Rescue tape on burst pipe?

[EricG]

Hi guys.
Looking at a townhouse that has a burst pipe (froze) in the crawlspace. Not a big deal to repair, but I'd like to understand if there are other problems that might be harder to get at. Thought I might try to wrap it with that silicone rescue tape and then see if it holds air pressure. Thoughts? Other suggestions?

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Hi guys.
Looking at a townhouse that has a burst pipe (froze) in the crawlspace. Not a big deal to repair, but I'd like to understand if there are other problems that might be harder to get at. Thought I might try to wrap it with that silicone rescue tape and then see if it holds air pressure. Thoughts? Other suggestions?

Suggestions? Cut the split pipe out and solder in some copper. Anything else is just a poor bandaid.

 

[EricG]

Yea, this isn't a permanent fix by any means. I'm considering buying the place and would like to know the extent of the plumbing problems beforehand. I *might* be able to get away with something like this @ inspection. Then fix it right if I get it.

 

[91 4runner]

Suggestions? Cut the split pipe out and solder in some copper. Anything else is just a poor bandaid.

X2 it will only fail again at the worst time if you dont fix it properly

 

[EricG]

Again, this would only be used to try and see if there are other major leaks in the system. Air pressure for a few minutes. If this is the only split, its an easy fix. But if there are other holes in walls or under floors its a different story.

I've just never used this rescue tape before and don't know if it will work.

 

[Ebag333]

Depends on the size of the leak and amount of pressure.

Give it a shot. Worst case, it won't work, but it will slow down the leak. The tighter you wrap it and longer you leave it before adding pressure, the better it will weld itself together.

 

[Frankencruiser]

I doubt rescue tape could handle the 40-60 psi in a residential water system. Maybe wrap it in the rescue tape to seal, then some gorilla tape to support the pressure? I wouldn't leave it overnight, but it's worth a try.

 

[Ebag333]

I doubt rescue tape could handle the 40-60 psi in a residential water system. Maybe wrap it in the rescue tape to seal, then some gorilla tape to support the pressure? I wouldn't leave it overnight, but it's worth a try.

It'll easily handle 40-60 PSI.

Rescue Tape . . .

• Is Self-Fusing!
• Incredible 950 PSI Tensile Strength!
• Insulates 8,000 Volts per layer!
• Withstands 500° F Degrees of heat!
• Remains flexible to -85° F! (-60° C)

A club member had a blown power steering pump line (don't recall if it was high or low pressure line off hand). Rescue tape got him off the trail into camp (and from camp back home), and virtually eliminated the leaking.


I've used it on residential plumbing with mixed success. The first time it was on a PVC joint that had a very slow seep in it. It stopped the seepage completely, and has been bone dry for months.

The second was on an water hose for a swamp cooler, was difficult to get it very tight due to the small hose diameter and position. This caused a poor bond and while it slowed the leak it didn't eliminate it.

As long as you get it very tight (like I'm gonna snap it tight), it shouldn't have a problem.

 

[PAToyota]

If you want to test the system with minimal outlay of time or money, I'd still just solder in a splice. It would probably take me as long to do that as to futz around with rescue tape and make sure I had a good seal.

If you're not as handy with soldering, use one of the Sharkbite splices.

 

[EricG]

If you want to test the system with minimal outlay of time or money, I'd still just solder in a splice. It would probably take me as long to do that as to futz around with rescue tape and make sure I had a good seal.

If you're not as handy with soldering, use one of the Sharkbite splices.

I can fix it the right way pretty quickly - but they aren't going to let me do that as part of a pre-purchase inspection. Not even sure if they'd even let me do this actually.

 

[PAToyota]

Then tell them to have a plumber repair it on their dime before you'll inspect it.

As you say, without knowing the extent of the possible damage you could be looking at a whole lot of work in repairs if that isn't the only problem.

 

[EricG]

HUD sale, which means they do **** all to prepare a property. Think I'm going to walk away from this ... To much risk & pita.

 

[titanpat57]

Sharkbite fittings...no solder, slip on

 

[IBCRUSN]

what about the pipe wrap clamps as a temp solution?

http://www.alstern-technologies.com/index_files/Wrap_clamp.htm