Repair Pipes
Pipes in your plumbing system can leak, drip condensate and freeze, causing a number of problems. The following steps will instruct you on how to repair pipes without calling a plumber.
Steps
- Tighten the joint with a wrench if that is the origin of the leak. If the leak is coming from a damaged section of pipe, repair it with one of the methods below.
- Patch the pipe. You can use heavy rubber and a C-clamp or with a store-bought pipe-patching kit.
- Apply waterproof tape to the leaking section of pipe.
- Make sure the pipe is completely dry before adding tape.
- Tape should cover 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) on either side of the hole or crack.
- Rub a compound stick over the hole or crack if it is a small leak. These can be bought at most hardware stores.
- Apply epoxy paste to the leaking section of pipe. Turn off the water and dry the pipe thoroughly before applying epoxy.
- Replace the damaged section if a pipe as a more permanent solution than patching. Copper pipe replacements must be soldered into place.
- Shut off the main water valve and drain the damaged water line.
- Cut out a section of pipe with a pipe cutter, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of extra pipe on either side of the damaged area. File away metal burrs on the pipe.
- Clean corrosion inside the pipes with a wire fitting brush. Use plumbers' sand cloth or emery paper to clean the outsides of the pipes.
- Apply flux to the replacement and the remaining pipes.
- Slide the replacement piece into place with couplings.
- Apply solder all around the joint. Use a propane torch on one side of the couplings, with the tip of a solder wire on the opposite side. Use a fiber shield to protect the walls near the pipe from flame.
- Use self-adhesive drip tape to insulate "sweating" pipes that have a lot of condensation.
- Dry the pipe thoroughly before applying tape.
- Open the faucet so steam can escape when you start the thawing process.
- Apply heat to the pipe. Begin thawing close to the faucet using one of the methods below, moving down the line as sections thaw out.
- Wrap the pipe with a heavy towel or burlap bag. Then, pour hot water over it, setting a bucket under the towel to catch water.
- Move a propane torch with a spreader nozzle back and forth along the pipe. Do not leave the flame in one place for too long. Be careful not to let the flame make contact with the wall behind the pipe. Try not to heat soldered joints. Do not use this method on plastic pipe.
- Use a heat lamp or hair dryer to warm along the pipe. This will take longer than the other methods, but it is safer and requires no cleanup.
- Use a garden hose to thaw a drainpipe. Remove the trap and insert the hose into the pipe until it won't go any further. Pour hot water down the other end of the hose while lifting it up. Keep a bucket underneath to catch the water that overflows.
Things You'll Need
- Wrench
- Patching material
- Waterproof tape
- Compound stick
- Epoxy paste
- Replacement pipe
- Pipe cutter
- File
- Couplings
- Propane torch with spreader nozzle
- Soldering wire
- Wire brush
- Heavy towel or burlap bag
- Bucket
