriately size fittings.

· Insure that the solder joints are thoroughly clean and polished or the solder will not hold.

· Turn the water back on and look for leaks.

That is how to repair a burst water pipe. It isn’t difficult but it can be messy. Inure that you use safety glasses and protective gloves when soldering.

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