Pipe Repairs
Guides on pipe: stopping a leak now, repairing it properly afterwards, and choosing what to run when a section has to be replaced. You will find emergency steps for a burst or pinhole leak, how to find and shut the main, thawing and preventing frozen pipe, water hammer, galvanized pipe and when it has to go, and the material comparisons homeowners keep asking about, PEX against copper against CPVC, PEX-A against PEX-B, crimp against clamp, push-to-connect against compression. Sump pumps and backup pumps, outdoor spigots and seasonal checklists sit here as well, along with the cost articles for repipes and repairs.
Picks are chosen from manufacturer specifications, installation instructions, warranty terms and plumbing code, with attention to fit and to whether replacement parts stay available. No manufacturer pays to appear here. Some links are affiliate links, mostly to Amazon, and the site may earn a commission if you buy through one, at no extra cost to you.
If water is leaking right now, shut off the nearest valve or the main first, then open a faucet to drain the pressure. A temporary clamp or push-fit coupling can stop a small leak until a permanent repair is made. For lasting repairs, match the pipe material and size, and use fittings rated for that pipe. Many cities require a permit to replace water lines, and work on gas lines or the main sewer belongs to a licensed plumber. When you compare materials, consider your water quality, how the pipe will be supported, and how easy it will be to service later.
CPVC Fittings Guide
CTS CPVC fittings for house water lines: couplings, tees, caps, brass adapters and ball valves, plus Charlotte’s 180°F/100 psi rating and what to keep off CPVC.
Plumbing Access Panel
Tub drains need an access opening at least 12 inches wide; whirlpool pumps up to 18 x 18. Acudor steel and Oatey plastic panels, sizes and how to cut.
Plumbing Vent Cap and Roof Flashing
Plumbing roof vents must stay open, 6 inches above the roof. Why most PVC vent caps are for furnaces, and Oatey flashings and rain collars that stop leaks.
One-Hole vs Two-Hole Pipe Straps
Two-hole straps clamp plumbing tube evenly; one-hole straps are mostly for conduit. IRC support spacing for copper, PEX and PVC, plus HoldRite picks.
PVC DWV Fittings
Which DWV fitting goes where: sanitary tee only from horizontal to vertical, wyes and long sweeps for horizontal runs. IRC table and Charlotte part numbers.
Best Ice Maker Outlet Box
Choose a recessed ice maker outlet box by pipe type: Sioux Chief OxBox with hammer arresters, Eastman PEX box, or Water-Tite sweat box for copper lines.
Drop-Ear Elbows and Stub-Outs
Drop-ear elbows hold shower arms and tub spouts; stub-out elbows feed sink and toilet stops. SharkBite crimp and push picks, HoldRite brackets, mounting tips.
Stop-and-Waste Valves
Learn how stop-and-waste valves isolate and drain water lines. Compare drain arrangements, pipe connections and access without assuming complete winterization.
PVC Pressure Fittings
Choose PVC pressure couplings, reducers, bushings, caps, plugs, tees and elbows. Match each connection and check ratings, socket depth, curing and DWV limits.
Brass Compression Fittings
Choose brass compression couplings, elbows, tees and nuts by tube outside diameter and material. Check sleeve compatibility, PEX requirements and service fit.
The Best Marking Paint for Plumbing Layout and Locate Work
Choose marking paint by color purpose, surface and applicator fit. Compare white inverted options and keep excavation planning separate from utility locates.
Read more: The Best Marking Paint for Plumbing Layout and Locate Work
Copper Union Types
Choose a copper union by tube size, both end connections and the center seal. Check solder, press, threaded and dielectric types before ordering a replacement.
Clevis Hanger vs Split Ring
Compare a clevis hanger with a split ring: CTS vs IPS sizing, rod and finish checks, insulation shields, adjustment and support details before ordering parts.
Plumber’s Grease
Compare silicone plumber’s grease with pipe-gasket lubricant. Check exact seal materials, joint instructions, product numbers and certification before use.
Best Sprinkler Valve
Choose a sprinkler valve and serviceable box: Hunter PGV-101-G vs Rain Bird CP075, with AC solenoids, flow control, backflow limits and clearance checks.
Nail Plate for Plumbing
Choose a plumbing nail plate by required thickness, protected area and local code. Compare Oatey stud guards, avoid weak substitutes and keep CSST separate.
Best Caulk Removal Tool
Compare GE plastic and HYDE steel caulk removal tools. Check acrylic, enamel and refinished surfaces, remove residue and choose a method before resealing.
Drywall Patch Kit
Choose a drywall patch kit after plumbing work. Check the opening, moisture, backing, drywall screws and service access before closing and finishing the wall.
Globe Valves Explained
What a globe valve is, when to use it instead of a ball or gate valve, how to read the flow arrow, and which bronze NIBCO globe valves to buy for each job.
