PSA: Emergency Supplies

[tdonoughue]

Had 2 pipes break this morning (well, probably before this morning, but we found out this morning when they thawed enough). I ran up to the boat over semi-treacherous roads to fetch one of those magic 'flex seal' type products (only this one was a gauze wrap thingy--supposed to be able to wrap pipes, fix tool handles, etc.). I had it on the boat in case a cooling line blew or something while on the water--figured it would get me back to port at least.

When I got home with the magic kit, I tried to put the stuff in the water to activate it (per the directions) and it didn't work. Couldn't even unwrap the roll. Upon further investigation of the package: it expired in 2017.

Hey, before you get into a fix and need those emergency supplies (be they air horn, fire extinguisher, flares, medical supplies or fancy adhesive wraps), why don't you check them and toss any that are expired and get new ones. If they don't work, they aren't very good when you need them.

 

[HangOutdoors]

Did you get it fixed? I keep some 1/2", 3/4" and 3/8" shark bites around for this same type of thing. Cut the pipe and slide em on. Take em off later if you like or use them long term. Quick and easy fix that is rock solid. Get em from the local big box stores usually. Just a thought.

 

[tdonoughue]

A good thought. I have 3/4" ones.

And I have a host of fittings for PVC, and a good number of 3/8" and 3/4" copper fittings. And PVC glue. And a soldering torch (and know how to use it).

Of course, the line that went was a 1/2" copper line. And with the weather here and all of the broken pipes, supplies were out at all of the stores.

Have a new set of Shark Bites on order now...

 

[HangOutdoors]

Nice. Yea I have no problem sweating pipe, but when one bursts it is usually a time when sweating isn't prudent plus water everywhere and in pipe. Up here in Michigan it is always a possibility, away from home and power goes out in winter. Saved my ass a few times over the years. Last time I had an issue the Admiral was getting ready to take a shower so yea, no time to drain lines. Open up drywall cut pipe with pipe cutter put shark bite on and went back to watch TV in peace.

 

[212s]

One of the reasons northern climates have been switching to PEX water pipes, virtually no worries of bursting. When shopping around for our current house, one of the pros was it has PEX pipes. I'd never buy a house with copper again. Of course Texas doesn't usually have freezing temps and snow...