How would you fix burst pipes in cold ND?

Question

Those who have dealt with this type of a problem I would LOVE to hear what I can expect in repairs!

I picked up a mobile home and after pipes froze and thawed some of the pipes burst. So far, I've located a leak at the main shutoff valve (I believe the valve will need to be replaced) and I've got at least two more leaks. Problem is they are between the insulation and carraige so its pooled in the insulation (ruining it). My question for you is whether this is a fix I can handle myself (I'm quite handy and can do most work) or should I leave it to a pro? And secondly, if left to a pro, what would a rough ball park number be in repairs? Are we talking $500 or $2000 to repair pipes, new insulation, and new heat tape?

Did I mention that we are in the cold Tundra of North Dakota where todays high is in the teens, if we're lucky?

Even if someone can explain what the process might be at this point this would help me converse competently with anyone I plan to get out and fix the problem.

Account Closed · Answer

I have had a couple of leaks with my mobile homes.  But, they weren't due to pipe freezing.  If they are insulated properly, you shouldn't have frozen pipes. Did your heat tape fail?

I have had good luck with using shark bites to repair damaged pipe.  you can cut out the damaged pipe and replace with a section of pex and two shark bite connectors.

If the insulation is soaked, you will need to replace.  I just cut out the damaged area and replace.  Use a tarp and glue the new insulation to it.  Then either zip tie it to the existing or attach the new piece by the frame rails.

Curt Smith · Answer

Replace with PEX.  Can;t imagine a mobile home up there with CPVC.  I have a few in GA with CPVC and doesn't make sense.

Put an ad in craigslist "gigs" say replace pipes with PEX.  $1500 labor I buy materials.

I bet you'd get a bunch of takers.  That's what I feel the whole job should cost.

PEX is easy to work with.

Steven J. · Answer

Thank you @Curt Smith and Account Closed . Did a bit more research and I think I'll go with Aaron's plan. I just need to now learn how to do that splice with the pex. I crawled under the home and found 2 significant leaks in copper piping (and of course the insulation is ruined a bit. I'll have to tear some more out and put new back up). Honestly, the hardest part should be cutting the existing copper pipe as its tight quarters between joists and other pipes.

Thanks!

Account Closed · Answer

Paint and carpet will go a long way in selling or renting the place.  You are removing the subfloor anyway, so removing the carpet won't be that much more work.  I would finish the window install in the entry way.  Buy some cheap Menards vinyl windows for it.

Account Closed · Answer

I wouldn't get too far into it unless I found out why they froze in the first place.  I have worked with copper and it is not as nice to work with as compared to pex.  But, I wouldn't replace all the lines because it is copper.  That can get expensive and not worth it in my opinion.  They make cutters for tight quarters.  I'm sure Menards or Home Depot would have them.  If I didn't live 4 hours away, I could give you a hand.  Good luck with the repair.

Mark Gruetzmacher · Answer

Steven J. I agree with everyone else as well.  How old of a home is this?  I have seen some homes with copper in them but it is rare.  Usually it is the grey poly pipe that is not as good a pex.  You can buy some quick connectors at menards that go from almost any pipe to pex or more of the same pipe.  They are white and you just push them on.  I have not personally used them but have heard good stuff about them.  I am don't in SD so I know how the cold can but you you get it a little colder up there.  It is pretty simple and easy to fix yourself, it is just time consuming.  Materials shouldn't be too much if you use PEX.  You could hook up an air line to the incoming water line and pressurize it to find more leaks with out the water as well.  Hopefully you get it fixed up.  Take Care.

Steven J. · Answer

Did I mention I was kidding when I said it would be fixed? Cuz I'm kidding. I've got 2+ more leaks I've located. At this point I'm thinking I'll replumb all the lines in the home. I can tear up the carpet(needs to go anyways), cut subfloor near HVAC where possible, and use all pex so I don't need to worry. I'll also need to get under neath and reinstall insulation as much of it is damaged at this point.

Next question is how far should I take this remodel? Right now it needs cosmetic improvements as well. Paint and carpet. The exterior entryway needs to be repaneled or windows installed where they started to install windows. Is it worth it to fix it up that far or do I want to keep it more low key. Intention is to sell on rent-to-own so tenant buyers would be willing to do the cosmetic fixed themselves.

Steven J. · Answer

It should all be fixed after tomorrow. I picked up the shark bits and purchased some pex and some low profile cutting tools. The home is a 1980 so copper was rather standard then, correct?

This home in general has been a pain. The sewer line froze one weekend, the furnace ignitor broke thus freezing the pipes, then upon thawing the pipes burst. Its just been one mess after another but its getting there. I bought it cheap enough that it should still be an easily profitable deal. Not what I anticipated, but still making profit.

Jeff McCaskey · Answer

Steve,

I agree with these guys.

1) Use pex

2) Use shark bite fittings, they can be easy to remove and reuse. Quick and easy.

3) Copper in ND or anywhere with cold temps is a bad situation in my opinion.

4) They asked about heat tape - you're going to have to tape it up good.

5) If you have issues with the skirting and drafts etc etc this should also be addressed at the same time.

I live in KS and haven't wanted to deal with mobiles for these exact reasons.......

Good luck man!

Curt Smith · Answer

Copper in ND in a mobile home, makes no sense.  LOL

Aaron mentioned heat tape.  Google plumbing heat tape.  Go to a mobile home supply store.

Good luck chassing that copper problem.

How would you fix burst pipes in cold ND?

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