Imagine reaching for something under the sink, only to notice there is a puddle of water sitting there. You realize that a leaky pipe is probably the cause and you will want to locate and temporarily fix the leak as soon as possible.
It is important to be prepared should you encounter a minor drip or leak from any pipe in your home. By having some necessary materials on hand, you can help avoid a major disaster such as bursting pipes or flooding that could occur.
To help keep your plumbing costs to a minimum, you may want to consider some of these DIY remedies that can help fix a leaky pipe temporarily, until you can call in for professional plumbing service in Camden County to make the necessary repairs.
1. Plumbing Epoxy
This putty-like compound, similar to molding clay, adheres to pipes to stop them from leaking. Before repairing the leak, make sure you turn off the water supply. Using only a small amount, apply and mold the plumbing epoxy to ensure it covers the crack. Once it hardens, you can turn the water back on and make sure it is not leaking.
2. Pipe Clamps
Metal pipe clamps are used to tighten around the leaking part of the pipe. First, shut off the water supply and dry the area as best as possible. You will also need to wrap the leaky area with a water-resistant material, such as rubber, and secure it with electrical tape so it does not move. Then tighten the clamp over it, to create enough pressure to stop the leaking. Check for leaks after turning the water on.
3. Repair Sleeves
These are ideal for joint or pinhole repairs, as they cover a more extended stretch of pipe. They are similar to clamps because they apply pressure to a larger area. Repair sleeves work well for smaller cracks or hairline splits but, if not taken care of by a professional, the problem can get worse.
4. Pipe Tape
If you are in a bind, you can use duct tape as a quick fix, but it is not fully waterproof. As always, make sure you turn the water supply off and wrap the pipe tape as tightly as possible around the affected area several times to create a tight seal. Homeowners like pipe tape because it is resistant to extreme temperatures, anti-corrosive, and much more waterproof than duct tape.
All of the above ideas are quick fixes that can hold you over temporarily, but should not take place of a professional plumbing repair in Burlington County. Call Hutchinson Plumbing Heating Cooling today at 866-953-8728 and avoid the risk of costly plumbing emergencies in the future!