The Fastest Way To Repair A Leaking Pipe
The water pipes inside your home are being used nearly every day, and just like any other commonly used items, you may start to notice a shift in their functionality after a while. It is not uncommon to detect leaks emerging from your pipes. As Hedge states, naturally, after many years of use, your pipes will begin to corrode, causing leakage. If you commonly use harsh chemicals within your drains, this corrosion process may begin much sooner rather than later. Other situations, like high water pressure, rapid temperature changes, and movement in your home's foundations can also lead to a pipe leaking.
Whatever the reason, however, E-architect claims that when left untreated, leaking pipes can cause severe damage to your home. From destroying valuable items to disrupting the structural integrity of your home, you could spend a fortune fixing the damages. Luckily, there are a variety of ways you can quickly and easily repair your leaking pipes before the outcome becomes too extreme.
Patch it up with tape
One of the easiest ways to repair a leak is to quickly patch up the leak with a bit of tape. Keep in mind, however, that not just any tape can be used for this task. The Home Depot recommends using either plumber's tape or a self-fusing silicone tape to repair leaks in your pipes.
According to The Home Depot, plumber's tape is best used when the connection between two pipes is leaking. This type of leak means that water is escaping through the threads and fitting of the pipe. To fix it, expose the area and wrap the plumber's tape around the thread. Then, reconnect the pipes and ensure they are tightly sealed before testing the pipe again for leaks.
Self-fusing silicone tape is a great choice when needing a more temporary fix. For instance, if there is a small crack on one of your low-pressure pipes this tape can seal and prevent further damage while you work on finding a professional to completely replace the pipe. To seal a leak with self-fusing silicone tape, simply wrap the tape around the pipe while both stretching and overlapping the material. Continue this process until the entire leak is covered.
Use some putty
Another easy way you can quickly fix your leaking pipe is by using epoxy putty. Similar to tape, epoxy putty is an adhesive that can easily mold and sick onto your pipe to stop a leak.
To use epoxy putty, American Leak Detection states that you first need to locate that leak. Then, you should switch the valve off to stop the water from flowing. The damaged pipe needs to be thoroughly dried with a towel before attempting to apply the putty. To ensure the putty sticks to the pipe without any gaps, American Leak Detection highly recommends sanding the area down with sandpaper to get rid of chipping rust or loose debris. After the area has been properly prepared, you can then mold the epoxy putty onto the surface and wait a few minutes for it to harden. When the putty has had plenty of time to harden, test the pipe to ensure the leak has gone before returning to its regular usage.
Patch and clamp
Another more permanent and sturdy option for repairing a leaking pipe involves a patch and clamp. The patch is usually made from rubber, which is compressed over the damaged section of the pipe. SealXpert Products highly recommends the Wrap Clamp Pipe Repair Clamp if you are looking for the most sturdy and long-lasting results, via their YouTube Tutorial.
To install this product, SealXpert Product states that you must first clean the pipe to get rid of any loose debris that could affect the reparation process. For this, you can use a simple piece of sandpaper. Loosen and remove the bolts from the patch and clamp, and position it directly beside the leak. Then, use a rubber mallet to gently knock the patch and clamp into position directly over the leak. Finally, finish off by tightening the bolts to ensure the patch is secured tightly over the damaged area.
The clean-up process
After the leak has been successfully located and repaired, it's imperative that you don't forget to deal with the mess and damages the leak may have caused. If you fail to clean-up after your leaking pipe, it could lead to further deterioration in that area of your home. The Home Depot mentions the specific example of a leak underneath a kitchen or bathroom cabinet and describes the massive amount of damage the standing water from the leak can cause when not cleaned properly.
To properly clean, you must first move all items out of the area. Then, use towels to soak up any excess water. Due to the high amount of bacteria and other germs that can build-up around standing water, protective cleaning gloves and eye protection are highly recommended. Once all the water has been soaked-up, The Home Depot recommends treating the area with disinfecting spray or a home-made solution consisting of bleach and hot water. Finally, if possible, place a fan or dehumidifier around the freshly cleaned spot and allow the area plenty of time dry before placing the items back in their positions.
Replacing the pipe
Although a leak can be repaired to allow your facilities to continue functioning properly, multiple leaks can be a big indicator that your pipes are in need of replacing. Talmich Plumbing and Heating explains that even after a leak is repaired, the continuation of usage and pressure may cause the leak to return and cause even more damage to the pipe and its surrounding area. Although some leaks can be repaired with the techniques mentioned above, sometimes replacing the entire pipe is the best option. Unfortunately, Flo claims that replacing a pipe within a home is not considered an easy or safe do-it-yourself project due to the high level of plumbing experience needed to successfully complete it.
To hire a professional, Home Advisor estimates that you should be prepared to spend between $150 to $350 for an average leak. If the location of the leak is in a hard-to-reach area, like behind a wall, you can expect to pay even more. Despite the price, however, seeking a professional's help ensures that your leaking pipe will be properly fixed, preventing further, more expensive issues in the future.