A Homeowner’s Guide to Pipe Repair in Virginia Beach

Everything You Need to Know About Burst and Leaking Pipes

When a pipe bursts or leaks, it can cause major damage to your home. Uncontrolled water from burst pipes can lead to flooding, mold growth, and an increased risk of structural damage. Additionally, if there is an electrical element nearby such as a circuit breaker, a burst pipe can create even more hazards.

Leaking pipes can also contribute to higher water bills due to the uncontrolled outflow of water that cannot be tracked. To prevent costly repairs and other potential liabilities from bursting and leaking pipes, it is important to call our Virginia Beach plumbing company as soon as possible. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Virginia Beach offers 24/7 emergency services that ensure any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.

Our plumbers have the expertise to handle all kinds of pipe repairs, and it's our goal to help our customers better understand the process in order to make informed decisions about their plumbing systems.

What Are Common Causes of Burst or Leaking Pipes?

Pipes burst and leak for a variety of reasons, but the most common causes are corrosion, water pressure fluctuations, and freezing temperatures. Corrosion is caused by years of wear and tear due to minerals in the water or the materials used, such as copper or lead. Water pressure fluctuations can cause sudden bursts of high pressure that put too much strain on your plumbing.

Cold temperatures can cause the water inside pipes to freeze and expand, resulting in a leak. This usually happens during the winter months in structures that lack proper insulation.

Various Methods of Burst Pipe Repair

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Virginia Beach, our experts are trained to handle all types of pipe repair issues. Depending on the severity and type of pipe you have, our plumbers may recommend one or more methods for repairing your pipes, including one of the following common repair methods.

When in doubt, it’s always wise to contact us for help with a burst or leaking pipe. However, being educated about the various methods of leaky pipe repair can help you make informed decisions and reduce water damage in an emergency situation.

Patch Repairs with Putty or Tape

Using pipe wrapping tape or a repair epoxy to fix a leak is a relatively straightforward, although less durable, way to fix a burst pipe. These methods are optimal for small leaks or for sealing joints and are often best suited as a temporary DIY fix in an emergency while you wait for professional help to arrive.

Many wrap tapes can be applied to the pipe without turning the water supply off or drying the surface. Simply wrap the tape around the affected area of the pipe, making sure to overlap with each pass in order to form a watertight seal. With repair epoxy, you'll need to turn off the water and completely dry the pipe before applying it to the damaged area.

Repair Clamps or Couplings

Pipe repair clamps use a metal band and rubber gasket secured by nuts and bolts to provide a temporary fix for a burst or leaking pipe. They work by simply sliding the clamp over the area with the leak and tightening the bolts until the flow of water is stopped.

Slip repair couplings can provide a more lasting solution for copper or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipes. However, they are more labor intensive and involve removing the damaged section of the pipe and then using the coupling to reconnect the two ends. It's recommended that you let a professional tackle this kind of repair.

Trenchless Pipe Relining

Trenchless pipe relining is an innovative plumbing repair method that can be used to strengthen and restore the structural integrity of damaged pipes. It is used on pipes that are buried underground, such as a sewer line, and eliminates the need for costly excavation.

This method involves inserting a flexible or semi-rigid liner and pulling it through the existing pipe to form a new, long-lasting pipe within.

Pipe relining can help prevent:

• Future collapses
• Tree root intrusions
• Cracking
• Corrosion

Trenchless pipe repair should only be performed by a professional plumber in your area. It requires highly specialized equipment and training and attempting it on your own could do more harm than good.

Trust Our Plumbers for Virginia Beach Pipe Repairs

If you discover a burst or leaking pipe in your home, it is important to take immediate action. Before all else, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Virginia Beach. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services, so we can help you minimize the damage to your home. Our team is trained in numerous methods of pipe repair, so we’ll provide you with solutions that best fit your needs.

Contact us online or call today to learn more about our Virginia Beach plumbing company and pipe repair services!