How to Fix a Leaky Pipe in Your House
A leaky pipe in your home can be a serious annoyance, and if it’s not fixed quickly, it can become a much larger problem for your home as a whole. Not only can your water pressure be affected, but a leak that isn’t handled fast could cause water damage and mold. Whether you have a leaky pipe under your sink or in your basement, there are many ways to fix it quickly.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most effective ways you can fix your leaky pipes. From big leaks to small ones, follow this guide and say goodbye to constant drips and weak water flow.
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DIY Solutions
When you find a leaking pipe, your first instinct may be to call a professional plumber to handle repairs. For most small leaks, however, various DIY solutions can save you time and money. So before you start looking for plumbers in your area, take a trip to your local hardware store and look for any of the leaky pipe fixes listed below.
Epoxy Putty
Epoxy putty can be an effective temporary solution for a leaky pipe. It starts as soft and malleable, but once it’s placed, it solidifies to create a tight seal around any holes or cracks. Epoxy putty can be an excellent option for individuals who don’t have time to employ a more permanent fix or if the leak is particularly small in size.
Patch and Clamp
Repair clamps and a neoprene rubber patch effectively stop leaks due to large pipe ruptures. This solution is a little more involved than the others in this article, but it’s essential if you have a large crack and can’t replace the pipe immediately. Just file down any sharp edges by the hole with a metal file, apply the patch and repair clamp over the damaged section, and tighten the clamps to seal the leak.
Plumber’s Tape
If your leak is coming from the area where two pipes join, plumber’s tape can be a helpful emergency solution. Leaks like this usually occur when the watertight seals in the pipe threads become worn, and plumber’s tape can step in to act as a temporary sealant. Remove the section of pipe in question, wrap plumber’s tape around its threads, reconnect it and check if the seal holds.
Silicone Tape
If you have a leak on a low-pressure line, self-fusing silicone tape can be an effective quick fix. This tape creates a seamless waterproof seal when stretched over a pipe, stopping leaks and maintaining pressure in your pipes. Just wrap it around the pipe, stretching it as you make tight overlapping passes to cover the leaking portion of the pipe.
Leaking pipes may seem intimidating, but with a little ingenuity and hard work, you can easily fix them yourself. It’s important to note that some of these are temporary solutions, and the help of a professional plumber may be necessary if your leaks become severe. But with these DIY fixes, you can find independence in caring for your own home.
Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey. She writes for Al Coronado Plumbing, a plumber in Tucson, AZ.