The Best Cut Resistant Gloves and Work Gloves for Plumbers
The best cut resistant gloves for plumbers, plus leather, heat-resistant soldering and drain cleaning gloves, and how to read ANSI cut levels.
Read more: The Best Cut Resistant Gloves and Work Gloves for Plumbers
Best Trenching Shovel for Water and Sewer Lines
The best trenching shovel for water and sewer line trenches, plus when to use a round point, square point or drain spade, and what to check before you dig.
Best Polyurethane Sealant for Pipes and Concrete
The best polyurethane sealant for hose bibbs, pipe penetrations and concrete: Sikaflex-1a, Sikaflex Construction Sealant and Loctite PL picks by C920 class.
The Best Plastic Sheeting and Drop Cloths for Plumbers
Plastic sheeting, drop cloths, zipper dust doors, painter’s tape and tarps for protecting a home during plumbing work, with Trimaco and ZipWall picks.
Read more: The Best Plastic Sheeting and Drop Cloths for Plumbers
Best Construction Adhesive for Tub Surrounds
The best construction adhesive for tub surrounds, shower walls and blocking: Liquid Nails LN-1015 and LN-715, plus Loctite PL Premium and PL Premium Max.
Best PVC Cement (2026)
The best PVC cement by pipe and size: Oatey Medium Clear, Weld-On 711 for Schedule 80, Red Hot Blue Glue for wet pipe, plus CPVC, ABS and transition cement.
Pressure Relief Valve Guide
How to pick a pressure relief valve: 30 psi ASME boiler valves, thermal expansion valves for water heaters, tank and well settings, BTU ratings and discharge.
The Best Concrete Screws and Anchors for Pipe Straps
Concrete screws, wedge anchors and sleeve anchors for pipe straps and strut: Tapcon and Red Head picks, bit sizes, embedment and maker load data explained.
Read more: The Best Concrete Screws and Anchors for Pipe Straps
The Best Hydraulic Cement for Foundation and Pipe Leaks
Hydraulic cement for leaks around pipes in foundations and sump pits: Quikrete 1126 vs DRYLOK Fast Plug set times, mix ratios, prep steps, when to call a pro.
Read more: The Best Hydraulic Cement for Foundation and Pipe Leaks
Duct Tape vs Electrical Tape
Electrical tape vs duct tape for plumbers: UL 510 vinyl tape for splices, why duct tape fails on pipes and ducts, temperature ratings, and 3M and Gorilla picks.
The Best Ratchet Straps for Water Heaters, Tubs and Pipe
Best ratchet straps for plumbers: Rhino USA and Keeper picks by working load limit, width and hook type, plus how to haul a water heater upright and strap pipe.
Read more: The Best Ratchet Straps for Water Heaters, Tubs and Pipe
Best Rubber Boots for Plumbers
Rubber boots for plumbers picked for sewage backups, flooded basements and trench work: XTRATUF, Muck and Tingley compared by toe, height, lining and chemicals.
Best Shoe Covers for Contractors and Plumbers
Shoe covers for contractors working in customer homes: non-slip disposable, reusable and waterproof picks from DuPont and Tingley, plus a step-in dispenser.
Best Rust Remover for Toilets, Tubs and Sinks
Rust remover picks for toilets, tubs, and sinks: Iron OUT vs CLR vs Bar Keepers Friend, safe surfaces, contact times, and what never to mix, from maker labels.
The Best Lag Screws for Sink Brackets and Plumbing Work
Lag screws for wall-hung sink brackets and plumbing supports: pilot hole sizes, galvanized vs stainless, a no-predrill alternative, plus screw and bolt picks.
Read more: The Best Lag Screws for Sink Brackets and Plumbing Work
The Best Beam Clamp for 3/8 Threaded Rod Pipe Hangers
Beam clamps for 3/8 in threaded rod pipe hangers: B-Line load ratings, max flange, set screw torque, plus the rod, nuts, washers, and retaining straps to use.
Read more: The Best Beam Clamp for 3/8 Threaded Rod Pipe Hangers
Toggle Bolts and Drywall Anchors
Toggle bolts vs snap toggles, self-drilling and plastic drywall anchors, with maker load ratings, drill sizes, and when a fixture needs blocking instead.
Best Tyvek Suit for Crawl Spaces and Sewage Jobs
The best Tyvek suit for crawl spaces and dusty jobs, which hood and boot style to pick, how to size it over clothes, and the coated suit to wear for sewage.
Best Safety Glasses for Plumbers (2026)
The best safety glasses for plumbers, plus when to switch to goggles or a face shield for drain chemicals, grinding and cast iron, and how to read Z87+ marks.
