Do All Plumbers Have This Tool? Repairs a Pipe Under Pressure.

Last winter a neighbor had a pipe freeze and burst before the shut-off valve above the water meter. Coldest day of the winter. Water ran for several hours before a plumber could arrive with what I understand was some kind of compression fitting tool. He was able to cut out the damaged section and replace it while the water was running.
I'm only wondering if all plumbers have this capability? I understand the tool was several thousand dollars. Does anyone know? Thanks, Tim

I should have mentioned that this plumber made a permanent repair. Here is a photo of one end of the repaired section showing the crimp connections. Do you know if any plumber would normally be able to make a permanent repair similar to this, while water is flowing at full force? Thanks, Tim

I should have mentioned that this plumber made a permanent repair. Here is a photo of one end of the repaired section showing the crimp connections. Do you know if any plumber would normally be able to make a permanent repair similar to this, while water is flowing at full force? Thanks, Tim

It’s a pro press tool. A lot of us haven’t bought into it yet. It’s basically a non reusable shark bite fitting

Thanks for the reply Ricky. So, is there any other tool or method you would be able to use to make a permanent repair? Tim

A permanent repair under pressure, that is.

It’s definitely considered a permanent repair. I’m old school, my permanent repair is find a way to shut water down and solder. I’m probably in the minority not trusting it for long term.

We're a twin-home community, built on concrete slabs, with no basements. We have 36 units of this model where the main shut-offs are in the lawn, a few feet from the street, where they are buried under six feet or more of hard-packed plowed snow by the time January rolls around. The break occurred where the water main emerges from the cement slab in this unit's water closet, before the meter and shut-off. We're definitely taking steps to ensure everyone does a better job of keeping some form of heat in the water-closet from now on. But we're asking ourselves, "If this does happen again, do we need to get this particular plumber back, or would any plumber be able to do this or something else that is permanent?"

That repair is permanent no need to fix or replace or worry

the tool is 2k. You could fix this with a compression valve or a sharkbite. Both are considered permanent. I dont own the tool because I am good at soldering and this tool is a big investment. If the plumber is reasonable, considering you are talking emergency service in freezing weather, why wouldnt you use him? Heat tape is a great investment for water services

wood4d said:

the tool is 2k. You could fix this with a compression valve or a sharkbite. Both are considered permanent. I dont own the tool because I am good at soldering and this tool is a big investment. If the plumber is reasonable, considering you are talking emergency service in freezing weather, why wouldnt you use him? Heat tape is a great investment for water services

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Oh, we've no problem with using the same plumber if this should happen again. However, if he is not available, I wondered if we called the nearest available pro, would he be likely to be able to accomplish the same result. The tool or fittings wouldn't matter to the homeowner, as long as the hemorrhage stops. From the replies I've received, it sounds as if most pros would find a way.
Thanks for all your replies. Tim

One great thing about compression systems like pro-press is no danger of fire.

So no extinguisher or helper needed at the ready in case you catch the place on fire.

So often, it is hard to safely access a confined finished area to use a torch to solder on repair fittings.
Framing, drywall, conduit wiring, coax, or romex cables can all be right there where you need to torch.

And you have to wait til every bit of water has stopping coming your way.

Or use gizmos like pipe freezers or little plugs like jelly beans shoved in there.

My grandpa said that in his day, he used to poke in a piece of bread to plug the hole far enough away so he could solder, while the bread soaked up the last few drips trying to get over to ruin his work.

Bread? In the old days?
I just used that method recently.

TimG, lots of plumbers now have the tool and more do all the time.
I have three of them, but what matters is who owns them in your area, so call around.
Best of all, you should always have access to the water shut off.
Also, a sharkbite lever handle ball valve would shut off any line if enough pipe is exposed and no special tool needed.