Repair Burst Water Pipe Fittings
At 15:47 in
This was bad...lessons learned everyday on the farm
What happens here
This step involves replacing frozen, burst fittings in a low-pressure poly pipe system. The existing poly pipe runs through a fence line. First, identify the locations where the fittings have burst due to freezing. Disconnect the old, broken fittings from the 1/2 inch poly pipe using a poly pipe cutter to ensure a clean cut if necessary. Then, install new press-on barb compression fittings onto the poly pipe. Attach a new hose bib with a shut-off valve to one of the new fittings, which will temporarily connect to the cattle water tank. This allows for manual control of water flow. Ensure all connections are secure. Using press-on barb compression fittings without additional clamps allows the fittings to separate rather than the pipe bursting if frozen, thus preventing more extensive damage.
Goal: Restore water flow by replacing burst pipe fittings in a low-pressure poly pipe system.
Tools and materials
- Cattle Water Tank — Receiving water from the repaired pipe system
- Hose Bib with Shut-off Valve — Providing an accessible shut-off point and connection for a garden hose
- Hose Clamp — Securing the hose to the new hose bib
- Poly Pipe — The main water line being repaired and extended
- Poly Pipe Cutter — Cutting the poly pipe to remove damaged sections or adjust length
- Press-on Barb Compression Fittings — Connecting sections of poly pipe or attaching valves
- Screwdriver — Tightening hose clamps