When a pipe leaks, most people call a plumber. You don't have to wait for a professional plumber to fix your pipe leak. You might be able to fix it yourself if it's a little leak with a simple patch. You might be able to at least temporarily stop it until it can be completely repaired.
Below are the quick guide to fix a leaking pipe provided that might help you to deal with this huge pain;
TURN OFF THE WATER SUPPLY
Always turn off the water supply before attempting to repair leaking pipework in your home. This can be done at the water valve nearest to the leak on the pipe or at the stopcock, which is most likely under your kitchen sink. The water supply may usually be turned off by hand, but a water valve may require the use of a flat-head screwdriver or key.
TURN OFF ALL FAUCETS
The next piece of advice we have is to properly remove all of the water from the leaking pipe so that you are not flooded again. Turn on the faucets that are fed by the pipe. You'll know it's all gone when the water stops flowing from the taps and the pipe. Then, to protect your floor, we recommend drying the pipe with a cloth and covering it.
FINDING THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK
Leaks can be fixed in a variety of ways. Examine the pipe to see if you can figure out why it's leaking. We've included a few pointers on how to stop a leaking pipe with relatively simple fixes.
Let´s differentiate into 2 parts of how come the pipe might leak;
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LOOSE JOINT
If the problem is due to a loose pipe joint, all you have to do is tighten it up. Some pipes joints can be tightened by hand, but it's always good to have a spanner on hand.
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CRACK OR SPLIT PIPE
Corrosion is most likely the cause of the pipe's cracking or splitting. Pipes, on the other hand, can break if they are accidently struck when doing DIY.
Whether the pipe can be repaired or needs to be replaced depends on the severity of the damage. One of the methods listed below might be able to provide a temporary stop-gap fix.
WHAT TO DO IF A PIPE IS LEAKING?
How to repair leaky pipe, you can choose the options below;
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USING TAPE
Get some waterproof duct tape if you need a quick, temporary fix for a leaking pipe in an emergency. Apply the tape after making certain the pipe is completely dry. Wrap it around the pipe again and again until it is completely sealed.
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EPOXY GLUE
You might also use epoxy paste and rubber to cover the crack. Wait for it to set, and the leak should be temporarily stopped.
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SELF-TAPPING PLUGS
Pipe patch kits and self-tapping plugs are available at most home improvement and hardware stores. These are plugs that you may push into your pipe's hole and they will expand to fit.
HOW TO REPAIR A JOINT LEAK IN A COPPER PIPE
Leaks are common with threaded pipes and copper fittings. To prevent future problems or to patch a present leak, we recommend using Teflon/ silicone tape, often known as plumber's tape, or a water leak spray sealant.
Teflon/ silicone tape can be used correctly or incorrectly. It must be wrapped around the pipe in the opposite direction from whence the pipe enters the fitting. To use plumber's tape correctly, follow the steps below;
- Use a clean rag to wipe down the pipe
- Wrap the pipe leak tape around the second thread from the pipe's end and secure it in place
- Wrap the tape around the pipe in the opposite direction from where it enters the fitting
- Make sure the pipe leak tape is tightly wrapped and overlapped as you go
- Wrap it 4-6 times
- Remove the tape and smooth it over the pipe
- Let the water run for an hour or two before turning it back on
The concern with all of these approaches is that a pipe that is defective enough to leak in one spot frequently leaks in other areas as well. It's possible that you'll patch one area just to have the pipe burst somewhere else. If the leak is caused by corrosion, the entire piece of pipe will most likely need to be replaced. If you still get trouble in fixing the pipes leak, stare at how to fix water supply pipe problems that may help you or call a professionnal plumber soon.