How to Repair a Burst Pipe

How to Repair a Burst Pipe

In our previous article, we discussed various strategies to prevent pipes from freezing, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, pipes can still burst. When this happens, it's crucial to know how to address the issue promptly and effectively. In this blog post, we'll explore why pipes freeze, the signs of a burst pipe, and the recommended tools and products needed for replacing damaged pipes. Whether you're a homeowner or a contractor, this guide will provide you with the essential knowledge and resources to repair burst pipes and restore your plumbing system to full functionality.

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

First things first, why do pipes freeze and burst? It’s pretty simple—when temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside your pipes can turn to ice if the ambient temp around the pipe drops below freezing for a long period of time. And since ice takes up more space than water, it puts tremendous pressure on the pipe walls, often causing them to crack or burst. Some homeowners will leave a faucet on to keep water moving through the pipes to prevent this, the idea is that moving water has a much more difficult time freezing. One thing I’ve learned in my years of repairing frozen and burst pipes, it’s that these disasters don’t just mess with your plumbing—they can turn into full-blown home repair nightmares.

If your furnace fails or a storm knocks out power to your home, leaving you without heat, you might notice a faucet isn’t working. This could mean your water lines are frozen. Fortunately, with the right tools and a few clever techniques, you can often thaw the pipes, repair the broken section, and restore the flow.

Replacing Burst Pipes

Heat Gun

When it comes to tackling frozen or burst pipes, having the right tools can make all the difference. Once you get the heat back on, the lines will start to thaw out. If you have a hydronic boiler you will need to thaw the lines, drain the trapped water in rest of the line and repair each section of damaged pipe. The Hot Shot is a great tool to use for thawing pipes, but sometimes it makes sense to opt for a heat gun instead.

Milwaukee 8977-20 Variable Temperature Heat Gun 100 to 1040F

Milwaukee 8977-20 Variable Temperature Heat Gun 100 to 1040F

Heat guns, like the Milwaukee Heat Guns, are perfect for localized and precise thawing. For example, the Milwaukee 8977-20 Variable Temperature Heat Gun offers a temperature range of 100 to 1040°F, making it incredibly versatile for safely thawing frozen pipes. With its ability to provide precise temperature control, you can apply just the right amount of heat to specific sections of the pipe without the risk of damaging it.

Milwaukee is a trusted, well-respected brand renowned for its durable, high-performance tools, and this heat gun is no exception. Unlike traditional pipe thawing tools, such as a line of pipe thawers that may not offer the same level of precision, the Milwaukee 8977-20 allows for targeted heating. Its adjustable heat settings ensure you can focus on specific areas to thaw pipes effectively, whether you're dealing with minor freezes or more severe blockages.

This makes it an excellent tool for both homeowners and contractors working in cold climates. It’s especially useful for those wanting to ensure a safe and controlled thawing process without risking cracks or leaks due to overexposure to heat. Plus, the Milwaukee 8977-20 is designed with user-friendly features, making it easy to handle, even for those new to using heat guns.

Pro-tip: When using a heat gun to thaw pipes, always take your time and have patience—rushing the process could lead to damage to the pipes or surrounding materials. Remember to keep the heat gun moving and avoid concentrating heat on one spot for too long.

Assembly Kits

Febco 905212, 1 and 1 1/4 Inch Bonnet and Poppet Assembly Kit

Febco 1 and 1 1/4 Inch Bonnet and Poppet Assembly Kit - 905212

The Febco 905212 1 and 1 1/4 Inch Bonnet and Poppet Assembly Kit is a highly recommended product for repairing pipes that have frozen and burst, offering a reliable and efficient solution for homeowners and contractors alike. Specifically designed for the Febco 765 Series pressure vacuum breakers, this assembly kit ensures a precise fit, making repairs straightforward and hassle-free.

Febco is a well-respected brand in the plumbing industry, known for its durable and reliable products. The kit comes with all the essential components required to restore your plumbing system, including the bonnet, O-ring, spring, E-ring, washer, stem, rubber disc, and poppet. By providing a comprehensive set of parts, it eliminates the need to purchase separate items, saving you time and ensuring compatibility. As it features genuine OEM parts, the kit guarantees superior durability and performance, giving you peace of mind that your plumbing system is equipped to handle wear and tear over time.

By investing in the Febco 905212 kit, you not only repair existing damage but also help reinforce your plumbing system, reducing the risk of future issues. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to tackle repairs yourself or a contractor seeking high-quality components for your clients, this kit delivers a dependable solution to keep your plumbing system protected and fully functional.

Freeze Resistant Parts

Preventing pipes from freezing is essential to avoid costly repairs and water damage. There are many tricks to keeping pipes from freezing. If you are able to replace pipes and fittings before the cold weather arrives, be sure to replace normal parts with freeze resistant options, such as the products from the Watts 800 series.

Watts 800M4FR 2" Freeze Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breaker

Watts 800M4FR 2

The Watts 800M4FR 2" Freeze Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breaker is an excellent investment for preventing pipes from freezing. Watts is a reputable brand in the plumbing industry, known for its high-quality and reliable products. This vacuum breaker is designed to prevent the reverse flow of contaminated water into the potable water supply, a critical feature for maintaining water safety. The 800M4FR model includes a freeze sensor that activates alerts when temperatures approach freezing, helping to prevent damage before it occurs. Its robust bronze body construction, silicone rubber check valve disc, and stainless steel springs ensure durability and long-lasting performance. Additionally, the built-in relief valve protects the assembly during sudden freeze conditions by relieving pressure caused by ice formation. With its advanced features and reliable performance, the Watts 800M4FR is an essential tool for homeowners and contractors looking to safeguard their plumbing systems against freezing temperatures.

