Like many other things, plumbing pipes break when it is most undesirable. Often during intense cold, when it’s almost impossible to get help since that’s the time when plumbers are busiest. Luckily, many of these leakages may be repaired with do-it-yourself tactics, either temporarily or permanently.

While a good many leakages result from freezing and cracking of pipes, other leakages develop from punctures and thin spots in pipes brought on by corrosion. Leaks also often happen at joint parts of pipe and fixtures. Splits caused by freezing are the hardest to deal with and usually need replacing of the damaged area of pipe.

Clearly, prevention is the greatest treatment for frozen water pipes. Mindful caulking of cracks near pipes going near walls, insulating and use of heat tapes on freeze-endangered pipes will most likely avert a disastrous situation. When a leak of any kind does manifest, the initial step is equally apparent. Disconnect the water supply to the pipe leak.

It is recommended to ensure that all the home occupants know the location of the shut off valve, so if a pipe leak comes about they understand where to shut down water supply. This device is usually found near the water pump or meter, which are most often in cellars. In residences which lack a cellar, it’s usually under the kitchen sink.

Additionally, there are fittings that have shutoff valves for individual pipes. So to stop this pipe from dripping, you merely need to turn off that particular valve and that way keep your water service in other areas of your property.

Frozen water lines that produce leakages will not drip before they begin thawing, of course, and can’t be fixed until they are completely thawed and emptied of water. Thawing can be speeded by cracking open the faucet right at the end of the frozen water pipe and using heat operating backwards from the faucet so steam and melting water have an outlet.

Utilization of a gas torch for thawing a pipe is not really advised, considering that the rapid generation of heavy steam can result in further harm to the pipe and there is a risk of starting up a fire. Rags soaked with warm water and wrapped around the water pipe are a slow but harmless approach to use.

Most homes have copper pipes. To fix this sort of pipe merely use a hacksaw to cut out the damaged spot. Make certain you do this very carefully on both sides of the split.

A quick fix with no soldering can be done by joining the cut ends of the copper pipe using a vinyl coupling or short length of polybutylene or CPVC plastic pipe, both of which will handle cold or warm water. Some plastic fixtures operate by compression and need no glues or solvents, while some other vinyl pipe needs so-called solvent welding. Look for instructions and tips before purchasing.

When shopping for replacement components, bring the portion of the water pipe that you cut out. Using this method you’ll instantly know the size and the length of the pipe you need to buy.