Time

An hour or less

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

Less than $20

Introduction

Here is a quick and easy, no-soldering fix for your burst pipe.

Tools Required

  • Disconnect clip
  • Emery cloth
  • Large bucket
  • Pipe Cutter

Materials Required

  • Straight slip repair coupling

Watch How to Repair a Broken Pipe in Your Home

Project step-by-step (8)

Step 1

Shut off the Water

  • Locate the shutoff valve to your water main and close the valve.

Step 2

Find the Leak

  • The burst pipe could be a number of places in your house.
  • Look for watermarks on the walls and ceiling. Wet floors and carpet are signs of a leaky pipe.
  • You may have to cut open your wall or ceiling to access the problem.

Step 3

Push to Connect Fittings

  • Push to connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and HDPE pipe.
  • Various fittings are available — tees, elbows, shut off valves and straight slip repair couplings (see photo).
  • These fittings are removable and reusable. Use a disconnect clip to remove the fitting.
  • A few brands available are SharkBite and Watts AquaLock.

Step 4

Drain the Pipe

  • Even though you don’t need to drain the pipes to use push to connect fittings, you will stay drier if you do.
  • Open all the faucets connected to the burst pipe and let the water drain out.
  • Hang a bucket below the leaking pipe and let it drain.

Step 5

Cutting the Pipe

  • Remove about 1-1/2-in. of the damaged section of the pipe with the proper cutting tool, making clean square cuts.
  • Use a pipe cutter to cut copper and a PEX cutting tool for tubing. A hack saw works well for CPVC pipe.

Step 6

Cleaning the Pipe

  • Use a deburring tool and emery cloth to remove any burrs or sharp edges on the end of the pipe.

Step 7

Install the Fitting

  • Slip the repair coupling onto the first pipe, pushing it far enough so it clears the second pipe.
  • Snap the disconnect clip onto the pipe and push down on the release collar, moving the coupling toward the second pipe.
  • Insert the second pipe into the other end of the fitting, pushing down on the release collar while moving it.
  • Some push connectors have locking clips to install. They slip between the release collar and the brass shoulder of the fitting.

Step 8

Look for Leaks

  • Turn the water on and look for leaks. If it does leak, rotate the fitting until it properly seals onto the pipe.

Author
Joe Cruz
Joe Cruz is a contributing editor for Family Handyman Magazine, creating DIY how-to & home improvement projects for both digital and print. Joe started woodworking at an early age, finding himself in carpentry jobs such as building and remodeling houses, woodworking jobs such as custom cabinetry and kitchen installation, and artisan positions i...
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Joe Cruz