Plumbing Leak Repair Tips For The DIY Enthusiasts

No matter how consistent you are with plumbing maintenance, you’ll still end up discovering leaks in your home. It could come from your water heater, your water or drainpipes, your fixtures and even from appliances such as your washing machine or garbage disposal. Leaks are just simply inevitable. They may result from hot weather conditions that make pipes weak or sometimes, parts of your plumbing like gaskets and o-rings may just wear out. And the big deal about this is that the leak must be stopped immediately. Otherwise, you’ll just waste water and pay a high utility bill in the end. Fortunately, we are here today to share with you awesome plumbing leak repair tips that will help you get through minor problems at home. Here’s a list of methods that you can try:

I. The Clamp Method

For small leaks involving pipes, you can get a clamp from a plumbing supply shop and use it to temporarily fix the problem. Simply apply a compound around the affected crack and then install a clamp. Tighten the clamp with screws and it’s good to go.

II. The Hose Method

The hose method is different in terms of the material that will be used. Instead of a clamp, you’ll have to get a hose pipe. Slit a portion of it and then use it to cover the leaking part of the pipe. After covering the crack or hole, hold the underside of the hose with a clamp. Once again, screw the clamp to secure both ends. You may also use a plumbing leak repair tape to make the connection more secure.

III. Fixing Leaking Connections

If you discover a leak coming from fittings or joint connections, you’ll have to follow a different method of repair. First of all, shut of the valve where the affected pipe is connected to. Make sure that the fitting is dry before proceeding. Afterward, get your wrench and tighten the part (such as the bolt) that holds the two ends of the pipe together. Make sure that you won’t over tighten it to avoid a lose tread. Once done, apply epoxy paste according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

IV. Fixing Pipe Cracks

For fixing small pipe cracks, let us give you a more detailed set of instructions. Now if you can’t find the source of the leak, you should just call for a professional that provides water leak detection services. They know how to make the job easier!

1. Locate the area where the leak is coming from. After you’ve spotted the crack, turn the water supply valve off to prevent water from flowing into the affected pipe. If there’s no independent valve hooked to the pipe, you must turn off the main water valve.

2. Then, get a clean cloth or rag and wipe the affected pipe. It must be dry and clean before you work on it. That way, it will be free from mold, debris and other sediments that may negatively affect the repair.

3. Now get a sand paper and sand the spot where the leak is coming from. That should thoroughly clean the cracked part. Once you’re done sanding, brush the area to remove dust and sediments.

4. Get your plumbing repair tape and wrap it around the crack. Make sure that you’ll extend the tape a few inches from both sides of the crack to guarantee that it’s going to be leak-free.

5. Afterward, apply some epoxy paste on the area. Again, the surface must be dry when you apply the epoxy. Otherwise, it won’t work. Flatten the epoxy and let it stand for another 20 to 25 minutes.

6. Turn the water supply valve on and observe if the leak has stopped.

We hope that you learned a lot from our blog today. If you ever encounter or suspect leak problems at home, just call the most reliable emergency plumber in Somerville. Plumbers 911 Boston has a network of plumbing professionals that provide exceptional leak detection in Somerville. Call us at (877) 754-1048 to schedule a service!

Meanwhile, watch this video to learn more about our exceptional plumbing services in Boston!