Install Freeze Sensors

You can also invest in products with freeze sensors, such as the Febco 765 series, that will alert when temperatures are approaching freezing.

Febco 765 2-Inch Bronze Pressure Vacuum Breaker Backflow Preventer with Quarter Turn Shutoffs and Freeze Sensor - T765HBV

Febco 765 2 Inch Bronze Pressure Vacuum Breaker Backflow Preventer with Quarter Turn Shutoffs and Freeze Sensor - T765HBV

Investing in the Febco 765 2-Inch Bronze Pressure Vacuum Breaker Backflow Preventer with Quarter Turn Shutoffs and Freeze Sensor (T765HBV) is a wise decision for homeowners and contractors aiming to protect their plumbing systems from freezing. The T765HBV model features a robust bronze body and a freeze sensor that alerts you when temperatures approach freezing, helping to prevent damage before it occurs. This device also includes quarter-turn shutoffs for easy operation and maintenance, and a spring-loaded check valve with an air relief port to ensure optimal performance. This upgraded backflow preventer protects against both toxic and non-toxic backsiphonage, making it an essential tool for maintaining the integrity of your plumbing system during harsh winter conditions. The Febco 765 is also available for other sizes of pipes, including 1-1/2 inches (Febco T765GBV) and 1-1/4 inches (Febco T765FBV).

By taking these preventive measures, homeowners and contractors can safeguard plumbing systems from the harsh effects of winter weather.

ProPress Tools and SharkBite Fittings

Milwaukee 2473-22 M12 Press Tool

When a pipe bursts, you need quick and reliable fixes to get things back in working order. That’s where Milwaukee ProPress tools and SharkBite fittings come in. A ProPress is an essential tool for any plumber. It helps save an incredible amount of time on the job, making connections with copper pipes faster and more efficient than traditional soldering methods. It’s one of the most innovative tools in the industry and delivers secure, professional results every time. We’re especially big fans of Viega Fittings because of their exceptional reliability and durability. These fittings are built to last and provide peace of mind when creating long-term plumbing solutions.

On the other hand, SharkBite fittings are a game-changer, particularly for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who may not have access to advanced plumbing tools. They’re incredibly easy to use, requiring no special equipment or expertise, which makes them an excellent option for quick fixes or emergency situations. That said, as a professional plumber, I always made sure to keep them stocked in the plumbing van for those “just in case” moments. In a pinch, SharkBite fittings can be a real lifesaver, whether it’s capping off a line or installing an emergency shutoff valve in a matter of minutes.

However, while SharkBite fittings are undoubtedly convenient, they’re not always the best choice for permanent solutions. I prefer to repair water lines with more reliable and long-lasting methods whenever possible. SharkBite fittings are better suited for specific, limited applications where speed and ease of use are the priority, but for more critical fixes, I’d recommend sticking to traditional plumbing connections or tools like the ProPress for a professional-grade job. Having both tools and fittings available ensures you’re prepared for almost any situation, whether it’s a quick emergency repair or a more permanent solution.

Thinking Ahead

Once you have thawed and repaired the pipes and replaced the burst section, your next move should be installing a leak detector system.

DROP Leak Detector System - Includes Valve, Hub, and 2 Leak Detectors - D-HPS-K1

DROP Leak Detector System - Includes Valve, Hub, and 2 Leak Detectors - D-HPS-K1

After repairing burst pipes, installing a DROP Leak Detector System - which includes a valve, hub, and 2 leak detectors (D-HPS-K1) - is a critical step to prevent future water-related issues. DROP is a trusted brand recognized for its innovative and reliable water management solutions, designed to protect homes and properties from costly water damage. This system utilizes advanced leak detection technology that continuously monitors your plumbing for any signs of leaks or bursts, ensuring that even the smallest issue is detected early. It provides real-time alerts via a smartphone app, allowing homeowners to take immediate action no matter where they are.

The system’s key features include strategically placed leak detectors that can be positioned in high-risk areas such as near water heaters, under sinks, or in basements. Additionally, the automatic shut-off valve is a game-changer, as it can instantly stop the water flow when a leak is detected, minimizing the potential for extensive damage. Easy to install and highly effective, this system not only protects pipes and property but also offers homeowners and contractors peace of mind knowing that their plumbing is under constant surveillance. With DROP, you’re investing in a smarter, safer way to safeguard your home against future leaks and water damage.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding why pipes freeze and having the right tools and products on hand are essential for effectively repairing burst pipes. When temperatures drop, water inside the pipes can freeze, expand, and cause the pipe to crack or burst, leading to expensive repairs and potential water damage. By being prepared and knowledgeable, homeowners and contractors can tackle pipe repairs with confidence, minimizing damage and ensuring the longevity of their plumbing systems. This includes keeping pipe repair kits, heat tape, and insulation materials readily available, as well as knowing how to shut off the water supply quickly in an emergency. Remember, taking preventive measures—such as insulating pipes in vulnerable areas, sealing drafts, and keeping a steady trickle of water flowing during freezing conditions—can make all the difference. Investing in reliable equipment and staying informed about best practices can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Stay proactive, stay informed, and keep your plumbing system in top shape to withstand the challenges of cold weather and avoid unnecessary disruptions to your home or business.