How to fix leaky pipes and joints?
Leaking pipes in your plumbing system varies and this means that each type of plumbing leak has different solutions as well. Some can cause flooding in your homes, while other types cause minor damage only. Your approach on how to fix them depends on the type of leak. Here are some tips on how to avoid pipes from leaking in the future.
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1. Use of patch kits
You always see leaks in the plumbing joint and the best solution to fix it is to tighten that joint. If the leak is coming from a joint, you can either tighten the joint or put an adhesive patch around the joint to prevent it from future leaks. If the leak is coming from a pipe, a replacement will be the solution. You don’t need to call a plumber all the time. For a do-it-yourself fix, you can consider using the pipe patch.
You can purchase patch kits for plumbing leaks at hardware stores, or you can create your own by using a piece of heavy rubber from an old inner tube and pairing it with a C-clamp. If you have an old hose clamp in the house you can also use this together with a rubber patch. Factory-made kits with rubber pads are available as well. You should position these rubber pads over the hole on the metal pipes and then use plates to secure the rubber in place by compressing it. You can use patch kits as a permanent solution for leaks as long as the pipe is in good condition.
2. Use of waterproof tape
Another useful method of repairing leaks in pipes and joints is the use of waterproof tape. This tape can be wrapped around the area where there is a leak. Applying a special stick compound is done in the area where the hole is found. Waterproof tapes are also in the form of an epoxy paste or a self-tapping plug.
Make sure that when using waterproof tape, the pipes should be dried off completely. Start by putting the tape about 2-3 inches away from the hole, extending it about the same distance to make sure that the leak should not occur anymore.
Compound sticks are used for small leaks by rubbing the stick over the hole. Even if you don’t turn off the water supply, leaks will not happen as long as the holes are fixed by the compound stick.
When using an epoxy paste, however, always turn the water off and keep the pipes very dry so that the adhesive effect of the epoxy paste will be effective.
3. Tighten the fitting
Compression joints can be commonly found on shutoff valves, although you can also find it in other fittings as well. Tightening it using two wrenches with the pipe or tube that goes straight to the fitting. If there are misalignments, leaks will definitely occur.
4. Use flexible supply tubes
Avoid using copper or chrome supply lines, and use braided, flexible supply lines instead. Flexible supply lines use rubber gaskets to seal the connections, and usually just need hand-tightening plus half a turn with a wrench.
Contact The Pipe Doctor
Having problems with leaking pipes? If you’re looking for a sewer and drain company in Seattle, WA consider calling our team of professional plumbers at The Pipe Doctor. We have the equipment, skill set, and experience necessary to resolve all pipe related issues.
We offer the following services:
- Sewer repair service
- Sewer replacement service
- Sewer cleaning service
- Sewer inspection service
- Drain cleaning service
- Hydro jetting service
- Water heater service
- Sump pump installation
The Pipe Doctor
Full-Service Sewer & Drain Company
12345 Lake City Way NE Ste 311, Seattle, WA 98125
Phone: (206) 676-2192
Email: thepipedr@gmail.com
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