6 Tips for Fixing Leaky Pipes

It’s never fun to deal with leaky pipes. It can be tempting to stick a bucket under them and forget about them, but that doesn’t work for long. You will have to fix them, sooner rather than later. If you don’t, that small leak will become a major problem in a short amount of time. So how do you go about fixing leaky pipes? Here are six tips to help you out:

    1. 1. When in doubt, just call in a plumber. Professionals see all kinds of problems that you would never even dream of. Don’t feel bad about needing to call in someone because your plumbing system is doing something strange. Leaky pipes are sometimes just the beginning to a larger problem, so you may want to call a plumber anyway.
    1. 2. Leaks that are right at pipe joints can often be fixed by tightening the joint. However, if this doesn’t work, then it is time to call a professional because the joint may need to be replaced.
    1. 3. If the leak is in the middle of a pipe, then the process is much more complex. You actually have to remove part of the pipe and replace it. In some cases you might be able to use a pipe patch to solve the problem, although this will not work in every situation.
    1. 4. Another possibility might be using some waterproof tape to stop the leak. This is definitely not a permanent fix, but it could buy you some time until a plumber does arrive. Keep in mind that this will probably not work with very large leaks though. If you do decide to use tape, you should keep it about three inches away from the leak on both sides of it. Turn off the water and dry the pipe thoroughly before you apply the waterproof tape because it will only adhere to a dry pipe.
    1. 5. Remember that fixing a pipe in one place might create a leak in another part of the system. If you do attempt a repair on your own, keep an eye out for other leaks because this can indicate a serious problem with your plumbing system that must be repaired as quickly as possible.
    1. 6. If you do find corrosion when you attempt to fix a leak, you probably won’t be able to fix it yourself because the entire section might need to be replaced.
  1. 7. If you find water dripping, it does not necessarily mean that you have a leak in your plumbing system. Sometimes under certain conditions, pipes will sweat, and that’s an entirely different problem. In most cases insulating the sweating pipes can solve the problem.

There are numerous problems that can cause a leaky pipe, so it is important to investigate all possibilities before you start working on any leak. Remember that the entire system is all connected, so anything you do to one section has the potential to cause problems in another section.

Don’t forget that it is always best to call a plumber rather than to attempt to do this job on your own. Call Scott English Plumbing to get help with all of your leaky pipes. With more than 19 years of experience in the plumbing industry, they’ve got you covered. In addition to basic plumbing service, they also offer:

Call Scott English Plumbing to schedule an appointment to get those leaky pipes fixed before any serious damage is done.

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