The drip, even water wasteful, will eventually destroy your home in full force in the form of structural damage, mold, and huge water bills. Repairing a leaky pipe at the earliest moment is necessary to prevent such an occurrence.
Why Pipe Leaks?
1. Corrosion
The pipes become corroded with time due to the constant flow of water and minerals and become weak to begin leaking.
2. High Water Pressure
Excessive pressure will burst or crack pipes. Check your water pressure periodically to keep plumbing in check from excess stress.
3. Temperature Fluctuations
Temperature fluctuations will make pipes contract and expand, resulting in leaks and cracks.
4. Age of the Pipes
Elderly pipes tend to leak with ease. Check old pipes occasionally to identify them early and curb them.
What are the Consequences of Forgetting a Leaky Pipe?
A forgotten leaky pipe will cause maximum damage. Some of the things that can go awry in case the leak is not addressed are as follows:
1. Water Damage
Leaky pipes will ruin walls, floors, and ceilings and need expensive repairs with possible mold growth.
2. Mold Growth
Too much water from a leaky pipe provides mold and mildew with an ideal place to develop, and that is not good for you.
3. Increased Water Bills
A constant drip will cause your water usage and your bill to rise.
4. Building Damage
A neglected leak can slowly consume the building structure of your home, causing foundation damage or rotting wood.
What are the DIY Steps to Repair a Leaky Pipe?
If you are in search of a quick solution, there are some DIY fixes which can stop the leak in its track.
Can Pipe Repair Tape Stop the Leak?
Pipe repair tape is an inexpensive and highly efficient solution for minor leaks. Do this to do so:
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Ensure that no water is passing through the pipe in case of additional damage.
Step 2: Dry the Area
Dry all the dust or water on the side of the leaking pipe to give the tape a hard surface for it to adhere to.
Step 3: Seal with the Tape
Overlapping the pipe repair tape over the leaking area in an effort to seal it.
Step 4: Hold the Tape in Place
Ensure the tape is taped down securely and will not create crevices in the wrapping.
Is Plumber’s Tape Effective on a Leaking Pipe?
Plumber’s tape is another go-to repair to thread pipe leaks. Just do the following:
Step 1: Shut Off the Water
Turn off the water supply in the event of water damage.
Step 2: Dry the Pipe
Make sure the area around the leak dries out for proper adhesion of the tape.
Step 3: Wrap the Plumber’s Tape
Wrap plumber tape over the pipe threads, overlapping it to get a seal.
Step 4: Install the Fitting
Install the pipe fitting securely but not over-tightened.
Step 5: Restore Water Supply
Restore water supply and check for leaks.
How About Using Self-Fusing Silicone Tape on Leaky Pipes?
Self-fusing silicone tape can be used on various situations, particularly on threadless leaks. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Turn Water Supply Off
Shut off water supply to avoid any further leak.
Step 2: Dry and Clean Pipe Surface
Dry and clean pipe surface in order for tape to stick.
Step 3: Wrap the Silicone Tape
Wrap tape over leak area, tighten, and overlap coils.
Step 4: Turn the Water Back On
Inspect for leaks when turning water back on.
Can You Always Fix Leaks Yourself
While you can repair small leaks yourself, it is best to know when to leave it to a professional plumber:
1. Extensive Damage
If the damage is extensive, it is best to have a professional plumber repair it.
2. Leaks in the Main Water Line
Leaks in the main water line need to be dealt with professionally because they can harm you and are complex.
3. Do-It-Yourself Mishaps
If your home remedy didn’t stop the leak, it’s time to call in a professional.
What Is the Best Thing to Do?
When repairing a leaking pipe correctly, do the following:
1. Shut Off the Water Supply
Turn off the water supply to avoid further water damage.
2. Dry and Sanitize the Spot
Dry the area where the leakage has occurred and remove all excess moisture.
3. Choose a Repair Procedure
Choose a repair process depending on the leak severity, i.e., pipe repair tape, epoxy putty, pipe clamps, or pipe replacement.
4. Apply the Chosen Solution
Execute the steps of the chosen process, i.e., taping, modeling putty, or clamping.
5. Inspect the Repair
Once repaired, gradually turn on the water and inspect for leaks.
How to get Long Lasting Pipeline Connections?
In order to maintain your pipeline system stable and long-lasting, you need to use the proper connectors. Conflex is one of the premier providers of pipeline connections with stable and long-lasting products. Conflex provides over 500 types of products suitable for different quantities of pipes with easy maintenance, reasonable prices, and enhanced performance.
Why Select Conflex?
1. Immense Product Inventory
With over one connector type, Conflex reduces cost of inventory as well as being compatible with multiple pipe types.
2. Cost-Effective Solutions
Conflex solutions are reusable, thus reducing maintenance as well as total cost.
3. Quality Control
Conflex connectors are WRAS approved and hence safe for use in drinking water applications.
4. International Acceptance
With SGS and BV testing approval from the worlds’ testing leagues.
What’s Next?
A burst pipe is one that you cannot delay until later. Tackling it promptly saves your purse and property the expensive damage. In many things, much can be accomplished by do-it-yourself repairs in minor issues, but it is when there is constant leak or extensive damage that there needs to be a professional plumber.
