Tips for Fixing Leaking Plumbing

If you don't take immediate action to fix leaking pipes when you notice them in your home, there's a chance they could cause a significant amount of damage to your property. Depending on the size and type of leak and the kind of pipe or fixture you're working with, there are a variety of methods you can employ to fix the leaking plumbing on your property.

Here's a quick overview of some tips to try until they can be repaired properly:

Always remember to turn off your plumbing and drain the faucets

You'd be amazed at how many plumbing jobs go awry because the homeowner forgot to shut off the water supply. Find the main water supply to your home (usually in a basement or crawlspace) and turn clockwise to shut the water off. Then open up any faucets connected to the pipe you'll be working on to make sure they've fully drained. Start with the lowest faucet in your home and work up.

Dry the leaking area

Before you begin work, make sure you dry off the area that has been leaking so it will not be slippery while you're working on it. It can be a good idea to set a bucket under the leak to catch any additional stray water that comes out.

Apply epoxy

One method of patching a leak is to use a special plumbing epoxy. Make sure to use latex or nitrile gloves to protect your hands, as the epoxy could result in some adverse skin reactions. Mix the plumbing epoxy by hand by kneading it together between your fingers. Once you've got a consistent light gray color, you can stop kneading it, then wrap it around the leaky area. It should wrap entirely around the pipe and be at least a half-inch thick before you taper the edges. Let the putty sit for at least five or 10 minutes before you turn the water back on to test the newly repaired pipe.

Clamping

Another method of fixing a leak is to clamp the pipe. You'll want to purchase a clamp that's the same size as the leaky pipe. Align the rubber gasket on the pipe with the leak. Set the gasket on top of the hole in the pipe to ensure it seals completely. If the leak is on the bottom, you'll need to hold the clamp in place until you're able to secure it. Finally, fit the clamp on and around the gasket and then begin tightening the bolts. You'll need to use a wrench to turn the nuts to sufficiently secure them. The clamp should be tightened enough so it stays in place without your help.

Slip coupling

Another option is to use a slip coupling, one that matches the type and size of your pipe. Mark the length of the coupling on your pipe before applying, then use a pipe cutter to cut out the part of your pipe that has been leaking. Scrape the outside and inside with a deburring tool to help you reshape the pipe after you've cut it, then slide the coupling on to each end of the pipe.

For more tips to help you repair a leaking section of pipe, contact us at PipeMasters today. Our team is happy to help you with the professional repair work you need: info@pipemasters.ca or (289) 404-9063.

Pipemasters is part of Oakridge Plumbing Ontario Ltd. All Rights Reserved.