Pipe Repair vs. Pipe Replacement
A trustworthy, expert plumber can help you decide whether your pipe problems are serious enough to warrant replacing them. While repairs are generally less expensive and less invasive than replacement, repairing persistently problematic pipes can add up.
In some cases, replacing the pipes will save you money in the long run — especially if you live in an older Oklahoma City home with aging pipes.
Minor issues that are easy to repair include small leaks, minor clogs, and isolated spots of corrosion. Major issues that may require replacement include extensive corrosion, massive scale buildup inside the pipe, and serious damage due to tree root infiltration.
If a water pipe suddenly breaks in your home, you’ll need emergency burst pipe repair. If it happens to you, turn off the main water shut-off valve, open your faucets to drain excess water and relieve pressure in the pipes, and call a trusted local plumber.
A few different methods are used to repair a burst pipe, depending on the situation. For a quick, temporary fix on a small burst, pipe clamps or sleeves are used to create a water-tight seal around the damaged section.
For small- to medium-sized bursts, epoxy resin is a durable, long-lasting seal. For underground or hard-to-reach pipes, burst pipe repair will likely require pipe relining, where a flexible, resin-saturated lining is inserted into the damaged pipe and inflated. Full pipe replacement may be required in cases of extensively damaged pipes.
The best way to prevent burst pipes is to address potential pipe issues as soon as you notice them.
Signs you should have your pipes looked at include:
- Leaking pipes
- Rusted or corroded pipes
- Repeated clogs in a pipe
- Sagging pipes
- Poor water quality
