Frequent temperature fluctuations, corrosion, and high water pressure can damage pipes. If you have trees on your property, their roots can penetrate and damage underground pipes. Water leaks from broken pipes also damage your property. Plumbing companies use different repair methods to fix these various problems. Here is more information about these types of repairs:
Pipe Patching
Plumbing companies can use a rubber patch to cover the damaged area of a pipe. To do this, the plumber uses a patch kit that includes cleaning supplies, an adhesive or sealant, metal clamps or bands, and a rubber patch or sleeve. After the plumber has shut off the water supply, they drain the pipe and clean the damaged area. The plumber prepares the rubber patch and applies the sealant. Then they place the rubber patch in the correct position, secure it with the metal clamps, and wait for the adhesive to cure.
Pipe Replacement
If the pipes have extensive corrosion damage, multiple leaks, or severe blockages, the plumber can decide to replace the pipes entirely. Plumbers may also replace pipes if they have burst or if they are made of outdated materials. The replacement pipes are commonly either cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), stainless steel, or copper.
Pipe Relining
If the damaged pipes are in inaccessible areas like beneath buildings or under roads, plumbers use a pipe relining method. The process involves inserting a resin liner to repair the damaged parts of the pipe. The main types of liners are cured-in-place and pull-in-place liners. If the damaged pipe has a large diameter, a plumber uses a slip-lining method. The slip-lining method works by putting a second pipe with a smaller diameter in the damaged section and filling the space between the two pipes with grout.
For pipes that have different diameters or unusual shapes, the plumber uses the spray liner method. For the spray liner method, a plumber adds a polymer coating to the damaged section of the pipe. After the liner is added, the plumber applies UV light, steam, or hot water to harden the liner and secure it in place.
Epoxy Repair
A plumber will do an epoxy repair if the damage is minor. This method is good at fixing or sealing leaks at pipe joints and fittings and repairing minor pitting. Plumbers also use the method as a temporary fix while they plan for a permanent solution. The plumber first prepares the epoxy based on the manufacturer’s manual. To make the epoxy compound strong enough, the plumber combines the resin with a special hardener. They then use a special tool to apply the compound on and around the damaged section.
Since air bubbles can damage the epoxy application, the plumber smooths out the epoxy so it firmly attaches to the surface of the pipe. Plumbers then mold and shape the epoxy to fit the shape of the pipe. The site is left undisturbed until the epoxy hardens completely.
Pipe Bursting
When the damaged pipe is underneath roads, buildings, or landscaped areas, digging a trench to repair the pipe takes a lot of time and effort. Another less invasive option is to use pipe bursting to repair damaged gas, sewer, and water lines that are in inaccessible areas. They start by establishing the access points on both ends of the damaged segment. Using a bullet or conical-shaped bursting head, the plumber breaks the damaged pipe.
As the head is pulled through the pipe with a winch, it breaks the damaged pipe into small pieces and forces the pieces into the soil. At the same time, the plumber pushes a new pipe to fill the space left behind by the damaged pipe. This process is fast and has minimal disruption to the surface.
Soldering
Plumbers use soldering when they want to repair damaged metal pipes. Once they have cleaned and gotten rid of any dirt on the damaged part of the pipe, they apply a chemical agent called a solder fluxing liquid. Using a heating device, like a torch, the plumber melts the solder fluxing liquid and puts it in the gap. Once the liquid cools down and solidifies, a seal is created on the damaged section.
Hire Plumbing Companies to Fix Your Broken Pipes
Broken pipes allow water to escape and damage items on your property. Professional plumbing companies will use the correct tools and equipment to fix your broken pipes. They can use a variety of techniques, such as pipe bursting, relining, soldering, or epoxy repair to solve the problem. Contact a professional plumbing company today.