When a pipe breaks unexpectedly, it can take time before a plumber can come to repair the problem. Most plumbers provide emergency repair services and can be to your home that day. However, while you wait for them to arrive, you will need to stop water from flooding your home. M and C Orsack Plumbing share how to do a temporarily pipe patch to stop the leak.

Step 1. Stop the Water Flow

When a leak or a pipe breaks you will first need to stop the flow of water. Depending on the location of the break, you may have to turn a valve that will turn off the water to the break directly. However, if the break occurs along the major water supply line. then you will need to turn off the water to the entire home. After turning off the water, open up all of the faucets inside the home to drain out the remaining water in the pipe lines.

Step 2. Dry off the Pipes

With the water turned off, you will need to dry off the pipe and its surrounding areas. If a major water mess has already occurred, you will need to begin mopping up the floors or extracting the water. When patching up the pipe you don’t want water interfering with the repairs, so make sure to take your time and dry up the site.

Step 3. Prepare the Pipe for the Patch

The next step is to prepare the pipe for the patch. With the pipe dry, you will need to clean off the pipe. If there is any rust or mineral buildup along the pipe use a rough sand paper or metal filer to cleaning off and smooth down the pipe. In order for the patch to work the pipe will need to be cleaned.

Step 4. Patching the Pipe

When you need to temporarily fix a broken pipe you can use an epoxy putty. You will need to knead the putty in your hands and push it around and partially into the crack of the pipe. Next you will need to use a plastic hose or neoprene and clamp it around the leak. You can use a hose clamp to secure the hose around the pipe. Make sure that the hose clamp is tight to prevent water from leaking out.

Emergency Plumbing Repairs & More in Spring, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Montgomery & Conroe Texas

This is a temporarily patch repair that will allow you to turn the water back on. This patch job will not last long and is not the proper way to repair a broken pipe. When a pipe breaks you will need to still seek out a professional plumber. Depending on the location of the break, repairs will vary. Much of the pipe work inside the home is made of copper. When repairing copper pipe, often the break will need to be cut out and a coupling will need to be inserted. When you need emergency pipe repairs, plumbing inspection, installations, and more, contact M and C Orsack Plumbing.