Drip, drip, drip. It finally happened. Your pipes have burst.
Your floors are all wet. There is water coming through the walls. Buckets used to capture the leakage are overflowing. The question is: how do you fix the problem? Well, we’re here to help!
Leaky pipes can turn out to be a huge problem for your home and your pockets, if not dealt with in a timely manner. Frozen pipes and small leaks shouldn’t be underestimated either.
Read more for professional DIY plumbing tips on how to fix a leaky pipe.
Supplies For Fixing a Leaky Pipe
Why do pipes start to leak anyway? High water pressure, very old pipes, extreme temperature changes, and clogs are some to name a few.
So, what do you do if your pipes are leaking? First gather the following supplies before attempting to remedy the problem.
Disclaimer: As always, your safety is our concern, so please practice proper precautions and avoid getting into contact with water. If at any time you feel like you are putting yourself or others at risk, please contact CJ Plumbing & Heating for professional help.
1. Rags
Rags are a short-term solution for capturing and preventing further leakage as well as cleaning up the surrounding area. If you don’t already have these lying around the house, you can make due with towels or old, unused clothing.
2. Sandpaper or Wire Brush
The sandpaper or wire brush is used to smooth out any corrosion first or grime that is stuck on the pipe.
3. Epoxy Putty
This will be used as an adhesive to seal any holes that may be discovered. Be sure to always wear gloves when handling epoxy putty.
4. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol will clean any excess dirt or grime left on the pipes, so you can clearly see where the leak is located.
5. Fiberglass Tape
Fiberglass tape provides twice the amount of protection for your pipes. It also helps seal the epoxy putty to prevent further leakage.
Steps to Fixing a Leaky Pipe
Now that you have all of the recommended DIY plumbing supplies, it’s time to address the elephant in the room.
- The moment you discover the leak, turn off the water supply immediately. In some homes, the main water supply can be in the basement or some sort of utility closet. You also need to turn on fixtures nearby to drain the pipe line of any water that may still be present.
- Next, make sure the pipe and area surrounding it is dry. Slightly rub the leaking area with sandpaper or a wire brush. Then wipe the sanded area with rubbing alcohol to remove any excess dirt or grime.
- This is where the epoxy putty comes in. Take off a small piece (about one inch) and knead the putty until it is a light gray color. Once the putty is fully blended, you can apply it over and around the leaking area of the pipe. Ensure the thickness of the putty is about half an inch. Smooth down the edges to create a seal. While the putty is still soft, wipe away the excess.
- Before you turn the water supply back on, you must let the putty cure for at least 5-10 minutes. You can protect the epoxy putty by adding the fiberglass tape on top.
Stop Leakage In Its Tracks with CJ Plumbing & Heating
Leaks are a hassle. Having your home together in one piece shouldn’t be.
At CJ Plumbing & Heating, we pride ourselves for being a family-owned and operated plumbing company with over 30 years of experience throughout Chicagoland – Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Evanston, Grayslake, Northbrook, Skokie, Winnetka, and much more.
We are also COVID-19 compliant, meaning that our staff wears face masks, practices social distancing, performs daily temperature checks, and sanitizes equipment before and after every job. Get a free quote today!
