If you are the do-it-yourself kind of guy, you will really love the restoration of a broken copper pipe and the differences between residential and commercial plumbing needs. Whichever it is-small problem in the house or more serious in a commercial plumb knowledge of how to fix things saves money but, more importantly, it gives you a certain kind of satisfying feeling. Again, you need to weigh these long-term costs against the potential cost if you hire a professional plumber.
Complete Do-it-Yourself Guide to Fixing a Broken Copper Pipe
- Turn the Water Off:
- Find your main shut-off valve near the water meter or near where the main comes into your house. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops completely to prevent water damage while you try to make the repair.
- Drain Pipes.
- Turn on several faucets in your house to drain completely. This is important to prevent any spills when you cut into the pipe, especially in residential settings where any leak can cause property damage.
- Find the Break:
- Carefully inspect the copper pipe for the break. Ensure the surrounding area is dry and accessible. Visual examination will, therefore, be important in trying to determine the extent of the damage—whether it is just a simple crack or even a bigger failure that may always be associated with commercial plumbing systems since the usage pressures are generally higher.
- Cut the Pipe:
- Under careful execution, cut through the pipe using a pipe cutter and take out the damaged portion. Make sure enough length is left on both ends to attach new fittings. This is important in commercial plumbing, since pipes could be under greater stress, and exactness in the cut is critical to preventing future leaks.
- Clean the Pipe’s Edges:
Clean off the edges around the break on the old pipe with a wire brush or sandpaper. This is highly important to remove any oxidation or debris from the area if a tight seal is desired-especially important in commercial plumbing, as the demands on materials can sometimes be very different from those of residential systems. - Cut New Pipe:
- Take a new piece of copper pipe and measure it against what needs to fit snugly between the existing clean edges. A section that fits poorly could lead to leaks or, worse, more extensive damage down the line.
- Attach Fittings:
- Slide couplings or whatever other fittings are necessary onto the new section of pipe in order to connect it with the existing plumbing securely. This step is highly important because the integrity of the future pressures that the connections may bear depends on them.
- Solder the Joints:
Apply flux on the areas where the new pipe meets the fittings. After setting the new section, use a propane torch and apply medium heat directly to the joint, observing the solder as it melts and flows to completely circle the joint for a sound seal. - Cool Off:
- Let the joints cool down after soldering. The temptation to touch is great, but good cooling equates to a good bond.
- Turn the Water On:
- Slowly turn the main water supply on. Watch for any possible leaks. This careful action would help avoid any sudden changes in pressure, which again becomes very crucial if the application happens to be for commercial purposes since there the sizes of systems are greater.
- Look for Leaks:
- Check the area of the repair once the water is on. Look for water oozing or dripping in the joints area. If steady, that’s all there is to the repair.
- Clean Up:
When satisfied that everything works, clean up your work area. Dispose of residual materials appropriately and put your tools away for later use.
Cost Implication: DIY against Seeking Professional Service
While fixing your house may save you money in the short run, it is good to compare those with the cost implications of trying to do repairs yourself in the long run. In residential plumbing, errors or incomplete repairs may cause repeated failures and subsequent repair costs. For commercial plumbing, where the systems work harder, going the DIY way will result in serious consequences-think pricey disruptions of business and potentially catastrophic water damages.
On the other hand, hiring a professional plumber will cost something, but often comes with the peace of mind attendant on knowing the thing will be done right. Professionals bring experience that may prevent possible future issues and save you much bigger expenditures sometime later. Many of them offer work guarantees, too; if anything happens, they’ll address the issue free of extra charges.
Final Note:
If at any time you are unsure or face any sudden challenges in your repair, then call Plumbing Heroes. Expert assistance will save precious time and sidestep expensive mistakes and headaches later on. Be it residential or commercial plumbing needs, this service is usually worth every penny spent for your property and budget in the longer term. CALL PLUMBING HERORS SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY OR NEED FURTHER INSTRUCTION CALL PLUMBING HEROES THIS SERVICE IS COMPLIMENTARY
