How to Repair a Broken Pipe Inside Your Wall
As a homeowner, the last thing you want to deal with is a burst pipe inside a wall. Thankfully, your broken pipe can be repaired, and the source of the damage can be addressed. To find a broken pipe inside a wall and repair or replace the broken part, you’ll need the necessary tools, skills, and knowledge.
What Causes a Pipe to Break Inside a Wall?
Freezing weather is the major cause of pipes bursting inside walls. When the temperature drops below a certain level, the water inside the pipes expands and comes dangerously close to freezing. When the pressure builds up, the pipe structure cracks, which occurs more frequently when the temperature dips below -6 degrees.
What Are the Signs of a Broken Pipe Inside a Wall?
Depending on where the pipe is broken and the extent of the fracture, the signals that your pipe inside the wall is damaged may go undiscovered or be all over the place. The following are examples of warning signs:
Mold
An excessive amount of moisture encourages mold growth. Mold could be a problem in your home. If, on the other hand, mold is growing at an exponential rate for the first time, the cause could be a broken pipe within your walls.
Bubbling Walls
When a water leak from a pipe in the wall is not immediately visible, you may find bubbles forming beneath the paint or wall coating.
Water Flooding
The most obvious indicator of a broken pipe is flooding. If you see puddles of water on the floor, extremely saturated walls, or your water meter whirling erratically, you most likely have a burst pipe somewhere in the walls.
How to Repair a Broken Pipe in the Wall
Find the Location of the Pipe
Inside the walls, water from a broken pipe often pools somewhere below where the pipe is truly broken. Follow the indicators of water damage, such as drywall damage, until you identify the source of the leak. Consider utilizing a moisture meter if you can’t determine the source visually.
Shutoff the Water Power
Switch off the main power circuit for your home and put on non-conductive gloves once you’ve found the broken pipe inside a wall. When cutting through your wall to access the broken pipe, you don’t want to risk cutting through surrounding pipe hangers and live wires.
Most notably, avoid cutting into the wall studs by locating them first. When knocked, studs usually make a solid sound and are frequently found near power outlets and switches.
Cut Into the Wall
Use a utility knife to mark the wall you wish to cut into. With a keyhole saw, gently cut along the score lines, being cautious not to touch any electrical cables or other water pipes going through the wall.
Drain the Broken Pipe
To drain the remaining water, turn on the faucets connected to the broken water supply line. If the broken pipe is in the bathroom, for example, turn on the bathroom faucet and drain it until no more water is flowing.
Repair or Replace the Pipe
Depending on the type of pipe, copper, PEX, PVC, or many other materials. There will be different procedures for repairing the pipe. If you want to temporarily repair the pipe while you prepare for a permanent repair, you may consider using silicone tape, a hose clamp and gasket, or an epoxy putter.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, repairing a broken pipe can be done with the right instructions. But, if you’d rather let a professional take care of it, don’t hesitate to call us. We can pick up right where you left off!
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any help with issues regarding your toilet or sewer line. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem.
We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.