Best Hard Hat for Plumbers (2026)
The best hard hat for commercial plumbing work: Type I vs Type II, why Class E matters near wiring, headlamp mounts, and which ANSI 107 hi-vis vest to wear.
Best Caulk Gun for Silicone and Fixtures
The best caulk gun for silicone around tubs and sinks: Dripless ETS2000, 18:1 ETS3000 and SI300, plus Milwaukee M12 and DEWALT 20V cordless caulk guns.
Best Nitrile Gloves for Plumbers (2026)
The best nitrile gloves for plumbers, from 8 mil disposables for drain calls to 15 and 22 mil chemical-rated gloves for sewage, drain openers and cleanup.
Best Penetrating Oil for Seized Plumbing Nuts
Best penetrating oil for plumbers: PB B’laster, Kroil, Liquid Wrench and WD-40 Specialist compared by soak time, heat risk and use near drinking water lines.
Best PVC Pipe Repair Kit
The best PVC pipe repair kit for the job: Fernco flexible couplings for drains, solvent-weld repair couplings for pressure lines, and how to install each one.
Best Farmhouse Sinks (2026)
The best farmhouse sink for your kitchen: Kraus stainless and fireclay and Ruvati granite apron-front picks, plus cabinet size, supports, reveal and drains.
Best Crawl Space Sump Pump (2026)
Crawl space sump pumps from maker documents: Zoeller and Wayne picks, basin and switch fit, GFCI power, check valve and freezing, alarm and backup notes.
Best Sump Pump Alarm (2026)
Sump pump alarms compared from maker documents: standalone, Wi-Fi and hub types, battery backup, sound ratings, circuits and warranty fine print.
Best Undermount Sink Adhesive
Which adhesive holds an undermount sink? What Kraus, Blanco, Elkay, Kohler and Ruvati name, silicone vs epoxy data, resealing steps and picks.
Best Kitchen Sinks and Brands (2026)
Best kitchen sinks by need, with cabinet sizing, 16 vs 18 gauge, mounting and the warranty fine print for Kraus, Kohler, Blanco, Ruvati, Elkay and more.
Stainless, Granite Composite or Fireclay Sink?
Stainless, granite composite or fireclay kitchen sink? Maker statements on heat, scratches, chips, weight, gauge, cleaners and warranties, plus one pick each.
Best Sump Pump Brands (2026)
Zoeller, Wayne, Liberty, Little Giant, Basement Watchdog and Superior compared from maker documents: product lines, warranty fine print and flow at 10 ft.
Best Workstation Kitchen Sinks
Workstation kitchen sinks compared by cabinet size, drain position and material: Ruvati and Kraus stainless, 60/40 double, granite composite, fireclay.
Sump Pump vs French Drain
A French drain moves water by gravity; a sump pump lifts it out of a pit. See which one your yard or basement needs, why many homes use both, and parts to buy.
Undermount vs Drop-In Kitchen Sink
Undermount or drop-in kitchen sink? What the makers say about countertops, cabinet size, faucet holes and gauge, plus two picks of each type.
Compression Fitting Leaking Under the Sink? How to Fix It
A licensed plumber on fixing a leaking compression fitting under a sink: how far to snug it, when to replace the sleeve, and when a new stop valve is better.
Read more: Compression Fitting Leaking Under the Sink? How to Fix It
PEX Crimp Fitting Leaking? How to Find and Fix a Bad Crimp
A licensed plumber on why PEX crimp joints leak, how to check one with a go/no-go gauge, calibrate the crimp tool, and redo the joint the right way.
Read more: PEX Crimp Fitting Leaking? How to Find and Fix a Bad Crimp
SharkBite Fitting Leaking? 4 Causes and How to Fix It
A licensed plumber on why SharkBite push-to-connect fittings leak, how to fix one the right way, and when to call a pro. There is nothing to tighten.
Read more: SharkBite Fitting Leaking? 4 Causes and How to Fix It
Best Submersible Utility Pump for Fast Water Removal
Three verified picks, compared on the spec that matters: how shallow each one pumps. Flow, head and shallow-water ratings from the makers.
Read more: Best Submersible Utility Pump for Fast Water Removal
Schedule 40 vs Schedule 80 PVC: Wall, Pressure, Color
Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 PVC share one outside diameter but not one wall. Ratings, colors, fittings and threading rules, compared by a plumber.
Read more: Schedule 40 vs Schedule 80 PVC: Wall, Pressure, Color
Type K vs Type L Copper Pipe
Type K and Type L are the same copper tube in two wall thicknesses. A licensed plumber on what the extra wall buys, what it costs, and which to buy.
CPVC vs PVC Pipe: What Each One Is Rated For
CPVC vs PVC pipe from a licensed plumber: the published temperature ratings, why the fittings do not interchange, and which cement bonds which.