
How to Fix a Black Poly Pipe
- Shut the Water Off. You don’t want to be bailing water while you are trying to dig. ...
- Dig Carefully. Unless you know how deep the pipe is located, you should dig carefully so that you don’t end up hitting the pipe.
- Plan the Cut. First double-check the location of the leak. ...
- Install the Fittings. ...
Full Answer
How to fix a leaking Black Poly Pipe?
To fix a leaking black poly pipe: Shut the water off - You don’t want to be bailing water while you are trying to dig. You can always turn the water on if you think you are getting close to the leak. Or turn the water on once the pipe is exposed to see exactly where the leak is at.
How do you fix a PB pipe that is leaking?
A PB pipe or PB joint that is leaking inside a wall should be repaired by replacing the bad section with a non-PB pipe. The best solution is to use a transition coupling to convert that section to PEX.
How to repair and work with polybutylene pipe?
Tips for Repairing and Working With Polybutylene (PB) Plumbing Pipe 1 Repairs to PB Piping Systems. Repairs to PB piping is very difficult since neither PB plumbing pipe nor the Quest fittings used to connect it are commonly made or sold ... 2 Push-Fit Fittings. ... 3 PB-to-PEX Transition Couplings. ...
What is black polyethylene (PE)?
He started his own residential service and repair plumbing business. Aaron's articles about plumbing on The Spruce span four years. Black polyethylene, or PE, pipe comes in very long rolls and is used in many areas for the water main between the meter and the house and for sprinkler systems.

How do you repair a polyethylene irrigation pipe?
0:134:45How Do I Fix A Hole In Poly Pipe? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn we've got two ways we can do. The join we can use the Cobra clamps. Or we can use the end telco.MoreIn we've got two ways we can do. The join we can use the Cobra clamps. Or we can use the end telco. And talk about poly clamps.
How do you repair a black plastic irrigation pipe?
1:154:04How To Repair A Broken Leaking Black Plastic ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's several different types of hose clamps I use the simple ones with a little screw on top.MoreThere's several different types of hose clamps I use the simple ones with a little screw on top. Middle worm drive that kind of tightens them up.
How do you connect a black poly pipe?
0:261:50How to join rural class B poly pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSlide the nut onto the pipe. Slide the split ring into the pipe. And then push the insert into theMoreSlide the nut onto the pipe. Slide the split ring into the pipe. And then push the insert into the end of the pipe.
How do I fix a hole in my sprinkler pipe?
If you have a rubber or silicone patch, you may be able to use 2 hose clamps on both ends of it over the hole in the pipe. Apply the patch to the hole in the pipe, then install a hose clamp on ether side to attempt to hole the patch in place and stop the water leak.
Does SharkBite work on polyethylene?
SharkBite PEX fittings make it easy to transition between pipe types during repairs. Fast, efficient and reliable, our transition fittings are compatible with Polybutylene, PEX, PVC, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE, and are approved for behind-the-wall installation as well as burial.
Can you use compression fittings on poly pipe?
Compression fittings are ideal to be used with annealed copper, aluminum, PEX, polyethylene and nylon tubing that is manufactured to CTS (Copper Tube Size).
Can you glue black poly pipe?
Unlike other plastic piping, poly pipe connections do not use glue to solvent weld pieces together. Instead, two specially designed fitting types seal poly connections using friction. Both types have specific installation instructions to ensure they hold connections together under pressure.
What type of fittings should be used with polyethylene pipe?
PVC fittings are plastic based fittings commonly used with Polyethylene Tubing. Galvanized Steel fittings are non-corrosive and are rust-resistant which works well with water applications.
How do you splice polyethylene tubing?
0:284:28How to Connect Poly Pipe to ANYTHING using Barbed FittingsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo let's just jump right into it so the first thing I'm going to do is start by heating up the pipeMoreSo let's just jump right into it so the first thing I'm going to do is start by heating up the pipe you want to get it nice and hot so that the plastic is really soft and pliable.
How do you fix a pinhole leak in a plastic pipe?
Because pinhole leaks are small, the easiest repair method is to fill them with epoxy putty. The best tool for the job is an epoxy putty stick, which combines the resin and the hardener in a pre-measured format. To use an epoxy putty stick, you tear off the amount of putty required and knead it by hand.
How do you install polyethylene pipe fittings?
1:026:45How to Install Poly Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that it seals pretty well and the basics on poly where pvc fittings go over the pipe poly goes onMoreSo that it seals pretty well and the basics on poly where pvc fittings go over the pipe poly goes on the inside of the pipe. And so you're going to basically take the fitting.
How do you connect black poly pipe to PEX?
0:041:48Transitioning from PVC or Polybutylene to PEX ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTransitioning from PVC or poly butylene pipe to PEX copper or C PVC pipe if you are working with PVCMoreTransitioning from PVC or poly butylene pipe to PEX copper or C PVC pipe if you are working with PVC or poly butylene pipe. And need a way to quickly transition to PEX copper.
Can you glue black poly pipe to PVC?
0:532:18Attaching Poly Tubing to PVC - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLet's put cement on the fitting and the PVC pipe and inside of both ends of the coupler. I'm goingMoreLet's put cement on the fitting and the PVC pipe and inside of both ends of the coupler. I'm going to put the coupler on the pipe. First little quarter turn for a good seal.
What is black poly pipe used for?
Black polyethylene, or PE, pipe comes in very long rolls and is used in many areas for the water main between the meter and the house and for sprinkler systems. Just like any other type of pipe, poly pipe does not last forever and can develop leaks with time and with the help of tree roots.
