Pipe Repair 101

Pipe problems are for the birds. But if you catch them early, you may be able to avert a visit from the plumber and save some Benjamin's. Follow these simple guidelines before calling a repairman.

Frozen Pipes:

If you have no water flow from your pipes, this means your pipes are frozen. Here's what you need to do:

Make doubly sure that you do indeed have a frozen pipe. No water flow could be a problem with your water supply so test a few taps throughout your home. If other faucets are working but this one doesn't, you most likely have a frozen pipe. A piece of ice has probably formed and expanded inside the pipe, which cuts off the air flow. Frozen pipes require immediate action. They can burst within a matter of hours.

Next you have to decide whether your cold or hat pipe has frozen. Test the cold and hot taps individually. The one that doesn't work is frozen. Very rarely will both pipes freeze.

Find the freeze by running your hand along the pipe and feel for a cold spot. Use caution so as not to burn yourself on hot pipes. Your best bet will be to find a pipe behind a wall through a removable wall or ceiling panel.

Defrost the blockage by blowing a hair dryer on the frozen area. Start from the front of the freeze and work backward until the pipe is completely defrosted.

To test your handiwork, turn on the tap to see if the ice has defrosted. If you are successful, water should flow freely.

To prevent your pipes from freezing in the future insulate them, keep your home above 55 degrees, turn off water before going away, drain outdoor spigots each fall, and leave water dripping slightly on extremely cold nights.

Leaky Pipes:

First cut off the water supply as soon as you see drips or a gush of water.

Drain the pipe by finding the faucet on the pipeline closest to the leak and turn it on to empty the broken pipe.

To minimize damage to your property, put a receptacle below the leak, dry the pipe with a towel and wrap duct tape around the leaky spot.

You may need to call a plumber to replace the broken pipe with a new one. Plumbers can also educate you on how to prevent mold and how to repair secondary structural damage to the floor, walls or ceiling.

Broken Pipes:

To fix a minor broken pipe yourself here are some guidelines:

Turn off the water supply, measure the pipe's circumference and purchase a pipe repair clamp kit for @ $5 from your local hardware store.

Dry the area and follow the kit directions.

For pipes that don't supply drinking water, such as your bathtub and shower pipes, try some plumber's epoxy around the split and around the pipe itself.

Leave a bucket under the clamp or putty and check for leaks on a regular basis.

Make it simple and easy on yourself and your pocketbook. If all else fails, call your plumber.