If you’ve recently discovered that your home has broken pipes and flooding is a regular occurrence, then you’re likely feeling frustrated. The good news is that fixing broken pipes isn’t as difficult as it seems. In this blog post, we will discuss the different causes of leaking pipes, the different methods to fix broken water lines and the required supplies you need to complete the task.
What causes water lines to crack and leak?
Water lines can crack for many reasons. Some of the more common causes include the following:
Buried pipes – If your home was built before the 1940s, then it’s likely that the pipes are buried underground. Even if your home was constructed after this date, it’s possible that the pipes are buried under several inches of soil. Buried pipes are more susceptible to deterioration than those that are buried only a few inches under the ground.
The strain on the pipe – If you live in a high-rise building, then it’s likely that the water lines are subjected to extra strain. The strain can come from leaks or heavy pressure in the building.
Freeze damage – If your pipes are located outdoors, then you may have experienced damage from ice or a freeze. The water in the pipes may have expanded and burst the pipes.
Corrosion – If your city water is from a well or lake, then there’s a chance that it’s been contaminated with chemicals from the water. This can cause the pipes to corrode and break.
Pipe wear – If the water pipes are located in a high-traffic area, there’s a chance that the pipes have been damaged from wear and tear. Water lines that are located under the kitchen sink, for example, may have several pinholes from wear and tear.
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How to fix a broken water line
If you’ve identified the cause of your leaking pipes, you can remediate the situation by fixing the leak. If you’re not sure what caused the leak, however, then you’ll want to call a professional. Before you begin, make sure that you turn off the main water supply to your home. Water lines can be extremely dangerous if they’re exposed to high pressure. If you don’t, you could be seriously injured or killed. Also, make sure you don’t have any other leaks in your home that might continue to leak while you fix the broken pipes. If you do, then you could flood your home. Now that you’ve taken care of the most important details, let’s get started.
Find the leak – If you’ve determined that the leak is coming from your pipes, then you’ll need to locate it. This can be done by carefully disconnecting the water line from the faucet and then visually inspecting the pipe for any leaks. If you don’t see any leaks, turn off the water to your home and call a professional.
Put on safety gear – Make sure that you wear appropriate safety gear when working with water lines. This includes rubber gloves and a pair of safety goggles.
Warm up the line – If the pipe is frozen, then you should attempt to warm up the line before you un-freeze it. This can be done by turning on the water in the house, running a faucet, or splashing warm water on the line.
The dishwasher is your best friend – If you have a dishwasher, then you can safely thaw out frozen water lines. Just put a full cycle of the dishwasher on low heat.
Things you’ll need to repair a pipe
Here’s a list of the main items you’ll need to fix a pipe:
Pipe joint sealant – This is a rubber sealant that you’ll put on the joint where two pipes meet. It’s commonly sold in tubes.
Pipe clamp – This is a special device used to hold the joint together while the sealant sets. It’s often sold in sets with a variety of different clamp styles.
Pipe wrench – This is used to turn the wrench to tighten the clamp. – Pipe cleaner – This is for cleaning off any sealant that accumulates on the end of the pipe.
Tips and tricks to prevent water leaks in pipes
Now that you know what causes water lines to crack and leak, you’ll want to know how to prevent water leaks in pipes. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind:
Change your water filter – Replacing your water filter every six months is one of the most effective ways to prevent water leaks in pipes.
Keep your water heater clean – If your water heater has sediment in it, then you’ll want to clean it out once a month. If you don’t, then the sediment could fall into your water line and cause it to leak.
Don’t over-pressurize your water lines – If you have a water heater or other high-pressure line in your home, then you should never exceed the pressure rating for the line.
Make sure your pipes aren’t corroded – If you notice that your pipes are corroded, then you should have them repaired or replaced.
Conclusion
If you’ve recently discovered that your home has broken pipes and flooding is a regular occurrence, then you’re likely feeling frustrated. The good news is that fixing broken pipes isn’t as difficult as it seems. In this blog post, we will discuss the different causes of leaking pipes, the different methods to fix broken water lines, and the required supplies you need to complete the task.