What is PE pipe?
Skill Level: Intermediate. Black polyethylene, or PE, pipe comes in very long rolls and is used in many areas for the water main between the meter and the house and for sprinkler systems. Just like any other type of pipe, poly pipe does not last forever and can develop leaks with time and with the help of tree roots.
How to heat up a pipe?
It can help to heat up the pipe by dipping it in a bowl of very hot tap water (not boiling water) or use a little liquid soap to lubricate the barbs if you have trouble pushing the fitting in.
How to tighten hose clamps?
Slide the hose clamps up so they are positioned over the barbs. Tighten each of the hose clamps with a screwdriver, using the pinch clamp tool if necessary. Make sure the clamps are secure and don’t move around.
How long does it take to mark a utility line?
The companies will send someone out to mark their lines, which may take up to three days but usually is free-of-charge. You must have your lines marked before digging in your yard, to prevent accidental contact with, or damage to, utility lines, including electrical, gas, water, and cable lines.
Can you shorten a pipe on more than one side?
If the leak is at a tee, you may be able to loosen the clamps and remove the barbed tee from the pipe so that only one pipe has to be cut. Since you may have only a little room to work with, you want to avoid shortening the pipe on more than one side of a fitting, if possible.
Do you need to tighten clamps before covering them up?
Sometimes the clamps will need a little extra tightening, so give them plenty of time to be sure they aren’t going to leak before you cover them up. Once you are certain nothing is leaking, backfill the dirt, being careful to pack the dirt down around the pipe as you go to prevent disturbing the fittings.
How to remove burred plastic from HDPE pipe?
Cut the section of cracked pipe from the HDPE tubing with a hacksaw or reciprocating saw. Remove the burred plastic left around the edge of the pipe with a utility knife. Burring happens when you cut the plastic with a saw. You can deburr it by running the sharp edge of the knife around the inside and outside edges of the pipe.
How to stop water from leaking from a water line?
Step 1. Locate the main water shut-off valve and turn off the water to the entire building. This will eliminate water leaking from the break in the water line. In most cases, you will locate the shut-off valve where the waterline enters the home. Usually this is in the basement.
What is a cracked HDPE water line?
HDPE coupler. Water or mineral spirits. Rag. A cracked black plastic HDPE (high-density polyethylene) water main can create serious water damage in or around your home. The quicker you get to the cracked line and repair it, the less water will soak into your walls or floor.
How to get polyethylene to a liquid state?
Polyethylene has a low melting point and a lighter is usually sufficient to kick the material to a liquid state. Simply drip the new material over the top of the crack and for about ¼” beyond each end of the crack. Then repeat on the opposite side of the hull.
Can you use fiberglass cloth to patch a crack?
Unfortunately, there is no reliable adhesive that can used in conjunction with fiberglass cloth to build a reinforcing patch over a crack.
Can you repair a crack in polyethylene?
Depending on location and extent of the crack, it may or may not be repairable. It is very difficult to perform a structural repair on polyethylene and if the crack is extensive or in a critical location, it may pose a hazard to continue to use the canoe and it may be time to take it to the recyclers. The best way to determine whether such an ...
Can polyethylene be repaired?
Repairing Polyethylene: Cracks and Fractures. One of the universal truths about polyethylene is that it is difficult to repair. Fortunately, it is a material that rarely needs repair, but there will be times. Shallow scratches and gouges are sometimes best lived with. Unless quite deep, they are cosmetic in nature and will not impact ...
When was polybutylene pipe used?
Polybutylene pipe is a gray plastic tubing that was commonly used as a water-supply plumbing pipe between 1978 and 1995 , at which time it was discontinued due to reports of pipes rupturing. In new construction, it was replaced by copper or more dependable forms of plastic pipe, such as CPVC and PEX.
Is PB piping bad?
Do not be surprised if your plumbing uses PB piping (or another out-of-use type of piping), and it is not necessarily a bad thing to have to transition to a new material: Plumbers often must shift to a new material or piping if the current one is outdated.
Can you replace polybutylene plumbing?
If your home still has polybutylene (PB) plumbing pipe, it is very likely to eventually fail. So it is a good idea to be proactive and replace it. Mobile homes in particular were often plumbed with PB tubing, and PB was also frequently used in standard stick-built construction during the 1970s and through the mid-1990s.
Can you use transition couplings to connect a PEX riser to a PB system?
When installing or replacing a shower valve or other valve inside the wall, it is best to use a transition couplings to connect a new PEX riser to the PB system, especially if there won't be an access panel. This would be a good time, though, to install an access panel to make future work easier.
Can you repair PB pipe?
Repairs to PB piping is very difficult since neither PB plumbing pipe nor the Quest fittings used to connect it are commonly made or sold anymore. The standard solution to problems, then, is to make repairs to the damaged sections of PB by transitioning to another type of pipe, or even to repipe the entire system.
Can you use PB to PEX tubing?
Push-on washing machine valves designed for PB are available but they can be difficult to find. A PB-to-PEX transition fitting is often the most convenient option. After transitioning to PEX, you can install a washing machine valves made specifically for PEX tubing.
Do you need to dig down to the pipes for a sprinkler system?
Unless you installed the sprinklers to begin with, you probably will not know the type of pipes that are under the lawn. Even if you have a good guess, you’ll still need to dig down to the pipes so you can see what parts you’ll need. In our case, the pop-up sprinkler was fed with flexible pipe.
Can you replace a sprinkler in one piece?
The goal when getting through the grass is to fold back the sod so you can replace it in one piece when the sprinkler repair is done.
