Repairing Pipe Leaks On Your Own
Leaking pipes, no matter how big or small it is
can create extreme changes on your water bills, negative
changes to be specific. However, fixing minor leaks is actually easy
and is something that you can manage to do without calling a
plumber. Here are some ways on how you can repair pipe leaks by
yourself.
Fixing Leaks Through Tape
This is considered to be the easiest and cheapest way that anyone
can do to fix small pipe leaks. All the
material you would need is an electrical or duct tape. The basic
principle here is that you should cover the leak using the tape. To
effectively stop the leak, you should start wrapping the tape before
the leak itself on your water pipe. Wrap in a diagonal manner around
the pipe until you have covered the entire leaking area and a small
portion extending before and after it.
Fixing Leaks By Epoxy
This method is best used if your leaking problem is situated at pipe
fittings and joints. You can get
epoxy from your local hardware store. First off, you should cut off
the water supply. Then you need to
drain all the water from the pipes. Water purging can be done by
letting the faucet run, until no more water comes out.
After purging the water, dry out the pipes and clean it using steel
wool. Make sure that the pipes are dry and clean, since applying
epoxy on a wet pipe can give unpleasant results. If you are sure,
then apply the epoxy and let it dry. Refer to the epoxy’s packaging
on how long you should let it stand to dry up. Avoid using the pipe
line if the epoxy is still wet.
Fix Leaks Through A Pipe Clamp
You can use pipe clamp to fix your leaks. However, you should buy a
clamp that has the right size to fit your leaking pipe. Once you
have purchased a clamp, clean out your pipe. Be careful in cleaning
it, and make sure that you do this well. Wrap your pipe in a rubber
pad which should be placed over the area where the leak is.
When you have the pad in place, put the pipe clamp over it and screw
the clamp securely. If you have
somewhat moderate leaks, you can also use this method to stop them.
Fixing Leaks Through Hose Clamps
Using a host clamp is kind of similar to using a pipe clamp.
However, this is to be only used on smaller
leaks. You can start by wrapping the pipe with a rubber pad. Once
the pad is placed over the leaking
area, put one or two hose clamps over it and tighten the pad by
securely screwing it.
Fixing Leaks Through C-Clamps and Blocks
If your pipe is of a small size, then you can make use of a small
sized c-clamp to patch it. Start by placing a rubber pad directly on
top of the leak. After that, put a small wooden strip or block on
top of it. Get the c-clamp and place it over the fixture to hold
everything on place. You use the blocks as protection for the pipe
from the pressure given by the c-clamp.
Fixing Leaks Using Tin Can Clamps
Here, what you would need is a tin can. Start off by cutting the
ends off the can and cutting it up one
side. Get the half of the can and bend its ends so that they are
flat and could meet. This is like a
homemade pipe clamp.
Get a rubber pad and place it over your leak. Above the rubber pad,
place your homemade clamp. A c-clamp and wooden blocks can also be
used to tighten the fixture.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
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