How to Patch a Leaky Pipe While You Wait for the Plumber?

It’s inevitable that at some time in the life of your home, you’ll discover that you have a leaky pipe or drain. This can be a real nuisance, especially if the leak has gone undetected for a period of time. Water accumulating under a sink can rot the floor beneath and cause mold to begin to grow. Try not to let a leak stress you out, because if you have a few simple tools on hand, you can make a temporary repair. 

Here are some options you can use to temporarily fix your leak. Which one to use will be determined by whether the leak is in a drain or a supply pipe. Start by turning off the water supply to the pipe in question. 

• A drainpipe may have a crack or a break in it, but it may also be a loose coupling that’s causing the trouble. Coupling nuts connect the drainpipes and the U-shaped pipe(P-Trap) under the sink. If this is the source of the leak, you can tighten the couplings with a wrench. If you have one, a pipe wrench would be the best tool to use. 
• If the area where the pipes are joined continue to leak after you’ve tightened the coupling nuts, the watertight seals in the pipe threads may be worn. Plumber’s tape can stop the leak until you can replace the seals. To make this repair, loosen the two couplings on the P-Trap, wrap the tape around the threads of the couplings and reconnect.   

• For a supply line, you can use self-fusing tape. This is a silicone tape that creates a waterproof layer when stretched. You simply wrap the tap around the pipe, stretching it as you make tight overlapping seams.  
• Pipe putty is similar to modeling clay in consistency, and when wrapped tightly around a leak, will harden and seal the hole or crack. 
• For a larger leak, you may want to use repair clamps with a rubber patch. Here you would place the patch over the leak, making sure it evenly overlaps the leak. Then tighten the clamps to complete the seal.

Knowing how to fix a leaky pipe saves time and money, but remember that repair tape, pipe putty and clamps are temporary solutions. Once pipe leaks are sealed, your next step is just as important. Make plans for a permanent repair even if it’s a small leak. 

Whatever your plumbing service needs are, you can trust All Star Service and Repair to get the job done right and right on time. With over 60 years of experience, our highly trained, licensed, and insured technicians will diagnose your problem, explain every facet of the repair, and will follow through, backed by our 100% service guarantee and a ten year warranty. For more information visit our website or contact us at 801-792-2428.