Fixing a Water Leak
Posted by Bird Dog Plumbing LLC on Mar 30, 2021 in Leak Repair Service Longview TX | 0 comments A leaky pipe can be a hassle, but fixing it doesn’t have to be. There are quick fixes and permanent ways to repair a water leak. We’re going to discuss the temporary forms of fixing a leak. You should call a professional plumber like Bird Dog Plumbing after using a temporary fix. We can make sure a leak doesn’t occur in your pipes again anytime soon. Here are a few tips for temporarily fixing a water leak in your plumbing system. The Tools and Materials Here is a shortlist of tools and materials you will need for the job: Scissors All-trades slip joint pliers Nut drivers Screwdriver sets Files Tape measures Pipe putty and sealant Repair clamps Repair Methods Epoxy Putty You should use epoxy putty as a temporary seal by placing it over the location of the leak. Here are the steps for that process: Turn off the water supply that runs upstream of the leaking pipes. Drain the water from the damaged pipes and make sure the area of the leak is clean and dry. Tear enough putty so you can cover the damaged area effectively. Knead the putty into a pliable state so you can apply it. Apply and cure the putty according to the product instructions. Once it is cured, turn the water supply back on to check for any remaining leaks. Pipe Repair Kit with Tape Some pipe repair kits come with special tape for emergency leak repair. Here is how to use that a pipe repair kit: Shut off the water supply to the leaking pipes and fittings. Activate the fiberglass tape per the manufacturer’s instructions and wrap it around the leaking area. The ease of application and flexibility of the tape makes it easy to use for leaking fittings. Another kind of tape, self-fusing silicone, can be used for low-pressure lines. Wrap it around the pipe and stretch it as you make tight overlapping passes to cover the broken area. Patch and Clamp We recommend repair clamps for large splits or ruptures in pipes. Here is how to use repair clamps to fix your leaking pipes: Turn off the water like the other two repair methods and clean the area that needs repairs. Use a file to smooth out any parts that could break through the neoprene rubber patch. Apply the patch and clamp, so it evenly overlaps the broken section of...read more