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How to Fix Busted Pipe Under Slab

Home Improvement Asked by Tyler M on January 24, 2021

I have an iron pipe underneath my slab. I busted it this morning when I was working on an adjacent pipe. It is a seam-split, parallel to the pipe’s axis (i.e. the split runs long-ways on the pipe).

I feel like there’s something I should be able to do to fix the dilemma, given that the pipe is right there, i.e. I already have a giant hole in the wall, the slab is already dug up adjacent to the pipe, I can reach underneath AND I have a direct vertical access to the hole, only about 6 inches from the split.

I’ve heard about these sort of "stents" similar to an artery stent, made to patch pipes from the inside – I’ve also considered cutting the pipe off underneath the slab and attaching a new fitting (though I would feel like the pipe, at this point, wouldn’t be durable enough to accept a new fitting if it’s in the habit of splitting at the seams).

I’ve also given some consideration to fiberglass repair kits, like those sold by Fernco

I really would like some input from others. What are my options to fix the dilemma?

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Thanks

2 Answers

TLDR: I ran brand new pipes down from the attic, and disconnected corroded old ones.

Update on what I ended up doing (the idea may help someone else):

I tried using plumber's epoxy on the pipe but it didn't hold. Then I tried a fiberglass resin, and that didn't hold.

Then, I called a plumber who basically said I'm SOL, but he offered to replumb my house for a little more than I'm willing to pay. But I liked his idea, so I disconnected all the connection points for that run of pipe, then dropped new PEX tubing down from the attic and tapped in at all those points. So now I have an unused pipe sitting in the ground, which isn't a problem for me, and I have hot water again.

Correct answer by Tyler M on January 24, 2021

Damage like that cannot ever be repaired properly. It can be bodged however. The question you have to ask in these situations is "would I be happy to find this in a house I'd just bought?". Hopefully the answer is no.

As others have commented, this pipe should be replaced either in its entirety, or at least back to a coupler on sound pipe, that is the only proper and correct way to repair such damage.

Answered by handyman on January 24, 2021

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