Water pipes are essential to most households in getting clean drinking water. But when they burst, they can be a huge problem that can cause water and other liquids to leak throughout your home.
Most water pipes are buried beneath your home and hidden from view. Broken water pipes can be difficult to find and you can end up doing more damage by digging around, looking for the collision.
It’s better to call for help to avoid serious issues. How will a broken water pipe affect your home? Read on and find out how to fix a burst pipe!
Assessing the Extent of the Damage
When assessing the extent of damage from a broken water pipe, the first step is to locate the break in the pipe. Check for pools of water near walls, the base of the sink, or near the water heater.
Once located, shut off the water to the entire house from the main shutoff valve. If a pipe is broken underground, turn off the water at the street-side shutoff valve.
From there, examine the pipe to assess the extent of the damage. If there is a small crack or leaking seal, you may be able to perform a repair on your own.
If the pipe is severely cracked or split, you will likely need to replace it. You may also need to replace the pipe if there is any swelling or rust. After assessing the situation, you can proceed to either repair or replace the pipe.
Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials
Finding and fixing a broken water pipe requires gathering the necessary tools and materials. The broken pipe must be located and cut into using the wrench and pipe cutter. Once cut open, the pipe must be inspected for damage and leaks.
Next, the water pipe must be sealed off to prevent any water leakage. Finally, the Teflon tape must be wrapped around the pipe fitting to ensure a water-tight seal.
After finding, sealing, and reinforcing the broken water pipe, the water supply can be turned back on and the home’s water system can be restored.
Follow Safety Precautions when Repairing a Water Pipe
When attempting to repair a broken water pipe, safety must be of utmost importance. Ensure that the water is turned off and isolated from any sources of electricity.
Additionally, be sure to wear the proper protective gear such as gloves and welding helmets. Once these precautions are taken, it is time to inspect the pipe and determine if trenchless sewer line repair is necessary.
Doing so will require you to use specialized tools and a sewer snake. To begin, slowly and carefully feed the sewer snake into the pipe, making sure to remove any blockages along the way. Once the blockage is cleared, remove any excess soil and sediment from the area before attempting to reconnect the broken water pipe.
Finally, use the necessary tools to connect the pipe back together, and make sure to secure it in place. Turn the water back on and test for leaks. If a leak is present, make whatever adjustments are needed to stop the leak.
Ensuring a Safe and Secure Fix of the Broken Water Pipe
If you have a broken water pipe, don’t wait to address the issue. Seek professional help immediately. Fixing a broken pipe can be a more complex process than initially expected.
Take action now and take control of fixing your broken pipe for a more reliable and secure home.
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