Even Sunny Austin, TX is prone to experiencing the occasional freeze. Look no further than the events of February 2021 for evidence. And with such a sudden turn in weather conditions, burst pipes feel like an inevitability. Pipes can burst for a myriad of reasons. Chief among them is extreme cold temperatures. Pressure builds up in your pipes as the water contained within them starts to expand. This leads to ruptures as temperatures approach freezing. In case of emergency, you need to know how to conduct a DIY leak repair.
Luckily, there’s an easy way to fix a split in your pipe and get your water restored. We’ll be looking at copper pipes, as this is the most conventional type used in Texas. But if the problem you’re experiencing feels like more than you can handle, you might need emergency plumbing service.
What You Will Need
- Copper Cutter: This nifty tool allows you to cut through copper pipes with ease. We recommend a close copper cutter as it will allow you to get in tight spaces. You can find these online or at major home repair stores.
- SharkBite Cap: This reusable fixture is ideal for capping copper, PEX, and CPVC pipes. Its push-to-connect feature allows for easy installation without need for clamps, soldering, or glue. You can pick one of these up at the same outlets listed above.
Isolating The Line
To start, simply clip the copper cutter onto the pipe directly below the split. Its snap-on feature makes connection effortless. Then, start rotating the cutter clockwise. This tool’s cutter wheel is spring-loaded which allows for consistent pressure as you’re turning. So once it’s on there, you can turn with confidence. After a handful of rotations, the pipe will cut automatically. Next, simply place the SharkBite cap over the opening and press down. That concludes your DIY leak repair.
Practical Demonstration
Watch as Radiant plumbing service manager, JR, demonstrates the process below:
We recommend only opting for this DIY leak repair in case of emergency and when a licensed professional is not able to get to you immediately. If you have numerous burst pipes around the house, it could be a sign of much more serious underlying issues. We recommend always reaching out for professional help to assure your pipes are working as they should and not causing damage to your homes.
