How to Repair a Frozen Pipe
Freezing temperatures can lead to emergency pipe repairs this winter, so stay prepared with SharkBite Max push-to-connect fittings and PEX-a pipe. Follow as Brent Ridley demonstrates two methods for fixing a burst pipe using SharkBite Max fittings. As a journeyman plumber and owner of his own Plumbing and HVAC business, he uses SharkBite Max as a reliable solution for pipe bursts.
Gather Your Materials
- SharkBite Max Coupling
- SharkBite Max Slip Coupling
- SharkBite PEX-a Pipe
- SharkBite Max Depth & Deburr Tool
- SharkBite Disconnect Clip
- SharkBite Pro Disconnect Tool
- SharkBite PRO PEX Cutter
Understanding a Burst Pipe
When water freezes, it expands and puts immense pressure on your pipes, causing a burst. While a mock-up is used in the video, real-life burst pipes will often split down the side and peel open.
Method 1: Using Two SharkBite Max Couplings
This method is ideal when you need to replace a small section of damaged pipe.
To start, cut out the damaged section of pipe with copper pipe cutters. Make sure to cut far enough back from the leak to ensure you have removed all of the compromised pipe. This prevents premature damage to your repair.
Now that you have two pipes, deburr and mark each one with the SharkBite Max depth & deburr tool. Use the longer section of the tool to mark the correct insertion depth on both pipes. This side of the tool is specifically for installing SharkBite Max fittings. Then, push a SharkBite Max coupling onto each pipe until it reaches the marked depth.
To finish the repair, cut, deburr, and mark a new piece of PEX-a pipe. Measure out the amount of pipe you need by adding the insertion depth of both sides to the length of the copper pipe you cut out at the beginning of the repair. Use the insertion depth chart below.
| SharkBite Fitting Size | Nominal Pipe Size | Pipe OD | SharkBite 1st Generation Insertion Depth | SharkBite Max Insertion Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 in. | 1/4 in. CTS | 3/8 in. | 13/16 in. (21 mm.) | |
| 3/8 in. | 3/8 in. CTS | 1/2 in. | 15/16 in. (24 mm.) | |
| 1/2 in. | 1/2 in. CTS | 5/8 in. | 15/16 in. (24 mm.) | 1 in. (25 mm.) |
| 5/8 in. | 5/8 in. CTS | 3/4 in. | 1-1/8 in. (29 mm.) | |
| 3/4 in. | 3/4 in. CTS | 7/8 in. | 1-1/8 in. (28 mm.) | 1-1/4 in. (32 mm.) |
| 1 in. | 1 in. CTS | 1-1/8 in. | 1-5/16 in. (33 mm.) | |
| 1-1/4 in. | 1-1/4 in. CTS | 1-3/8 in. | 1-7/8 in. (48 mm.) | |
| 1-1/2 in. | 1-1/2 in. CTS | 1-5/8 in. | 2-1/16 in. (52 mm.) | |
| 2 in. | 2 in. CTS | 2-1/8 in. | 2-3/16 in. (56 mm.) |
Push the PEX-a pipe into each coupling and ensure all connections are fully inserted. For additional resources, click the link below.
Method 2: Using a SharkBite Max Slip Coupling
The SharkBite Max slip coupling allows for a small section of pipe to be repaired with a single fitting and doesn’t require any additional pipe.
To install, cut out the burst section of pipe, similar to the first method, and remove the damaged pipe. Then, identify the slip and non-slip ends, which are labeled on the fitting. Deburr both ends of the pipe with the deburr and gauge tool, but only mark the insertion depth on the non-slip side of your existing pipe.
Next, push the slip end of the coupling all the way onto the unmarked pipe until it stops. Use a SharkBite disconnect clip or disconnect tool to slide the coupling back towards the marked pipe. Then, push the coupling onto the marked pipe until it reaches the insertion depth.
Final Steps
Once your repair is complete, don't forget these vital steps:
- Turn your water back on.
- Bleed the air from your water lines. Your faucets might spit and sputter for a moment, which is normal.
- Check for leaks coming from your new fittings. If there are no leaks, you're good to go!
Hopefully, you won't encounter any burst pipes this winter, but if you do, SharkBite Max has you covered, making pipe repairs easy and reliable.